The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 102

Chapter 102

Athena shot Nicolas a look loaded with meaning, then turned on her heel and strode out without a backward glance.

Not a single soul dared to stand in her way this time.

Even Henry felt a pang of guilt, his gaze at Athena tinged with melancholy.

With a heavy heart, Henry thought, ‘When did my dear Athena become so cold and estranged from her own family?

‘Even if Nicolas was mistaken and wronged her… after all, he is still her brother.

‘What sister would truly defy her own brother?”

Seeing the argument had subsided, Eloise felt exhausted. She murmured softly, “I’ll go check on Willow.”

After a moment’s thought, Henry stayed.

Henry motioned for Michael to sit down, and servants immediately served fresh drink.

Henry sighed meaningfully, “Michael, my deepest gratitude for saving Willow today. Without your intervention, she might not have survived. You two grew up together as childhood sweethearts. Should Willow marry into the Osborne family, I would finally be at ease.”

Henry was pressuring Michael to propose. After Willow fell into the river today and was rescued by Michael, if the Osborne family didn’t come forward with a marriage proposal soon, Willow’s reputation would be ruined.

Michael was far too astute to miss the implication in Henry’s words.

Today’s events truly took Michael by surprise.

After a moment’s consideration, he said to Henry, “Your Grace, rest assured, the Osborne family will do right by Willow.”

With those words, Henry finally felt that Michael had agreed.

A smile finally broke across Nicolas’s face as he let out a long sigh of relief.

Nicolas had been worried sick that Michael might still be involved with Athena. That was why he’d been dragging his feet about the marriage proposal with Willow.

Kelsey Osborne had pressured him more than once, but Michael would either dodge the issue or remain silent.

Today’s incident settled the matter for good.

Nicolas and Henry exchanged a knowing glance and shared a tacit smile.

Willow’s “accidental” fall worked out perfectly for her.

Inside the room, Eloise sat by Willow’s bedside, gazing at her with tender affection. Gently stroking Willow’s hand, she murmured, “Oh, my dear, you’ve really been through so much. You’ve worried me sick.”

Willow’s face was deathly pale, yet she still struggled to prop herself up and comfort her mother. “It’s all my fault, Mother,” she said weakly, “I’ve made you worry.”

“There now, my dear. You’re not well enough to sit up,” Eloise said quickly, gently guiding Willow’s shoulders to help her lie

back down.

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Chapter 102

Willow’s gaze, brimming with remorse, met Eloise’s eyes, making her mother’s heart ache all the more.

Eloise hesitated, her lips parting slightly as she thought of the wronged look in Athena’s eyes. Finally, she couldn’t hold back any longer. In a gentle voice, she asked, “Willow, did your fall into the river have anything to do with Athena?”

Tears instantly welled up in Willow’s eyes. She let out a soft sob, shook her head, and said, “It has nothing to do with Athena. It’s all my fault, Mother. Please don’t blame my sister.”

As if struck by sudden realization, Willow struggled to sit up, trying to get out of bed. “Are Nicolas and Father going to punish Athena? I need to go explain to them!” she said anxiously.

Seeing Willow so anxious, Eloise gently pressed her shoulder and let out a quiet sigh of relief. “No, sweetheart, it was just a misunderstanding. Everything’s been cleared up now, so don’t worry.”

Before coming here, she had worried that Willow might have deliberately thrown herself into the river to force a marriage alliance between the two families.

But seeing Willow’s genuine reaction, Eloise felt even more guilty toward her.

She thought, ‘How could I ever doubt Willow? I watched her grow up.‘

At that very moment, Henry strode into the room, his steps noticeably lighter.

Willow was about to get up to curtsy when Henry gently stopped her. “Rest now, my dear,” he said warmly. “You need to regain your strength over the next few days. How else will you endure the Osborne family’s proposal event?”

Eloise and Willow froze in shock, then sheer Yvette overwhelmed them.

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