The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 225

Chapter 225

Willow’s pitiful, timid expression finally softened Matthew’s heart a little. His tone softened slightly as he asked, “Willow, tell me honestly. Why did you have Zick tattle on Athena to me?”

When Matthew suddenly brought this up, Willow’s eyes widened in genuine bewilderment.

She stared fixedly at Matthew, her gaze unwavering. Suddenly, a tear slipped down her cheek.

Her voice trembling with sobs, Willow said, “Matthew, why would you say that? I never told Zick to tattle on anyone. If you don’t believe me, just bring him here and ask him yourself.”

Matthew felt torn as he looked at Willow’s aggrieved face, his heart aching for her. But all Matthew wanted was a clear

answer.

So even as Willow looked aggrieved, Matthew remained unmoved. “I’ve already had him brought here,” he said, his tone unwavering.

Willow’s eyes widened dramatically, and her tears flowed even harder. “So that’s what you really think of me, Matthew?” she cried. “I’ve never once tried to compete with Athena. I’ve always yielded and accommodated. Isn’t that enough for you?”

Seeing Willow cry so hard, Matthew panicked and fumbled for words. “Hey, don’t cry. That’s not what I meant. I’m just worried you’re too innocent and might get led astray by people around you, so I wanted to give you a heads–up. Don’t overthink it, okay?”

Matthew had been ready to haul Zick in for a direct confrontation, but seeing how truly heartbroken Willow was, he couldn’t bring himself to do it.

Matthew, utterly at a loss for how to console Willow, could only rise to his feet with a helpless sigh. “All right,” he conceded, “this must be a misunderstanding.” With that, Matthew made to leave.

Willow, however, refused to let it go. “Since you’ve already brought him here, Matthew, we might as well get to the bottom of this,” she said with feigned resolve. “Otherwise, you might hear some other nonsense and come accusing me again.”

Willow gave Nona a meaningful look. “Tell Zick to come in,” she murmured.

Nona responded, lifted the curtain, and called out, “Zick, come in and answer.”

Moments later, a slender, nervous–looking servant boy entered and bowed deeply. “Your humble servant greets Miss

Monson and Sir Monson.”

Willow sobbed, her voice trembling with tears as she accused Zick, “I’ve always treated you well. Why would you frame me like this? What reason did you have to tattle to Matthew about Athena?”

Zick frantically waved his hands and swore on his life, “Sir Monson, Miss Monson is being wronged. This was all my own doing. I just couldn’t stand by and blabbed before you. If you must punish someone, punish me alone.”

With that, he apologized nonstop.

Willow sat aside, dabbing at her tears, while the whole room, mistress and servants alike, burst into exaggerated sobs.

Watching this chaotic scene unfold before him, Matthew felt nothing but frustration and deep regret. He thought, ‘I was too rash. How could I have doubted Willow just because of a few words from Athena?‘

Nona also spoke up for Willow, her voice tinged with grievance. “Just now, Miss Monson said your boots are worn out, Sir Monson, and she even asked me to make you a new pair.”

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Chapter 225

Upon hearing Nona’s words, Matthew’s gaze instinctively flickered to the table. Sure enough, several boot patterns were neatly arranged on the table.

For a moment, Matthew hated himself. He rushed to comfort Willow, saying, “It’s all my fault. I was being an idiot. Willow, please don’t take it to heart, okay?”

Willow sniffled and nodded, her voice trembling with feigned vulnerability. “I could never blame you, Matthew. You’re the best brother in the world. But please don’t do this again. It would shatter me.”

“Yes, it’s all my fault.” Matthew nodded frantically, his heart wrenching with guilt.

After placating Willow for a while longer, Matthew finally took his leave.

As soon as Matthew left, Willow finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Nona whispered, “Lady Willow, good thing you originally planned to make a pair of shoes for Lord Osborne, but now it seems she’ll have to make them for Sir Monson first.”

Willow looked at Nona gratefully. “Nona, what would I ever do without you?”

“Miss Monson, you are so kind–hearted and always treat me well. Naturally, my loyalty will always be with you,” said Nona.

“You can rest assured,” Willow said reassuringly, dangling the carrot of promotion before Nona. “Once I marry into the Osborne family, I’ll make you head maid.”

Nona’s eyes lit up with excitement, and she quickly thanked her. But a faint blush crept across her cheeks.

‘A mere head maid? That’s nowhere near what I’m after,‘ Nona thought to herself, a hint of disdain flashing in her eyes. “Lord Osborne is so dashing and handsome, every girl’s dream husband. Honestly, even being his concubine would be worth it.‘

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