The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 100

Chapter 100

She thought, Women from poor families are often destined to suffer. This must be some unfortunate girl sold into

servitude.

‘Even if I wanted to help her, there was nothing I could do.‘

These brothels had influential officials behind them, their connections were daunting.

I’m just a disowned daughter of the Monson family, barely able to keep my own head above water. How could I possibly meddle in others‘ affairs?‘ Athena thought.

Athena let out a quiet sigh, lifted the curtain, and slipped inside the carriage.

The whole way back, Athena remained unsettled.

Athena couldn’t shake the image of that woman’s desperate sobs from her mind.

‘It was just like those grueling days I endured in the military camp, Athena thought.

When Athena arrived at the Monson family, she found Henry already seated in the great hall, waiting for her.

Eloise sat beside him, her expression grim and her eyes puffy and red, clear signs she’d been weeping.

Nicolas’s face darkened with fury. When he saw Athena return, he snorted in contempt.

Unfazed by the scene, Athena turned on her heel and headed straight for her quarters.

Behind her, Henry bellowed angrily, “Stop right there!”

Servants immediately blocked Athena’s way.

Athena had no choice but to stop. She turned to face Henry, her gaze steady and unflinching, showing not a trace of fear.

Seeing her unrepentant demeanor, Henry’s anger flared even hotter. He glared at Athena and thundered, “You pushed Willow into the river and nearly drowned her. Do you feel no remorse at all?”

Henry felt utterly heartbroken. ‘How could I have raised such a callous daughter?‘ he thought.

Henry had hoped that three years of military service would reform Athena’s wicked nature.

To his dismay, after three years away, Athena remained exactly as she was before.

She was even more vicious than before.

Her animosity wasn’t just for Willow. It extended to every member of the family.

Henry glared at Athena, feeling utterly heartbroken.

With red–rimmed eyes, Eloise looked pleadingly at Athena and said, “Athena, no matter what, Willow is still your sister. How could you be so cruel as to push her into the river? The physician said she’s had a relapse. If she doesn’t get proper care, she might develop a chronic condition that could plague her for life.”

Looking at this so–called “family” of hers, Athena couldn’t help but think, ‘The more I see, the more absurd it all becomes.

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Chapter 100

‘I did nothing, yet I’m the villain here,‘

Athena had initially intended to ignore them, but she abruptly turned on her heel and strode into the great hall.

Athena fixed her gaze on Lady Eloise and demanded, “Tell me, Lady Eloise, did you personally witness me pushing Willow

into the river?”

Eloise was taken aback for a moment and then shook her head.

Athena then turned to Henry and challenged, “Your Grace, did you see it with your own eyes?”

Henry shot Athena an irritated glare and snapped, “No.”

“If neither of you saw it with your own eyes, why are you so sure I pushed Willow?” Athena demanded, her head held high in righteous defiance, making Nicolas’s face turn livid with rage.

Nicolas growled in a low voice, “Athena! I was right there, how dare you still have the nerve to deny it?”

Athena raised her voice, “You know damn well what happened back then!” Her words cut through Nicolas’s shout, her tone even louder and her presence utterly overpowering his.

She had always been indifferent to everything, but never before had she faced them with such unshakable confidence.

Nicolas’s stunned expression was plain to see, but Athena pressed on firmly, “Everyone present saw it clearly, Willow reached for my hand. When I withdrew it, she lost her balance and fell backward on her own. I even tried to catch her because I was afraid she’d fall into the river, but I couldn’t grab her in time.”

She took in the stunned expressions in the room, her gaze sweeping across each face. “Accusing me of pushing her into the river? Isn’t that absurd? If I really wanted to hurt her, would I have done it right under your noses?”

Eloise snapped out of her shock, her expression wavering as she had to admit Athena had a point.

Eloise shot a pleading look at Henry for support, but his face hardened with disbelief. “If you weren’t guilty, would Nicolas really make false accusations against you?”

“Hasn’t he wronged me enough times already?” Athena scoffed coldly, her eyes filled with disdain.

Athena thought bitterly. ‘It’s ridiculous that this family treats their own flesh and blood as an enemy. If they ever realize their mistake, will they even regret what they’ve done today?‘