The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 266

Ferris had never been so intimate with a woman before.

He never realized just how delicate a woman’s wrist could be.

Under his palm, her skin felt as smooth as the finest jewel, soft, flawless, and warm.

It was exquisitely smooth.

The gentle touch sent a burning sensation through his hand, making his heart race.

“Atheny.” His voice came out rough and husky, barely more than a whisper.

Even those usually mesmerizing peach blossom eyes were now clouded with desire,

like fireworks exploding in his gaze, dazzling and vibrant.

Athena looked at Ferris, feeling a bit lost and flustered.

As Ferris’s handsome face drew closer, an ill–timed voice suddenly broke the moment for both of them.

“Miss Monson, Mr. Mcgee, dinner’s ready!” Trina’s loud voice snapped them back to reality.

It was as if a clap of thunder had jolted them awake.

Their wide–eyed gazes met for a heartbeat before both dissolved into laughter.

Ferris cleared his throat awkwardly. “Well then, shall we go to dinner?”

“Oh! Yes, of course,” Athena replied, just as flustered.

As the two stepped out of the room together, Trina noticed their rosy cheeks and muttered, “Is it hot today?”

It was nearly November, and the weather had been overcast with a chill in the air.

Yet both of them were blushing.

Trina was quite troubled by it.

Still puzzled, Trina focused on setting the table.

At the table, the atmosphere felt a little awkward.

Athena nibbled at her food while Ferris kept glancing her way, clearly wrestling with something unsaid.

“Something on your mind?” Athena finally asked.

Ferris nodded and served her some food.

“Mother has approved our marriage,” he said.

Athena’s lips curved into a smile. “Then why the long face?”

Ferris looked at her with gentle affection and sighed, a touch of exasperation in his voice. “Year–end is approaching, but

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Chapter 266

there’s trouble with the business in Nimbial. I’m the only one left to handle everything at home. I’m stretched too thin.”

The Mcgee family operated a vast business empire, including coffee, leather goods, jewelry, and more, spanning diverse

industries.

They had shops in every state.

These were usually managed by trusted stewards.

But Nimbial was far from Pidence City.

If anything went wrong there, Ferris had no choice but to personally make the trip.

Athena didn’t know much about business, but she understood that the Mcgee family’s enterprises were vast, and it must be exhausting for Ferris to manage everything alone.

“How about I go with you?” she asked tentatively.

But Ferris shook his head. “The long journey would be exhausting, and you’re a delicate woman, it’s too much for you. Besides, there’s something important I need you to handle for me.”

“Of course, just tell me,” Athena replied quickly, her eyes full of sincerity.

Seeing her earnestness, Ferris let out a soft chuckle. “My mother is in Pidence City, and I worry about her. Every winter, her cough flares up and she suffers a lot. I’d like you to look after her for me.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll take care of things here in Pidence City,” Athena promised.

“Then I can rest easy,” Ferris said, giving her a knowing smile.

“But what about you?” Athena asked, her voice full of concern. “You’re still hurt, are you sure you can handle this?”

Ferris just waved it off. “I’ve survived years when I was barely hanging on. Now that I’m mostly better, this is a piece of cake.”

“How did you get through those years?” Athena pressed, not just out of curiosity, but out of real worry for him.

Most people that sick wouldn’t even be able to get out of bed.

But Ferris had managed to travel across four states while still ill.

That kind of grit was beyond what most people could endure.

Ferris didn’t want to dwell on the hardships of the past.

Mainly, he didn’t want Athena to worry.

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