The Queen's Back

28

The next morning, Mona was awakened by the sound of her alarm. As she opened her eyes, she noticed that Maxwell was already up, though the spot beside her was still warm, indicating he hadn't been gone long. After shaking off her sleepiness, Mona got up and prepared for the day. As expected, when she went downstairs, she found Maxwell in the kitchen, wearing an apron and busy with breakfast. If she hadn't seen it with her own eyes, Mona would never have believed that Maxwell prepared all their meals himself-and quite deliciously, too.

Breakfast was always Maxwell's responsibility, and Mona felt a bit t guilty about it

it it. She wanted to help, but Maxwell always woke up earlier than she did, and she struggled to get up that early. Since their marriage, breakfast had been his domain, while they usually ate lunch out and cooked dinner together. As usual, Mona joined Maxwell in the kitchen, skillfully setting the table with their breakfast. Watching Maxwell handle the spatula, she admired his strong, capable hands, which gave her a sense of security.

Breakfast was

simple, just for the two of them, but it tasted wonderful. Mona savored the golden, crispy fried eggs, closing her eyes in satisfaction. "Maxwell, your cooking is amazing!" she couldn't help but exclaim. Even with her years of cooking experience, she had to adm admit she was impressed.

Hing her praise, of promise, suggesting he wanted to be with Mona for a lifetime.

Maxwell felt a surge of pride. His tone softened as he replied, "Eat as much as you like. I'll cook for you every day."

Swords carried a a hint of

"I'll cook for you every day," Mona repeated in her mind, feeling it was a lovely sentiment. She nodded happily.

After breakfast, Maxwell, as usual, drove Mona to her office, waiting until she was inside before heading to the Carter Group.

As soon as Mor

Mona entered the office, Barbara approached her eagerly, tucking her hair behind her ear. "Mona, are you going to participate in the gown design competition for Artemis Rain?" Without hesitation, Mona nodded.

She remembered that in her past life, after she left the company, Barbara had gained significant recognition by designing a gown for the celebrity Artemis Rain. This success had paved the way for Barbara to become the company's chief designer. Mona wasn't sure if she could change the outcome, but she was determined not to let Barbara have her way.

When Mona nodded in response to Barbara's question, Barbara's eyes lit up with determination. She was set on showcasing her perfect design to everyone.

However, a shadow of doubt crossed her mind. While others, including Mona herself, might not be aware of Mona's design talent, Barbara knew it well. She had seen Mona's designs in college, each piece brimming with creativity and flair-qualities she herself lacked. Back then, Barbara had been envious of Mona, but fortunately, Mona had been more focused on Teddy than on her design

career.

Before the scandal of Barbara's involvement with Teddy, she and Mona had been close, and Barbara had even managed to take some of Mona's design sketches from her room without her noticing.

Though Mona had been sidetracked for two years because of Teddy, Barbara feared that Mona's design talent might still be

intact.

"Well, best of luck, Mona!" Barbara said with a smile that didn't reach her eyes.

She had no intention of giving Mona a chance to surpass her.

3

The day to submit the design drafts arrived quickly. Mona and Elara handed their designs to the manager's assistant, Missy.

After collecting everyone's designs, Missy intended to deliver them to the manager. However, she was suddenly struck by a severe stomachache, and sweat began to bead on her forehead. Seeing Missy in distress, Barbara hurried over, feigning concern. "Missy, are you okay?" Though Barbara was

relatively new to the design department, her polite demeanor had earned her goodwill from many, including Missy. Missy struggled to speak. "I don't know why, but my stomach hurts a lot."

Barbara gently! don't know.

"I

patted Missy's back. "Do you want some hot water or need to use the restroom? Maybe you ate something bad."

I ate the same breakfast as usual," Missy replied, feeling the urge to use the restroom growing stronger. But with only five minutes left to submit the designs, she hesitated.

Barbara seemed to ponder something silently.

it any longer.

Eventually, Missy couldn't bear it a

Barbara eagerly

"Could you please take the designs to the manager for me? I need to use the restroom."

Missy nodded gratGo ahead. I'll deliver them for you. If you still feel unwell, I'll accompany you to the hospital later."

and rushed to the restroom.

Watching Missy hurry away, Barbara couldn't help but smile.

Holding the stack of design drafts, Barbara headed to the elevator, intending to go to the manager's floor. However, she first detoured to the restroom.

At this time, everyone was busy, so the restroom was empty.

Barbara found Mona's design among the drafts, and her eyes darkened. She clenched her fist, her nails digging into her palm.

Her suspicions were confirmed-Mona's design was as inspired as ever, perhaps even more so than two years ago.

With a quick glance around to ensure she was alone, Barbara tossed the crumpled draft into the trash. She then carefully placed her own design into the stack, a smug sense of satisfaction washing over her. 'Mona could only design something like this,' Barbara thought smugly, convincing herself that she had secured her path to

success.

After composing herself, Barbara looked in the mirror, smoothing her features back into the innocent facade she wore so well. With a practiced smile, she left the restroom.

When she reached the manager's office, Barbara knocked. Seeing the manager's displeased expression, she quickly apologized, "I'm sorry I'm late! I accidentally dropped the designs on the way up." Leander checked the time and saw Barbara's apologetic face. He didn't say much, just instructed her to place the designs on the desk.