The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 152

Chapter 152

The horse’s hooves clattered urgently against the cobblestones.

Athena’s heart skipped a beat as she tightened her grip on the whip.

‘If Michael tries anything funny, I won’t hold back, Athena thought.

But after catching up, Michael simply shadowed the carriage like a specter, moving at an unnervingly steady pace and making no further move.

With this ominous presence shadowing her, Athena felt like needles were pricking her back.

Her nerves remained taut until they reached the gates of the Monson family, where Michael finally strode inside.

All the while, he didn’t even glance at Athena, treating her as if she were just an insignificant stranger.

But Athena could tell that Michael was furious.

The calmer he appeared, the angrier he truly was.

She thought, ‘He’s always been high and mighty, when has he ever tasted such humiliation?

‘Today’s events must have completely enraged Michael.’

“Miss Monson,” Trina urged anxiously, steadying her arm. “Perhaps we should seek Mrs. Monson.”

Henry and Eloise would never stand up for her. If Michael were to denounce her to them, given their temperament, they would certainly summon Athena for reprimand.

But Margaret was different, she had always shielded Athena at every turn.

She would never let Henry punish Athena.

Athena merely chuckled, unafraid. “There’s nothing to fear,” she assured, “Let’s go.”

Michael wasn’t the type to tattle, nor would he ever stoop to such tactics.

If anyone dared to cross him, Michael would settle the score himself.

Athena walked with Trina into the estate. As they reached a pond, they spotted Willow, beaming with joy as she headed toward the front courtyard, trailed by her maid.

After a few days of recuperation, Willow’s injuries seemed to have improved significantly.

She could move freely now.

But whenever she saw Athena, she froze like a deer in headlights.

As Athena approached, Willow dipped into a respectful curtsy. “Hello, Athena,” she said softly.

“Move aside,” Athena said, her face expressionless.

Willow’s eyes instantly welled up, her big eyes shimmering with tears. She looked at Athena and asked in a trembling voice, “Are you still mad at me?”

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Chapter 152

“Move aside, or I’ll smack you again,” Athena snapped. For some reason, every time she saw Willow’s pitiful puppy–dog face, it just made her blood boil.

‘No one’s even bullying her, yet she puts on that pitiful act every single day. Every time I see her, my hand just itches to slap that pathetic look right off her face,‘ Athena thought in irritation.

Perhaps intimidated by the icy glare in Athena’s eyes, Willow’s face instantly drained of color.

In an instant, Willow’s face turned deathly pale, her glossy eyes brimming with self–pitying tears.

She bit her lower lip lightly, staggering back a few unsteady steps to clear the path. “After you, Athena,” she said meekly.

Just as Athena was about to leave, the steward called out from behind, “Miss Monson, Mr. Monson and Mrs. Monson request your presence.”

Hearing this, Willow’s once–dull eyes suddenly lit up. With a demure smile, she replied, “Understood.”

Willow thought excitedly, ‘In just a few days, I’ll be marrying into the Osborne family.

‘Michael must be here to discuss the wedding arrangements with me.

Though as a young lady I shouldn’t need to bother with these trivial matters, the fact that Michael discusses everything with me clearly shows how much he cares.

Just thinking about marrying into the Osborne family soon, her grin spreading uncontrollably across her face.

However, a troubled look appeared on the steward’s face. “Her Grace requests Miss Athena’s presence,” he said.

Willow’s smile froze on her face. Staring at the steward in disbelief, she blurted out, “Did you mishear?”

Willow thought in disbelief, ‘I’m the one getting married. How could Mother Eloise possibly only ask for Athena to go?‘

The steward’s expression was firm. “I did not mishear, my lady. It is indeed Miss Athena who has been summoned.”