The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 230

Time flew by. Before anyone realized it, Willow’s wedding day was just around the corner.

The entire duke’s estate was bustling with activity, with everyone scrambling to attend to Willow’s every need.

Congratulations poured in as noble ladies streamed into the estate, each fawning over Willow and vying for her favor.

Meanwhile, Athena was left in the shadows, all but forgotten.

It seemed everyone had forgotten that Athena was the trueborn lady of the duke’s estate.

Athena couldn’t care less about being sidelined. All she wanted now was to find out who had hurt Macy and make the person pay.

Athena’s daily outings had long since caught Matthew’s attention.

That day, as usual, Athena stepped out of the estate.

Matthew ordered his trusted aide, “Follow Athena and see what she’s really up to. If she dares disgrace our family name, she won’t get away with it.”

Matthew’s trusted aide nodded and discreetly trailed after Athena’s carriage.

The carriage arrived at a small courtyard residence in the southern district of Pidence City.

Athena stepped out of the carriage. Matthew’s trusted aide watched her disappear inside, then stole a furtive glance through the gate.

In the courtyard, he saw Macy taking slow, unsteady steps.

Recognizing Macy instantly, Matthew’s trusted aide rushed back to report to him.

With Willow’s wedding approaching, her quarters had become the liveliest place in the entire estate, buzzing with activity and laughter these days.

Matthew had to wait until Willow was alone before he could speak with her.

Looking at Willow’s beaming face, Matthew sighed wistfully, “Just a few more days and you’ll be married. I’ll miss you dearly.”

“Matthew, even after I get married, I can still come back and visit,” said Willow.

“Once you become Lord Osborne’s wife, you can’t just come back whenever you wish. The Osborne family will need you to run things as its mistress. I doubt you’ll even find the time to visit us,” Matthew sighed.

“Matthew, no way,” Willow said, unable to suppress her beaming smile.

She had waited what felt like a lifetime for this day to finally arrive. Just the thought of marrying Michael made Willow so excited she couldn’t sleep at night.

While the two were chatting merrily, a maid entered and announced, “Sir Monson, Andy is waiting outside for your

instructions.”

This was Willow’s private chambers, hardly appropriate for male servant to enter.

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Chapter 230

Matthew stood up and said to Willow, “I’ll step out for a moment.”

Noticing that Matthew seemed preoccupied, Willow quietly followed him.

Andy reported respectfully, “Sir Monson, I’ve looked into what you asked. The person in that courtyard is Macy.”

Willow had just reached the doorway when she overheard those words.

Instantly, all color drained from Willow’s face. An icy dread crept up from Willow’s feet, spreading through her whole body until she felt frozen to the core.

Matthew knew Macy. A look of confusion crossed his face as he said, “I know this maid. Wasn’t she supposed to have left the estate to get married? What is she doing in the southern district of Pidence City?”

“I can’t say for sure. The courtyard is heavily guarded,” Andy replied. After a moment’s thought, he added, “Macy seems seriously injured. She even needs help to walk.”

A wave of anxiety surged through Matthew. “Damn, this is bad,” he thought. “Athena is closest to Macy–for whatever Macy’s suffered, she’ll surely hold the entire estate accountable.”

Willow trembled so hard with fear that her legs nearly gave way. She staggered out unsteadily, her eyes red–rimmed with unshed tears, and called out in a trembling voice, “Matthew?”

Matthew spun around in confusion, only to see Willow’s face crumpling as if she were barely holding back tears.

Tears welled up in Willow’s eyes, her face a portrait of aristocratic distress.

“Willow, what’s wrong?” Matthew asked, his voice full of concern.

As Willow spoke, she could no longer hold back. Tears streamed down Willow’s face, each drop piercing Matthew’s heart.

Matthew reached out, concern creasing his brow. “Hey there, what’s with the tears all of a sudden, Willow?”

With so many prying eyes around, Matthew quickly shielded Willow and ushered her back into her chambers.

Willow collapsed onto the chaise lounge, her delicate frame wracked with sobs. “Matthew, please, you have to save me,” she pleaded, her voice trembling with desperation.

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