The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 155

Chapter 155

Michael looked at Athena, his eyes full of silent pleading, hoping she might change her mind.

But all he saw in Athena’s eyes was cold indifference and biting sarcasm.

She looked at him as if he were nothing more than a pathetic clown.

‘How could Athena look at me like that?‘ Michael felt a dull ache in his chest as he thought.

Just then, a startled cry came from outside. “My Lady! What’s wrong, My Lady…”

Everyone looked out in surprise, only to see Willow clutching her chest, looking on the verge of collapse.

“Willow!” Michael rushed forward in a single stride and gathered her into his arms.

Tears streamed down Willow’s pale cheeks as she looked up at him, her voice barely audible, as if she might stop breathing at any moment. “Michael, how could you…” she whispered.

Before she could finish, a violent fit of coughing seized her.

Almost immediately, her face flushed crimson, and tiny beads of sweat appeared on the tip of her nose.

Michael’s face showed a hint of remorse, but his voice stayed resolute. “Willow, this is something I’ve thought long and hard about. If you and Athena move in together and manage my family side by side, wouldn’t that be best for everyone?”

Willow clung tightly to Michael’s clothes, her voice quivering with tears as she pleaded, “Michael, aren’t you afraid the Mcgee family will blame you for this? My sister’s marriage is finalized, and now you say you want to take her as your second wife, isn’t this just snatching?”

Her voice was soft yet urgent, and with just these few words, Henry and Eloise snapped back to their senses.

They thought, “That’s right, Athena has already been chosen by Gale.

“Though the proposal hasn’t been completed, the matter is as good as settled.

‘If Michael were to marry Athena now, the Mcgee family would surely hunt him down for this affront.’

Henry quickly chimed in, his tone grave. “Lord Osborne, don’t let a moment’s impulse ruin everything you’ve worked for. Please, think twice.”

“Yes,” Eloise added anxiously, “The Mcgee family would never accept such an explanation.”

“Did you really think I’d back down?” Michael scoffed. “That dying man dares to take a wife? If they think they can drag Athena into hell with them, they’ll have to get through me first. If the Mcgee family wants to make a scene, I am ready for them.

“No matter how powerful the Mcgee family is, can they truly defy imperial authority?”

Willow was frightened by Michael’s crazed demeanor. She stared at him in disbelief, tears streaming down her face.

Her voice trembled as she asked, “Michael, what… what are you going to do?”

Henry and Eloise exchanged uneasy glances. A flicker of unease crossed their minds as they watched Michael intently.

Not a trace of fear showed on Michael’s face. His gaze burned with wild, ‘feverish intensity as he locked eyes with Athena. “If

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I dared to say this today, it means I already have a solution,” he declared, voice full of conviction. “Athena, this time I swear I won’t fail you again.”

With that, he gently pushed Willow away and strode out resolutely.

“Michael!” Willow cried out in despair, but he didn’t so much as glance back.

Willow collapsed into Eloise’s arms, sobbing uncontrollably until she could barely breathe. Eloise could only murmur soft words of comfort.

Athena lowered her head in thought. Suddenly, her eyes widened.

She thought, ‘Michael is the Emperor’s favored rising star.

‘If he were to petition for an imperial marriage decree based on his military merits, no one could overturn it.‘

Realizing what Michael intended to do, Athena felt a chill run down her spine. ‘No… he wouldn’t dare!‘ she thought, panic rising within her.

She rushed out after him in a frenzy, only to see he had already mounted his steed and was galloping out of the alley.

He was heading straight for the Imperial Palace.

Chapter 156