The Queen's Back

Maxwell hurriedly carried Mona, his happening to her.

steps

quick and urgent, fearing that any delay might lead to something terrible

Mo. Mick

As he moved, he called out, "Mona, Mona,

His voice was laced with anxiety, fear, and a hi), eyes

and look at me. Don't fall asleep."

locked in a dark room by his mother.

of helplesmes as a feling he hadn't experienced even as a child, helplessness. It was a feeling he hadn't experienced even as a child, His palm felt sticky with Mona's blood, the warmth of it making his heart race with dread.

"Mona, Mona, you can't be hurt!" Maxwell's voice was filled with urgency and desperation as he carried her, his heart pounding with fear. "What would I do without you?" he murmured, the thought of losing her sending a chill through his entire being.

As dawn's light gently touched the white sheets of the bed, Mona's eyelashes fluttered like delicate butterflies against her pale skin.

She tried to turn over but was met with a sharp pain in her back, as if something had broken.

The dangerous events of the previous night flashed through her mind. She couldn't quite understand where she found the courage to shield Maxwell. In that moment, her body had acted faster than her mind.

Slowly opening her eyes, she saw

someone sitting by her bed, holding her hand tightly. His brow was furrowed as if he were caught in a bad dream.

It was none other than Maxwell Carter, the man she had protected from the iron rod the night before.

Suddenly, his grip on her hand tightened, as if he were using all his strength, nearly crushing her fingers.

Mona winced, letting out a soft hiss of pain. Maxwell's eyes snapped open, and their gazes locked unexpectedly.

She noticed fear and anxiety in his eyes.

Was he afraid she wouldn't wake up?

"Mona, who told you to block that rod for me last night? Didn't I tell you to stay in the car?" Maxwell's voice was stern, his eyes filled with questions.

If

anything had happened to Mona, he didn't know how he could continue living in this world.

No one knew how terrified he had been waiting outside the operating room, his hands slick with sweat mixed with Mona's blood, pushing him to the brink of losing control. Mona, just waking up, felt a wave of emotion at Maxwell's questioning tone. She had acted for his sake; she wouldn't have done it for anyone else. -Having been given a second chance at life, she cherished it more than anything.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

If she had to do it all over again, Mona wasn't sure she'd have the courage to step in front of Maxwell. But the fact had done it, and despite the pain, she had no regrets.

Seeing Mona's silence, Maxwell softened his tone. "Mona, promise me that in this world, no one's life is more important than your own. If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, protect yourself first and don't worry about anything else." she

ÜD 3, 75%2

He worried that if such a situation arose again, Mona might not prioritize her own safety. He wanted her to understand that her well-being was paramount

Mona met Maxwell's determined gaze and nodded. She knew what choice she would make if faced with such a situation again.

It seemed that Maxwell's life was more important to her than her own.

"What happened afterward? Who were those people?" Mona asked. She remembered the blow from the rod and losing consciousness, but not how she ended up in the hospital. She vaguely recalled someone calling her name. "I took you to the hospital. Nigel said that shortly after we left, the police arrived and arrested those men," Maxwell replied.

Of course, Maxwell's own team had arrived before the police, but he didn't mention this to Mona.

nodded. "That's good. But why would they want to harm you?"

Mona nodded.

She clearly remembered someone saying they were there for Maxwell's life, which was not typical of a robbery. "I'm not sure yet. It could be someone I've

I've crossed, seeking g revenge," Maxwell said.

Before the police arrived, Nigel had captured two of the attackers to see if they could get any information

As Mona was about to speak,

there was a knock on the hospital room door, and Nigel entered.

"Boss, ma'am, I've brought breakfast," Nigel announced, placing the food on the table.

to help care e for her," Maxwell instructed.

"Thank you. Please find a nurse to

After Nigel left, Maxwell carefully helped Mona freshen up, his every movement gentle to avoid causing her pain.

Mona had two broken ribs, leaving her upper body stiff and unable to move much. Maxwell even fed her breakfast, which made Mona feel both surprised and touched. Despite the pain, there was a sweetness in her heart, making the injury seem more bearable.

Though Maxwell's earlier tone had been stern, it was clear he cared deeply for her.

She felt that their relationship had grown

After breakfast, the nurse Nigel had a stronger over the past few days.

Nigel opened the door, and Maxwell entered arrived to care for Mona. Maxwell and Nigel then headed to a secluded villa on the outskirts of Arkenvale, surrounded by an eerie silence.

sitting

casually on the sofa. Two of his men brought in the captives from the previous night-one who had injured Mona and another who had threatened Maxwell's life. Maxwell's voice cut through the room like a chill winter wind, sending shivers down the spines of everyone present.

"Have they said anything yet?" Maxwell asked

"Who sent you? I don't have as much patience as Nigel," he said, his tone icy and unyielding.

The two captives exchanged a glance, their resolve hardening as they made a grim decision. Without hesitation, they swallowed the pills hidden in their mouths.

"Boss, they've taken poison," Nigel exclaimed, stepping forward to check on them. It was too late; both men had co...psed, blood trickling from their mouths, and they were no longer breathing. Maxwell glanced at the lifeless bodies and said, "Dispose of them."

With their deaths, the chance to discover who had sent them vanished. The incident would be dismissed as a simple robbery, with no one left to reveal the true motive. Meanwhile, Mona lay in her hospital bed, feeling as though her bones had turned to jelly. The events of the previous night weighed heavily on her, but she was grateful to be safe and alive.