Chapter 210
Under the eaves, a pillar concealed Fiona’s gaunt figure.
Though wrapped in a thick cloak, the cold rising from deep within Fiona’s heart still left her chilled to the bone.
In the cool shade, Nicolas and Willow were laughing and chatting intimately, and his every gesture had clearly crossed the line of brotherly affection.
Fiona thought bitterly, ‘As a woman, how could I not recognize what that meant?‘
While she was heartbroken and furious, Fiona dared not dwell on it any further.
‘This… this is a scandal too terrible to even name,‘ Fiona thought, her heart pounding. ‘If anyone ever found out, the entire Monson estate would be disgraced.‘
What made Fiona even more desperate was the chilling realization that no one would believe her.
Fiona thought bitterly, ‘My mother–in–law dotes on Willow, and the Duke of Suffield trusts Nicolas implicitly.
‘As the future heir, he can’t afford any blemish on his reputation.
‘If I ever spoke my suspicions aloud, they’d just dismiss me as a jealous troublemaker, and I would be banished from the Duke’s Estate just like what they did to Athena.’
Fiona’s eyes reddened as she suppressed the bitterness in her heart. Without a word, she turned and left.
Before she knew it, Fiona found herself standing before Starling House.
Gazing at the courtyard before her, Fiona pressed her lips together before stepping inside.
Gwen was surprised by her arrival and quickly stepped forward. “Lady Fiona,” she greeted.
“I came to see Lady Maraget,” Fiona said softly. She wasn’t even sure herself why she had come–perhaps Margaret was the only clear–sighted person in
this estate.
Gwen was reluctant to let Fiona in at first, fearing she might disturb Margaret’s peace and quiet.
Just then, Margaret’s voice sounded from within the room, “Let her in.”
Gwen stepped aside, letting Fiona enter the chamber.
After some time of recuperation, Margaret was mostly recovered.
Margaret smiled kindly at Fiona and asked, “Why are you here today?”
Margaret knew that her granddaughter–in–law, Fiona, had always been timid and unassuming. She rarely ventured beyond the inner courtyard as she devoted herself to her husband and child.
If there was one truly unambitious soul in the Monson family, it was Fiona.
Fiona lowered her head, nervously wringing a handkerchief in her small hands as she forced a strained smile, “You have been unwell for so long. I wanted to visit, but I was afraid of disturbing you. Now that you’re better, I’ve finally come to pay my respects.”
Her eyes were still red–rimmed, and the perceptive Margaret immediately saw at a glance that Fiona had been wronged.
For Fiona to have sought her out, she must surely have a favor to ask.
Margaret replied kindly, “How thoughtful of you. How has Cedric been these days?”
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20:09 Sat, 12 Jul
Chapter 210
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“Cedric just recovered from a cold a few days ago, but he’s lost weight again and has been having restless nights. Seeing him like this makes me heartbroken and anxious,” Fiona said anxiously.
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As she spoke, a deep distress crossed Fiona’s face. Cedric had been frail since birth, and he was more fragile than other children. As such, he had always been a constant worry to her.
Fiona had come to visit Margaret today, but deep down, her real intention was to leverage Margaret’s connections to seek a prescription from Athena for
Cedric.
Margaret let out a knowing “oh,” immediately grasping Fiona’s true purpose.
She contemplated, ‘Athena has already severed ties with the Duke’s Estate. If we try to get in touch with her again, it would only put her in a difficult
position.
‘Both Fiona and Athena are dear to me. As the legitimate eldest grandson of the Monson family, Cedric is naturally a child that I cherishes deeply as well.
Maraget’s heart aches for him, knowing that he carries the future of the Monson lineage.
After pondering for a while, Margaret sighed softly, “I just happen to have something I want to send to Athena, and you’ve come at the perfect time. Please take this box of cake to her for me. Out of respect for me, I believe she won’t refuse you.”
Overjoyed, Fiona immediately dropped to her knees and bowed to Margaret. “Thank you,” she said, her voice trembling with gratitude.
“However, you must keep this strictly confidential. Is that clear?” Margaret cautioned gravely.
Fiona nodded earnestly in response, “I understand. I promise I’ll never cause any trouble for you or Athena.”

20:09 Sat, 12 Jul
It was then that Nicolas saw the icy detachment in Fiona’s eyes, it was the same look Athena had worn when she first returned to the estate.
‘T’d figured with Athena gone, the estate would finally settle down.
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