Chapter 432
“What?” Marquita shot to her feet, furious. “Does the Monson family have no conscience? If it weren’t for you treating Lord Cedric, would his health have improved at all?”
She added, “A condition like his takes at least a year or two to properly manage. This is betrayal at its worst!”
Marquita was livid, nearly cursing them outright.
Athena hadn’t expected the Monson family to stoop so low.
She had agreed to treat Cedric precisely because she feared they might pull a stunt like this. She had guarded against everything, yet still fell into their trap.
But now that things had happened, she couldn’t just sit and wait.
She was confident her medicine had no issue, so the problem must lie with the Monson family.
Thinking of Willow’s case, she suddenly understood the Monson family’s motive.
They were warning her to stop pursuing the investigation. They were scared and guilty. And the more they acted like this, the more determined Athena became.
The official from the Ministry was the same as before, Radnor. When he saw Athena, he felt uneasy.
The Monson family’s sudden accusation clearly reeked of foul play.
But since an official complaint had been filed, he had to follow procedure.
Radnor said, “My apologies, Viscountess. I must trouble you to accompany this official to the Justice Ministry.”
Athena didn’t make a fuss. She asked with a smile, “What did the Monson family accuse me of?”
Radnor replied, “They say you prescribed the wrong medicine, causing the young master’s condition to worsen. He’s now critically ill.”
Radnor sighed helplessly. “The boy is in serious condition. Please accompany me so we can conduct an inquiry.”
Athena had the same idea. She needed to see Cedric with her own eyes to determine whether this was genuine deterioration or a deliberate act of sabotage.
After all, the Monson family had done worse before.
If only she hadn’t pushed things so far, he wouldn’t have resorted to this.
Athena noticed the false pity in his gaze and sneered inwardly. “Such a heartless heir of the house. I saved your son, and you drag me to court. If I’d known this would happen, I’d never have helped him.”
“Athena, don’t be arrogant!” Nicolas snapped. “My son was perfectly healthy. If it weren’t for your medicine, he wouldn’t be in critical condition. I’m here for justice for Cedric. He’s just a baby. How could you hurt a child?”
He played the part of the grieving father perfectly, twisting the truth with surprising skill.
Athena said, “Did you have the imperial doctors examine him? Who said it was my medicine? He was fine before. Why the sudden decline?”
She added, “If the medicine really is the cause, I’ll take responsibility. But if not, then I’ll sue you for false accusation.”
Her voice rang out clearly in the courtroom. Athena stood her ground without an ounce of fear. Her eyes were steady, full of conviction.
Instead, Nicolas wavered. He hadn’t really intended to press charges. He just wanted her to back off from Willow’s case.
He put on an anguished expression. “We’re family. Must we fight to the death like this? I only wanted an apology. If you yield a little, I’ll withdraw the complaint.”
Athena sneered coldly, her face full of disdain. “Did you think the yamen belonged to you? That you can file charges or withdraw them at will? I will get to the bottom of Cedric’s condition.”
In other words, if it turned out she wasn’t responsible, she’d sue Nicolas for defamation.

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