The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 258

Chapter 258

At the Monson family.

Henry had been in a foul mood these past few days.

Ever since Athena was banished from the family, Margaret fell gravely ill and never recovered.

Several times he attempted to visit, only to be firmly turned away by Gwen Denison, Margaret’s maidservant.

And then there was his good–for–nothing son, Matthew.

News of Matthew’s affair with Aliza affair had reached the Emperor.

The Emperor stripped him of his position.

Now the Emperor had demoted him to stand guard at the city gates, a humiliating post for a nobleman.

Enraged, Henry had Aliza dragged back to his estate and forced abortion pills down her throat in retribution.

Then he summoned a slave trader and had Aliza sold off.

Eloise wept daily for Athena. In everything she said, she hinted at Henry’s heartlessness.

Eloise wanted Nicolas to bring Athena back, but Nicolas scoffed contemptuously, “She’s the Viscountess now, far too high and mighty to even spare any attention at the mere Monson family.”

They had assumed Athena would fall into destitution after being cast out from the Monson family.

However, she actually managed to marry up and land on her feet.

Nicolas advised Eloise, “Let’s discuss Athena’s situation later. For now, we must focus on Willow. Her wedding arrangements cannot go wrong again.”

Eloise nodded through her tears, knowing full well where priorities lay.

Willow’s wedding arrangements were now the family’s top priority.

Lately, Athena had been giving everyone in the Monson family the cold shoulder. Letting her stay outside for a while might help temper her rebellious nature.

Without the family’s protection, maybe she’d finally realize just how much family really meant.

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They felt that Athenaa was too stubborn for her own good.

From then on, Eloise stopped dwelling on Athena altogether.

Later that evening, Nicolas made his way to Fiona’s quarters.

Fiona’s face lit up with delight when she saw Nicolas arrive. She hurried over to personally help him out of his outer robe.

She asked, “Have your schedule lightened these days? What brings you here?”

Fiona always wore a gentle smile, yet Nicolas’s gaze upon her was nothing but detached indifference.

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Chapter 258

Nicolas disdained Fiona. Her gentle and virtuous nature meant nothing to him.

The only worth Fiona held in Nicolas’s eyes was her family’s vast fortune.

At their wedding, her wedding gifts overflowed with riches.

Otherwise, a mere merchant’s daughter like her would never have been allowed to wed into the Monson family and even bear his children.

Nicolas took Fiona’s attentive service for granted. After she helped him out of his robe, he sat down on without a word.

From the moment he entered, Nicolas hadn’t granted Fiona so much as a direct glance.

Fiona had grown accustomed to his indifference. She busied herself, handling everything personally.

Fiona busily attended to his every need, serving drink with meticulous care.

After days of utter exhaustion, Nicolas finally felt at ease. He then asked, “How has Cedric been these past few days?”

Fiona, noticing his weary expression, offered a gentle, reassuring smile. “Cedric is much better now, no more crying or tantrums. He’s become far easier to care for.”

Nicolas gave her an approving look. “It must have been hard on you.”

It was the most ordinary remark imaginable, yet Fiona found her eyes growing moist.

Fiona shook her head, looking at Nicolas with admiration. “It’s what I should do.”

Nicolas nodded slightly, though his brows furrowed.

Whenever Nicolas was troubled or hesitant to speak, Fiona could always sense it right away.

True to form, Fiona gently inquired, “Is something troubling you?”

Nicolas picked up his drink, took a sip, and sighed wearily. “Grandma has fallen ill, leaving all the affairs of the estate to Mother. But as you know, her constitution is too delicate to bear such strain. Before long, you’ll have to shoulder the responsibilities of the household yourself.”

At this point, Nicolas seemed almost embarrassed.

He addedm “It’s just… we are under severe financial strain…”

Before he could finish, Fiona eagerly interjected, “So this is what’s been troubling you? Since I became your wife, it’s only right that I share your burdens. Please, leave the matters to me. Rest assured, I won’t disappoint you.”

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