chapter1214

Mona wasn't having it. She stomped her foot, spun around, and rushed back to her room. The door slammed shut behind her, echoing through the hallway. Reed just shook his head and looked over at Mrs. Brown. "Can you go talk to her? Don't let her get too carried away. I've got to get ready for the guests."

Mrs. Brown watched Reed hurry off, let out a quick, annoyed sigh, then made her way toward Mona's room.

Across town, Lydia and Malcolm were already on the road to Maple Town, heading straight for the airport. In the car, Lydia sat quietly, eyes sharp and clear as she leaned back in her seat. She tapped her fingers on the armrest, lost in thought, already working through her strategy for dealing with the Brown family.

Malcolm checked on her in the rearview mirror. "Ms. Norwood, what's our plan once we get to Maple Town? Should I let any of the other departments know we're coming?"

Lydia shook her head. "No, not this time. I just need to meet Mr. Brown. Their family is complicated enough as it is. I'll talk to Reed first and see how things look."

Malcolm nodded, not pushing for more details. He knew Lydia always had her own way of handling things. He just needed to follow her lead.

Meanwhile, Mikey's plane was about to land at Maple Town airport. His mood was all over the place.

Back at the house, Mrs. Brown had managed to cheer Mona up. Now Mona was making a big production out of choosing her outfit and getting ready. She stood in front of a giant mirror, slipping into dress after dress, each one more glamorous than the last. The soft light from the crystal chandelier made her skin look extra smooth and her makeup flawless.

"Mom, which one do you think looks best?" Mona asked, her voice full of indecision.

Mrs. Brown smiled. "You're young, you're beautiful, and your figure is perfect. Honestly, you look amazing in all of them."

Mona pouted but finally chose a pale lavender silk dress,

embroidered with delicateers

and tiny pearls at the collar.

gown made her look like a flower in full bloom. She added her favorite jade bracelet and fussed with her hair until it was just right,pinning it up with a sparkling hairpin. Only then did she nod, satisfied.

"You look stunning," Mrs. Brown said with real pride.

Just then, one of the house staff rushed over to the door and announced, "Ma'am, Miss, Mr. Jefferson has arrived."

Mona's eyes lit up and a soft blush appeared on her cheeks. "Mikey's here!" She practically floated down the hallway, her skirt swishing around her, leaving behind a faint, sweet scent.

She spotted Mikey before she even reached the front hall. He stood there in a tailored dark gray suit that fit him perfectly, a deep blue tie at his crisp white collar, and a luxury watch flashing on his wrist. In one hand he held an elegant gift box. He was chatting with the butter his smile warm and bright, although there was something a little distant in his eyes.

Mona broke into a run, her face lighting up. "Mikey!" Her voice was soft and sweet, overflowing with Fearm and

happiness she grabbed his arm and pressed herself close her perfume immediately surrounding him.

"You're finally here. I've been waiting forever," she said, gazing up at him with so much hope and affection.

Mikey tensed just a little, but his polite smile never wavered. He tried to gently move away, but Mona only held on tighter.

Mrs. Brown came out behind them, greeting Mikey with a big smile. "Mikey, you're here. Mona, Mikey traveled all this way just to see you. Invite him in, don't leave him standing there."

Mona perked up even more and eagerly pulled Mikey into the living room.