The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 231

Seeing her distraught state, Matthew frowned. “Willow, what nonsense is this? Why would you need me to save you?”

Seeing this, Nona quickly explained, “Sir Monson, you see, after Lady Athena was sent to the military camp, Lady Eloise originally wanted to sell off both Macy and Thalia. It was only because Lady Willow pleaded for mercy that they were kept

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“But those two maids had sticky fingers. They stole Lady Willow’s jewelry. Lady Willow tried to cover for them, but when Lady Eloise found out, she had them both sold off as punishment.”

A trace of doubt crossed Matthew’s mind. “This seems unlikely. I’ve known Macy. She’s always been honest and dutiful. How could she steal anything?”

Seeing his skepticism, Nona quickly added, “Perhaps they just wanted to stand up for Lady Athena’s honor.”

“Oh,” Matthew murmured thoughtfully, recalling when Athena had been punished with military camp duty, the two maids wailed and pleaded desperately, proclaiming Athena’s innocence to anyone who would listen.

They were practically accusing Willow of framing Athena.

“That would explain it then, Matthew thought to himself. After all, both of them are utterly devoted to Athena.

Matthew thought for a moment, then caught Willow’s meaning. “You’re afraid Athena will trace this back to you?”

Clutching her handkerchief, Willow burst into tears, her voice trembling with grievance. “Matthew, Athena has always held a grudge against me. If she ever finds out the truth behind all this, no matter how, I still couldn’t clear my name.”

Nona, her eyes red with unshed tears, spoke up indignantly for Willow. “Lady Willow has endured hardship after hardship in the duke’s estate, always treading carefully.

“Now that she’s finally about to see better days, if Lady Athena uncovers anything, she’ll surely make Lady Willow pay.”

Nona bowed deeply before Matthew, her voice trembling with sincerity. “Sir Monson, you weren’t here back then, so you don’t know what really happened.

“Now, Lady Willow has nowhere else to turn. You’re the only one in this estate who can protect her. Please help Lady Willow.”

With Willow and Nona piling on the emotional pressure like this, Matthew had no choice but to get involved.

Matthew clenched his fist, a look of disdain flickering across his face. “So this is what all the fuss is about? Just a worthless maid. Have her sent away and be done with it.”

“Just focus on your wedding, Willow. I’ll take care of everything else.” Matthew reassured her.

Willow nodded gratefully, her eyes shining with admiration. “Matthew, I’ll always cherish your kindness to me.”

Willow’s adoring gaze made Matthew flush with a mix of pride and bashfulness.

Nicolas was the pride of the duke’s estate. As the eldest son, he naturally enjoyed Henry’s highest regard.

As for Matthew, the second son with only a minor official position, Henry paid him far less attention.

But Willow was different. She idolized him. She would call him in that sweet, adoring voice of hers, treating him as her rock and protector.

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Chapter 231

Willow’s admiration gave Matthew the sense of purpose he’d always craved.

Since childhood, Matthew had always granted Willow’s every wish. As always, this time was no different.

“Thank you, Matthew,” Willow murmured again, her red–rimmed eyes gazing up at him with pitiful adoration, a look that sent a wave of gratified pride through Matthew.

Without another word, Matthew strode out of the estate. Following Andy’s lead, he had no trouble locating the small courtyard residence in the southern district of Pidence City.

Matthew waited patiently until Athena had departed before stepping forward.

Guards stood watch at the courtyard gate. A guard stepped forward, eyeing Matthew warily and blocking his path. “Who goes there?”

Matthew flashed his badge. “Pidence Guards–official business. Stand aside.”

The guards‘ faces paled with fear, and they immediately yielded the way.

Matthew swaggered in with his men in tow. His sudden arrival sent shockwaves through the courtyard.

The maids cowered in fear, while Macy, her face filled with terror, retreated step by step.

“Macy, what are you doing here?” Matthew demanded in an official tone. “You were caught stealing before–by rights, you should have had a hand chopped off and been sold into servitude.

“But because you were Athena’s maid and had protected her since childhood, I let you off the hook.”

Matthew continued, “To think you’d dare come back to Pidence City to poison her mind. Don’t expect any mercy from me.”

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