The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 241

Chapter 241

Athena rose to her feet, a mocking smile playing on her lips. “You’re a family, and I’m the troublemaker. Since that’s the case, let’s sever all family ties.”

The room instantly fell silent, so silent that one could hear a pin drop.

Everyone stared at Athena in utter shock, unable to believe what they’d heard.

‘How could Athena say something like severing family ties?‘ they thought.

Willow’s eyes darted furtively before she lowered her head.

She bit her lip and put her hands down.

Though she appeared grief–stricken, she pricked up her ears, keenly tuned to every word.

Henry’s expression shifted between angry and shocked.

He thundered, “Absurd! You’re a member of the Monson family. How could you even think of severing family ties?”

Athena scoffed, her bright eyes fixed on Henry like blades.

“In what way am I a member of the Monson family?” she asked. “Beyond this family name, do I resemble a Monson family girl in any way? When the world called me a country bumpkin with no manners, did any of you defend me?”

Henry’s heart skipped a beat. ‘Yes, it seems that we have never defended her. But with all my official duties, how would I have had time for such things?‘

Athena caught his expression and let out a cold laugh. “But when Willow gets barely a scratch, you all swarm around her. Even the family physician stays closest to her courtyard.”

The room fell deathly silent again.

Nicolas slowly tightened his hand, trying to justify. “Willow’s always been weak and pampered her whole life—”

Before he could finish, Athena cut in sharply, “Oh, right, she’s delicate, so I’m supposed to live like a weed while she enjoys a life of luxury. I have to watch and never fight for anything, or else I’m the jealous one, right?

“Did you ever care for me when I caught a cold? Through those unbearable days and nights, the ones who stayed by my side were Thalia and Macy.

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“When I got bullied, all you did was scold me for lacking manners and offending important people. Only Grandmother wiped my tears and gave me comfort.”

Athena was only stating the truth, yet her words hit like a ton of bricks to everyone present.

Eloise felt as if something had ripped her heart open. She looked at Athena with red eyes. Then, she said, “Athena, it is all my fault. From now on, I’ll treat you well if you still acknowledge me as your mother.”

Nicolas also let out a sigh. “I was only strict with you because I don’t want you to make mistakes. If that’s not enough, I’ll look after you more from now on.”

In his opinion, Athena was throwing a childish tantrum, and she would come around with some coaxing.

‘Sever family ties?‘ he thought. ‘How absurd. As a woman, where could she go without her family? And what would people

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Chapter 241

think of her?‘

Even Henry condescended to lower himself for once.

His gaze toward Athena softened with a rare warmth as he said, “Alright, enough with the childish tantrum. Why dredge up ancient history? Now that we’ve cleared the air, I will make it up to you properly.”

The Monson family had never had anyone sever family ties.

And he certainly wouldn’t allow Athena to be the first.

‘She’s just a child, speaking out of anger, nothing more,’ he thought.

Willow immediately chimed in, her voice trembling as she looked at Athena with tear–filled eyes. “Athena, it’s all my fault. I stole the love and attention that should have been yours. I swear I’ll never do it again. From now on, I’ll always step aside for you, okay?

“Please don’t talk about severing ties anymore. It would break all our hearts.”

Looking at those hypocritical faces, Athena nearly laughed out loud mockingly.

“They think they can sweep all my suffering under the rug with just a few hollow words,‘ she thought. ‘Their so–called promises to change? Same old story. Good thing I’d never believed them anyway!’

Athena let out a soft, almost mocking laugh, drawing–puzzled stares from everyone around her.

Then they watched as she pulled out her hairpin, letting her long hair cascade down.

She picked up the dagger and raised it to her hair.

Just then, an aged but resolute voice rang out from outside. “Hold on!”

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