The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 223

Chapter 223

Athena’s heart ached as she watched Gale sob in utter despair.

All real power in the Mcgee family rested entirely with Ferris’s dad. As for Gale and Ferris, aside from their wealth, they had no real influence at all.

Her husband’s favoritism was beyond measure. That was precisely why Gale harbored such deep resentment toward him. After the incident, he merely gave Wade a beating, and that was the end of it.

Within two years, he went so far as to take Wade’s birth mother, his mistress, into the Mcgee family as his concubine.

The only reason Gale refused to divorce her husband was out of pride and defiance. She would never hand over her title as Duchess to anyone else.

As long as she remained Duchess, Ferris would be the legitimate heir, and Wade would always remain beneath him.

Gale sobbed for what felt like an eternity before finally regaining her composure.

She wiped her tears with a handkerchief and, her voice trembling, said to Athena, “After that, Ferris became a different person. He never speaks a word about those days, but as his mother, I know–he must have endured unspeakable abuse.”

Athena’s heart skipped a beat, her eyes clouding with concern. ‘That can’t be all there is to it,‘ she thought.

Ferris was full of youthful vigor and ambition—a bit arrogant, maybe, but never the overly sensitive type.

Athena couldn’t believe a few physical wounds could have broken him so completely. There must be deeper secrets at play

here.

After spending quite some time comforting Gale, Athena finally took her leave.

On their way back, Trina seemed hesitant to speak.

Athena glanced at her in confusion. “What’s up?”

Trina carefully held up five fingers and said, “Lady Athena, it’s been five days.”

Only when Trina reminded her did Athena remember that she needed to deliver the medicine to the Xander Manor.

Sure enough, when Athena returned to the duke’s estate, she saw the Xander Manor’s carriage already waiting at the gate.

Its coachman was dozing off while leaning against the carriage. Startled by the noise, he quickly straightened up.

Spotting Athena, the coachman hurried forward, bowed slightly, and said respectfully, “Lady Athena, I’m here to escort you to the Xander Manor.”

“Give me just a moment. I need to run back and grab the medicine,” Athena said apologetically, noticing from the coachman’s weary look that he must have been waiting a long time.

The coachman bowed respectfully. “Okay, Lady Athena.”

Athena hurried back to her quarters, grabbed the prepared medicinal herbs, and rushed out.

As Athena stepped outside, she spotted Matthew in the distance, leaning on a servant as he strolled through the courtyard.

As soon as Matthew saw Athena, he sprang up like a scalded cat. Pointing at her, Matthew bellowed, “Athena. Stop right

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there.”

Athena didn’t break stride, a cold smirk curling her lips. “What’s wrong, Matthew? Didn’t get enough dirt to eat? Or are you still hungry for rats? I told you not to mess with me again.

“If you dare bother me again, eating dirt will be the least of your worries.”

Matthew wouldn’t listen. Taking advantage of being in the duke’s estate, he assumed Athena wouldn’t dare retaliate here.

“I’m settling this score today.” He blocked her path, his voice dripping with venom as he spat through gritted teeth. With that, he actually raised his hand to strike her.

Trina cut in sharply, “Sir Monson, Prince Xander awaits Lady Athena. Dare you lay hands on her?”

Matthew was taken aback. “P–Prince Xander?” he stammered.

It took him a moment to recall that Athena went to the Xander Manor every five days to teach embroidery.

‘If I hurt her now, I might end up angering His Highness, Matthew thought, a chill running down his spine.

With a scowl, Matthew dropped his arm and shot Athena a venomous glare. “Fine. I’ll deal with you when you get back. Mark my words, Athena–I’ll make your life a living hell.”