The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 180

Chapter 180

Trina saw how low–spirited Athena looked, thinking she was grieving Daniel’s death. “My lady, don’t be too sad,” she tried to

comfort.

Athena looked back at her in confusion. When she saw Trina’s furrowed brow, she realized the girl had misunderstood.

Athena said coldly, “Good riddance to scum like him. There’s no way I’d shed a single tear for that bastard.”

Trina asked softly, “So, what’s troubling you?”

Athena sighed. “With Daniel dead, Willow’s secrets will remain buried forever.”

Trina said dejectedly, “Everyone in the household protects her. I fear your situation will only get harder now.”

They both fell silent. Athena’s heart was full of unwillingness.

The truth had been so close, and now it was gone.

They made their way down the mountain without another word.

As expected, the carriage that had brought them was already gone from the temple gate. Only an old maidservant was left behind, clearly anxious from waiting.

When she saw Athena appear, she couldn’t help but complain, “Lady Athena, you finally came out. Madam’s been looking for you everywhere. Where did you even go? My legs are sore from standing here so long.”

A servant daring to question her mistress.

Trina stepped forward, scolding sharply, “How dare you speak to Lady Athena like that with such a tone?”

The old maid was startled by Athena’s cold stare and quickly changed her demeanor.

She pleaded, “Please forgive me. It’s just… there were so many people today, and I was worried. If something happened to you, I wouldn’t be able to explain to the household.”

She forced a nervous smile, hastily apologizing.

Athena gave her a cold look. The old woman shrank back in fear. Finally, she said, “Lady Eloise told me to give you a message. She wasn’t feeling well, so she took Lady Willow and went back to the estate ahead of you.”

“A servant should know their place. If this happens again, I won’t let it go.” Athena’s voice was frosty as she climbed into the carriage with Trina.

Watching them get in, the old maid muttered bitterly to herself, ‘Just a useless, unloved daughter of the family. What was she acting so high and mighty for?‘

If Eloise really cared about Athena, she wouldn’t leave her alone in the mountains. The old maid thought Athena was just overestimating herself.

The old maid also got in and sat down heavily, then shrieked at the driver, “What are you waiting for? Hurry up. Back to the estate!”

The coachman, knowing she was from Eloise’s quarters, didn’t dare offend her.

He quickly cracked the whip, and the carriage rolled forward.

1/2

Chapter TOU

But just as they reached the gates of the duke’s estate, they saw Michael pacing anxiously.

He frowned, his hands rubbing together. It seemed he had been waiting there a long time.

The moment he saw Athena’s carriage, the tightness in his face melted into relief.

Without hesitation, he strode forward and stopped the carriage.

Then, disregarding all propriety between men and women, he yanked open the curtain.

Seeing Athena inside, he exhaled deeply. Then his face immediately darkened with anger. “Was the mountain so fun that you forgot to come home?”

He had meant to ask why she came back so late, but the cold look in Athena’s eyes twisted his words before they could leave his mouth properly.

His tone grew harsher, filled with blame. “A woman’s reputation is everything. You can’t just wander around like that.”

The moment the words left his lips, he regretted them, but they couldn’t be taken back.

He braced himself and stared at Athena, heart in turmoil.

Athena raised her cool gaze and stared at him. She stepped to the front of the carriage and met his eyes for a long moment.

Michael felt a chill from her stare. Before he could react, Athena lifted her foot and kicked him square in the chest.

She said, “You really like sticking your nose into things, don’t you?”