The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 274

Fiona cast an anxious glance at the gatekeeper, hoping he would make an exception.

With an icy expression, the gatekeeper ignored the money altogether and shook his head. “Miss Monson doesn’t receive outsiders,” he said firmly.

Though Fiona didn’t identify herself, the gatekeepers immediately recognized the distinctive carriage of the Monson family.

These were all Ferris’s trusted subordinates, who naturally knew all about Athena’s situation.

Cast out as she was, they knew Athena would not possibly meet with anyone from the Monson family.

Fiona rushed forward a couple of steps, her voice quivering with desperation as she pleaded, “Please, I beg you to announce me. Though I am a member of the Monson family, right now I’m just a mother. My son Cedric has had a raging fever for days that won’t break. I beg the miracle healer to save his life!”

In the bitter cold, Fiona clutched her frail child Cedric in her arms, presenting a truly heart–wrenching sight.

The gatekeeper hesitated, by the rules, he knew he shouldn’t announce her.

But seeing the frail Cedric, the gatekeeper’s heart softened with pity.

After a moment’s hesitation, his heart softened. “Alright,” he said, “I’ll let Miss Monson know you’re here, but I can’t promise she’ll see you.”

“Thank you, kind sir!” Tears of joy welled up in Fiona’s eyes as she hugged her child tightly, her eyes red. “Cedric, you’re going to be okay now.”

Inside the house, Athena’s smile instantly faded upon hearing the gatekeeper’s words.

Athena waved her hand weakly and said, her voice flat, “No, I won’t see her.”

Athena thought to herself, ‘I want nothing to do with anyone from the Monson family.’

The gatekeeper returned after receiving Athena’s orders.

“My lady says she will not see you,” the gatekeeper announced.

The joy instantly drained from Fiona’s face. “Young man,” she asked urgently, “did you tell Miss Monson that I’m not here as Mrs. Monson? I’m just a mother begging for help.”

The gatekeeper looked troubled and said, “Madam, why do you have to trouble Miss Monson again? All she wants now is a little peace and quiet.”

“But…” Fiona tried to protest, her voice trailing off in helplessness.

“Madam, you’d best be on your way now,” the gatekeeper said impatiently.

Fiona took two dejected steps back, but her gaze remained fixed on the courtyard, unwilling to give up.

Fiona thought desperately, ‘Only Athena can save my son now.

‘If I go back empty–handed, Nicolas will surely give me hell.‘”

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After much deliberation, Fiona stood her ground, clutching her child.

I’ll stay here until she sees me!” With that, Fiona began lowering herself to her knees in desperation.

Just then, an elderly voice echoed from within the courtyard, “Madam.”

Fiona looked up to see the tightly shut gates swing open.

Marquita Huynh and Trina emerged from the courtyard.

Ever since Athena left, Marquita had loyally stayed by her side.

Marquita was Margaret’s trusted attendant, whom Fiona immediately recognized.

Seeing Marquita step out, Fiona’s face lit up. “Does this mean Miss Monson is willing to see me?” she asked eagerly.

Marquita offered a polite smile, though her eyes stayed cold and unreadable.

She said, “Mrs. Monson, you’re forcing Miss Monson’s hand.”

Fiona’s face flushed with shame as she stammered, “I… I truly had no other choice.”

Marquita glanced at the child in Fiona’s arms. Cedric looked deathly pale, the very picture of illness.

A flicker of conflicted compassion crossed Marquita’s face.

She said, “In this vast world, is there truly no illness that can be treated without Miss Monson’s intervention? If Nicolas is willing, he could easily summon imperial physicians to the estate.”

Marquita’s words struck a nerve, leaving Fiona too ashamed to even meet her gaze.

Marquita didn’t mince words and continued, “Mrs. Monson, by staying here with your child at Miss Monson’s door today, you’re putting her in an impossible position. Those who don’t know the truth would think she is unbearably arrogant or downright cruel.

“Lady Athena never seeks conflict, but if pushed to the brink, she won’t hesitate to cast aside all decorum.

“Since Miss Monson is too proper to confront you directly, let me speak plainly on her behalf.”

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