The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 120

Chapter 120

Everyone turned in astonishment as three solemn–faced elders strode in from outside.

At the sight of these elders, everyone in the room froze as if petrified, their faces instantly draining of color.

Willow, who had been quietly sobbing, was so startled that she fell silent, her eyes wide with fear as she stared at the

newcomers.

Eloise reacted instantly, scrambling to her feet in a fluster before standing respectfully aside, barely daring to breathe.

Seeing this, the three Monson brothers immediately rose to their feet, cupped their fists in a traditional salute, and bowed deeply to the elders, their faces etched with profound reverence.

Henry had already strode forward and, with a respectful bow, greeted them. “Granduncles.”

They were the three most revered seniors of the Monson family, who usually kept to themselves and rarely interfered in household affairs. Whenever they appeared, it invariably signaled grave trouble.

The moment all three appeared together, Henry’s heart lurched, his brows instinctively knitting into a deep frown.

Their sudden arrival could only mean they’d heard about the destruction of the memorial hall.

These three seniors had always been strict guardians.of family rules and heritage. Now that such a grave incident had occurred at the memorial hall, there was no way they would let it slide.

Henry couldn’t help but furrow his brows, feeling anxious on Willow’s behalf.

The three seniors strode past Henry with their eyes fixed straight ahead, then took their seats in solemn order.

Les Monson was the first to break the silence, his deep and commanding voice brooking no argument. “The memorial hall is where our family honors our ancestors and preserves our bloodline. Now that it lies in ruins, how could this possibly go unpunished?”

Les’s piercing gaze swept across the faces of everyone present before finally resting on Willow, his eyes filled with stern scrutiny and silent accusation.

Clearly, they already knew the culprit was Willow.

Toby Monson gave a cold snort. “The memorial hall was burned down, our ancestors‘ tablets and portraits all reduced to ashes, and yet you merely confined her? Henry, have you lost your mind?”

He pointed at Willow, his eyes full of loathing, and roared, “A mere adopted daughter, how could she possibly deserve a place in our family tree? Your real daughter is right there!”

After saying that, Toby pointed accusingly at Athena.

Athena lowered her eyes slightly, her expression indifferent as she looked at the small patch of floor before her feet.

Elmer Monson slammed his cane hard against the floor, his voice thunderous with authority as he glared at Willow. “Willow, after causing such a disaster, how dare you still stand? Get on your knees, now!”

Startled, Willow trembled all over, fear overwhelming her. She dropped to her knees again, tears streaming down her face.

With her voice trembling and thick with tears, Willow pleaded, “Granduncles, I… I swear I didn’t mean to! I was just reflecting when the fire suddenly broke out. I truly didn’t do it on purpose!”

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Chapter 12

Still pleading. Willow knocked her forehead against the floor again and again, each impact landing with a dull thud.

Eloise’s heart ached, and just as she was about to speak up, Toby rebuked her sharply. “Hold your tongue! This is no place for your words.”

Willow’s sobbing abruptly ceased.

With red–rimmed eyes, Eloise bit her lip and silently stepped back behind Henry, gently tugging at his sleeve.

Henry’s face cycled between pale and red, the three granduncles‘ scolding of Eloise was nothing less than a direct slap in his

face.

Yet he dared not defend Eloise. Forced to yield, he lowered his head respectfully and inquired, “Then, what do you all propose we should do?”

Les declared coldly, “According to our family laws, anyone who damages the memorial hall shall be banished, to set an example for all!”

At these words, Eloise gasped in shock, while Willow crumpled to the floor, her face as white as a sheet.

The tension in the room was so thick you could cut it with a knife, no one dared to even breathe.