The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 264

Chapter 264

The once–deserted courtyard had recently come alive with warmth and activity.

The surroundings were pitch–dark, yet the small courtyard was ablaze with light.

The giant paper–moon decoration was especially eye–catching.

Now and then, Athena’s and Trina’s laughter would ring out, adding to the lively atmosphere in the courtyard.

Athena was sitting on the swing while Trina was pushing it vigorously from behind.

With each strong push from Trina, Athena would gasp in delight.

Such unrestrained, joyful laughter was something she had never known before.

Michael lingered at the courtyard entrance for a good while.

He had thought he could face Athena with perfect composure.

But when he reached the doorstep of her residence, he hesitated.

Michael hadn’t seen such a radiant smile from Athena in ages.

‘I’m afraid barging in might rub Athena the wrong way,‘ he thought, hesitating at the door.

Michael had stood there for two full hours, not daring to make a sound.

The moonlight broke through the clouds, bathing the ground in silvery radiance.

In an instant, darkness gave way to brilliant light.

Trina had sharp eyes. She immediately spotted a figure through the crack in the door.

Ferris intended to post guards around the courtyard, but Athena protested that it would make her feel imprisoned.

So she made him withdraw the guards.

Aside from a few servants and laborers, the courtyard was empty.

As Athena’s personal maid, Trina naturally took it upon herself to guard her.

Without batting an eye, Trina grabbed the stick by the door and flung the door open with force.

Trina raised the stick and swung it wildly at the intruder’s head, yelling, “You shameless creep! Take a good look at yourself! How dare you lust after my lady? I’ll beat you to death…”

She was no weakling, yet the stick froze mid–air despite her powerful swing.

In the light, Trina finally got a clear look at the face of the so–called “creep.”

Trina swallowed the curse she was about to spit out, her face a picture of shock. “Lord Osborne?”

Michael’s face darkened with displeasure, his usual composure giving way to visible unease.

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As a marquis, he was used to being treated with respect and deference.

But being cursed at so viciously by a mere maid, he found himself utterly humiliated.

To make matters worse, Athena had witnessed his entire humiliating situation.

For the first time, Athena didn’t glare at him with icy disdain. Instead, a mischievous smirk played at the corners of her lips as she clearly enjoyed his embarrassment.

Athena smirked and said mockingly, “Who knew Lord Osborne had such peculiar tastes?”

Athena dramatically glanced around, then sneered, “Who would’ve thought you would stoop so low as to sneak into a woman’s house at night, even climbing over the wall? What kind of lowlife does that?”

Of course, Michael hadn’t actually climbed the wall. Athena only said that to deliberately provoke him.

His face turned livid with suppressed anger, but when he caught sight of Athena’s smile, he thought to himself, ‘If it makes her happy, it’s really not such a big deal after all.

‘Better to be scolded by Athena than ignored by her.‘

Any lingering annoyance in Michael’s heart melted away with Athena’s smile.

Michael curved his lips and said, “If it helps ease your temper, what does it matter if you scold me?”

“You’re insane! Absolutely batshit crazy!” Athena’s good mood vanished in an instant.

Trina got the hint and immediately pushed the door to shut it with both hands.

Michael swiftly extended his arm, blocking Trina.

He was so eager that he practically thrust half his body through the doorway, determined to get inside.

Flustered and angry, Trina snapped, “Lord Osborne, what do you think you’re doing?!”

Normally, Trina wouldn’t dare speak to Michael in such a manner.

Now that Athena held the title of the Viscountess and had Ferris’s backing, Trina naturally grew much bolder.

Michael shot Trina a cold, murderous glare. The deadly look in his eyes made her instinctively shrink back several steps in fear.

But Trina clenched her teeth against the fear, refusing to back down.

Athena pulled Trina behind her and glared coldly at Michael. “Get out.”

The murderous glint in Michael’s eyes faded as his gaze turned to Athena, now as gentle as a spring breeze.

“Athena,” Michael said softly, “I came today to make up with you.”

Athena scoffed, “Make up? You really are out of your mind.”

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