The Queen's Back

Chapter 148

Mona looked at Maxwell and said, "Honey, are you done here? I'm here to take you home."

Maxwell Carter did not hold back at all. He grabbed Mona Clem's hand and said in a much gentler tone, "It should be over now. Honey, let's go home!"

He glanced over at Nico, as if asking if there was anything else. Nico shook his head quickly. "Nope, all done, no more."

The relief on Nico's face was obvious-he'd been counting down the minutes for Maxwell to leave. Just sitting in that room. with him had been tense.

Seeing Maxwell take Mona's hand, Nico suddenly realized just how much he'd misjudged the situation. He had spent a fortune trying to find a woman for Maxwell, but looking at the couple now, he felt absurdly foolish. Was Maxwell really... henpecked? he thought. The more he looked at the couple, the more he noticed how well they seemed to fit together.

People might say the Carter and Clem families only had a mutually beneficial arrangement, but this... felt like something else..

"Alright then, Nico, we'll be off," Maxwell said, leading Mona toward the door.

Just before leaving, Mona turned back and shot Nico a look. "By the way, I heard someone thought it would be a good idea to set my husband up with a woman. Wonder who's brave enough to pull that? Guess he's not too worried about his family's well-being, huh?" Nico chuckled nervously, desperately wanting the floor to open up and swallow him whole. 'Mr. Carter actually told her about that? Wow, he really is totally under her thumb.

As soon as they were out of the room, Mona turned to Maxwell with a raised eyebrow. "So, you did all this on purpose, huh?"

t was becoming clear that Maxwell had invited her here to make a point to the directors-Mona was here to show them that she was always at his side, as if to say he was under her watch.

But the second she heard about someone trying to throw a woman at him, she had practically flown over.

"On purpose?" Maxwell just grinned and asked back.

"You definitely set this up," Mona said, giving him a knowing look. "Calling me over like this, just to let everyone know I've got you on a tight leash. Now they'll all think twice before trying to set you up with someone."

Maxwell chuckled, leaning over to kiss her cheek. "Exactly, Mrs. Carter. I knew you would catch on. Isn't it nice? Now nobody's pestering your husband."

Sure, it was a win, but Mona sighed. Now she would be seen as the controlling wife.

"It's great, but they'll gossip about me behind my back, saying stuff like, 'Mrs. Carter runs a tight ship." She rolled her eyes, whispering, "Great reputation." Maxwell laughed. "That's fine by me. I'll play the henpecked husband to make it official. We'll give them something to talk

about

"Henpecked? You make it sound like I'm some kind of tyrant when I don't care much about you," Mona muttered under her breath.

"It's all yours," he replied, grinning as he opened the car door and helped her in. "You're in charge; I'm happy to follow your lead." 16:13 Thu, Oct 31 B

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Mona groaned and settled into the car. Then, Maxwell climbed in beer, lowered the partition without a word, and

Nigel, receiving his order, immediately headed for the villa.

As soon as they had a little privacy, Maxwell leaned in close, gently pressing her back into the corner of the seat. He brushed his lips along Mona's neck, breathing in her familiar scent. After a few days, he had missed her, every part of her, and didn't bother hiding it.

Pressed against the seat, Mona felt her pulse quicken. 'Seriously, with Nigel just up front? He's getting way too bold, she thought, pressing a hand to his chest. In a whisper, she said, "You can't kiss me here. Behave." Outside, the faint lights cast a soft glow over her face, her delicate features only half-visible through her loose hair. Her lips, full and softly parted, seemed to invite him closer, and Maxwell felt his restraint fading. "Just a quick kiss."

Without waiting for a reply, Maxwell leaned in and brushed his lips against hers, soft and warm, with just a hint of that lingering scent of alcohol.

But as he tried to deepen the kiss, Mona quickly nudged him back, whispering, "Save it for when we're home."

She cast a wary glance toward the front. Even with the partition up, the

embarrassing.

idea of Nigel overhearing them was just

But Maxwell only stared back at Mona, leaning closer to whisper, "I got you a new set of pajamas a few days ago. Wear them for me tonight?"

His voice was playful and low, but Mona shook her head. "Absolutely not," she muttered, knowing exactly where that suggestion would lead.

Maxwell wasn't deterred. He caught her wrist, his hand firm but gentle as he leaned in. Even through the layers of their coats, he could feel her warmth, and it only drew him in closer. "Not going to wear it? Alright, then," he murmured, his face close to hers, "let's just pick up where we left off."

With his lips inches from hers again, Mona finally gave in, her cheeks flushed. "Fine, fine. I'll wear it! Just-sit properly now." Her face turned as red as it could get.

It was inevitable she'd be caught up with Maxwell once they got home-unlike now, with someone sitting right up front.

Hearing the answer he wanted, Maxwell settled back with a satisfied smile, keeping his arm around Mona but staying still.

Meanwhile, Nigel, fully aware of the boss's urgency, kept his focus sharp on the road, smoothly picking up speed, nearly running two red lights in the process.

After getting Mona and Maxwell home safely, Nigel watched them as Mona walked ahead and Maxwell followed closely behind. Their shadows merged together, creating a surprisingly intimate scene.

Once inside, there was barely a moment for Mona to change her shoes before Maxwell swept her up and headed straight for the bedroom.

"Maxwell, hold up! We didn't even change our shoes," she called out.

"No time for that. Someone's mopping the floor tomorrow anyway," he shot back, clearly

t concerned.

As soon as they reached the bedroom, Maxwell gently set her down on the big bed, and Mona realized he had somehow taken off her heavy coat without her noticing.

Her long hair fanned out across the crisp white sheets, making her look even more delicate.

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"Mona, want me to help you change?" Maxwell asked, pulling out a set of pajamas that looked alarmingly minimal.

Mona took one look and felt a flutter of dread. "Do I really have to wear that?" she asked, hoping for a miracle.

"Come on, Mrs. Carter, you're not gonna back out on me now, are you?" Maxwell teased, leaning in to unbutton her shirt with a playful smirk.