The Queen's Back

Chapter 77

Albert faced his opponent, who was taller than him. While he didn't have the height advantage, he was young and strong and often fought. Maxwell, on the other hand, was the type to sit in office all day, so Albert figured Maxwell's stamina couldn't match his own The more Albert thought about it, the more confident he felt about winning

Maxwell, however, didn't dwell on it too much. He just wanted to wrap this up quickly and go back to find Mona. They both had to work every day, and their time together was limited to the evenings. He was already annoyed that this precious time was being wasted by Albert..

With a disdainful glance at Allsert, Maxwell beckoned him to start.

Seeing Maxwell's actions, Albert felt insulted. Without much thought, he rushed straight at Maxwell, fists clenched, ready to punch him in the face.

The momentum would give him more power, and before he reached Maxwell, he swung his arm, aiming to strike his face. Maxwell shifted slightly to dodge the blow and immediately kicked Albert in the chest, sending him sprawling to the ground. He looked down at him, saying, "With skills like that, you think you can take me on? Come at me again"

After stepping back, Maxwell waved his hand, inviting Albert to try again.

Albert wouldn't take such provocation lying down. He quickly got back on his feet, crossed his arms, and flexed his wrists. His eyes sparkled with determination as he charged at Maxwell again.

The sounds of their fight echoed through the garden. Polly, hearing the commotion, rushed to tell Mona. The moment Mona learned they were fighting outside, she dashed down without even grabbing a jacket.

She knew how skilled Maxwell was. He'd proven that during their last altercation. As she hurried down, her concern was primarily for Albert.

Though Albert often got into minor scuffles at school, he was up against someone who clearly had serious fighting skills.

She feared that Maxwell might get too carried away and hurt Albert badly, possibly sending him to the hospital. If that happened, it would upset her grandparents. After all, Albert was their beloved grandson, spoiled since childhood. They could hardly bear to see him in pain.

As she approached the scene, Mona confirmed her fears. Maxwell stood triumphantly over Albert, who lay on the ground clutching his stomach. Mona could hear Maxwell's icy voice asking. "Do you yield?"

She could hardly believe it was Maxwell's voice. As she drew closer, she noticed his expression was emotionless, radiating an intimidating aura.

This was someone entirely different from the Maxwell she knew At that moment, she realized that he only smiled and softened his voice around her.

Albert wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and replied defiantly, "No! Let's go again!"

Mona interjected quickly, "Why are you two fighting? Just stop already."

Hearing her familiar voice, Maxwell turned to look at her, momentarily distracted, and in that instant, Albert threw a punch at his jaw.

Although Albert's strength was considerable, he hadn't been able to get close to Maxwell until now. That punch made Maxwell feel the sting, and he grabbed Albert by the collar, lifting him off the ground with a fierce glare. He then slammed Albert back down, pinning his foot on his chest, rendering him immobile. "Do you concede? Mona is here, and I don't want

08:11 Thu, Oct 24

Chapter 77

to make you look too bad

For a moment. Mona was torn, unsure whether to feel more sympathy for the injured Maxwell or for Albert, who was being manhandled. She silently observed the two of them.

Albert bit down hard on his lip, the taste of blood still lingering in his mouth. He turned his head away, refusing to look at Maxwell. He didn't want to admit defeat, but if it hadn't been for Mona's arrival distracting Maxwell, he feared he wouldn't have gotten anywhere near Maxwell all night.

Reluctantly, he muttered, "Fine, 1 yield, but can you please get your foot off me?*

Hearing the words he wanted, Maxwell lifted his foot from Albert's chest and walked over to Mona, looking at her with a hint

of hurt in his eyes.

Mona stood in the light, and as Maxwell approached, she noticed the large red bruise at the corner of his mouth, with blood still trickling down. It was clear Albert had landed a solid punch, and her heart ached for him.

Gently brushing her fingers over his uninjured check, she asked, "Does it hurt? You're bleeding. I'll get you some medicine when we go back

"It hurts." Maxwell replied, his voice full of feigned helplessness. A big guy like him shouldn't be complaining about a little bruise, but looking into Mona's concerned eyes, he found himself unable to deny it.

After Polly helped Albert up, he looked at the pair with a mixture of annoyance and frustration. Albert was injured as well, and it stung to see them act so cozy, seemingly unconcerned for his well-being.

Supported by Polly, Albert winced as he walked back inside, silently vowing that one day he would beat Maxwell at video games and in a fight, making him experience the sting of defeat. It was just a couple of years in the military. He could manage it. Once Mona finished tending to Maxwell, she turned to check on Albert but found he was already gone.

Looking back at Maxwell, she saw him wearing a pitiful expression as he leaned on her for support

As they reached the second floor, they suddenly heard Albert's yelp of pain from his room. That made her realize that perhaps Albert had been hurt worse than she thought.

Just then, Maxwell said, "You should go check on him. I'm fine."

After saying that, he reluctantly released her hand and gazed at her with his captivating eyes.

Mona glanced at the red mark on the corner of Maxwell's mouth and thought about how Polly was already in Albert's room. If she went too, it would leave Maxwell all alone. "No need, Polly's with him. I'll just stay here and tend to your wound."

Maxwell couldn't help but smile slightly as he looked at Mona holding his hand, but the pain quickly brought his expression back to normal. He realized he wouldn't be able to make any big moves for the next few days.

He suddenly noted that Albert had quite a bit of strength. He hit harder than expected. Luckily, it was just one punch.

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