The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 105

hapter 105

Athena stared at Eloise in disbelief. Just when she thought Eloise couldn’t get any more shameless, she managed to outdo herself again.

Margaret’s mother was a princess, and when she married, her wedding gifts filled more than two hundred chests.

She entered the Monson family at the peak of its prosperity.

Though Margaret never engaged in business herself, the profits from the shops under her name and the annual tributes from her children and grandchildren allowed her to amass considerable wealth.

Nearly all of her original wedding gifts had remained untouched to this day.

By the time it was Eloise’s turn to manage the household, the Monson family had entered a steady decline.

Each passing year grew worse than the one before, to the point where they even had to dip into Eloise’s own wedding gifts.

Now that Willow was about to marry, the Monson family naturally didn’t want the Osbornes to look down on her, but Eloise’s meager wedding gifts simply wasn’t enough to maintain appearances for Willow’s wedding.

So, she turned her attention to Margaret’s wealth instead, hoping Margaret would contribute as well.

Before Margaret could speak, Athena cut in sharply. “Grandmother’s belongings are hers to give. Unless she says otherwise, no one, not even me, and least of all any of you, has any right to them.”

Athena mercilessly exposed Eloise’s scheme, leaving her so embarrassed she wished she could disappear.

Athena fixed Willow with an icy glare. Willow lowered her head, not daring to speak, yet wore a wronged expression, as if Athena were deliberately picking on her.

Seeing the tense atmosphere in the room, Margaret cleared her throat lightly and gave Athena’s hand a reassuring pat. Only then did Athena’s expression soften slightly.

Turning to Eloise, Margaret said, “We’ll discuss this another time. I’m rather tired now, you may take your leave.”

Eloise couldn’t help but feel a pang of disappointment, but didn’t dare press further. Taking Willow by the hand, she rose with her, bowed politely, then quietly led her away.

Margaret looked at Athena with sorrowful eyes. “One day, when I grow old, I won’t always be around to protect you. My greatest wish is for you to marry and settle down in peace. If you think Ferris is suitable, then finalize the engagement.”

Then, with childlike playfulness, she smiled at Athena and whispered, “All these wedding gifts of mine are meant for you. I’ll never let anyone else take it away.”

Of course, it referred to Willow.

But Athena couldn’t bring myself to smile. Margaret was getting on in years, and sooner or later, the whole estate would fall under Eloise’s control.

When that time came. Margaret would be left alone without anyone to protect her. Athena wondered if she would be bullied.

Just the thought of leaving Margaret unattended made her heart ache.

Seeing Athena on the verge of tears, Margaret grew flustered and asked, “What’s wrong, dear? Why are you crying all of a

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sudden?

Athena threw herself into her arms, sniffing back tears. “I don’t want to leave you, Grandmother,” she murmured.

“My silly girl, you’re not getting any younger! If you don’t get married soon, do you expect me to take care of you forever?”

“As long as you don’t mind, Grandmother, I’d rather stay unmarried my whole life just to be by your side,” she said softly.

But even as the words left her lips, a deeper sorrow welled up inside her.

Margaret was already in her sixties, living in the twilight of her years. Even with all her medical skills, Athena couldn’t defy

nature’s course.

Time was running out for Margaret.

‘How could I ever bring myself to cut ties with such a wonderful grandmother?‘ Athena thought, her heart aching.

Athena thought to herself, ‘If I just wait a little longer and spend more time with Grandmother while I still can… Maybe once Willow marries into the Osborne family, things will finally settle down. Then I can stay here in the estate and quietly keep her company.”

But the very next day, word came that Margaret had collapsed.

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