Chapter 279
With visible guilt, Willow said, “Brother, during those three years when Athena was in military service, Margaret sent her money every month. But I secretly gave all that money to you, at great risk to myself.”
Willow put on a show of remorse. “I know it’s wrong, but you’re my brother! How could I just stand by and watch my brother wallow in poverty?
“Ever since Athena came back, I’ve been walking on eggshells. Now even Margaret is starting to suspect me…”
Nona chimed in urgently, “The Monson family isn’t what it used to be. Eloise barely has any money left, and with Miss Monson’s delicate position, she can’t keep asking her for money. It would only breed resentment over time.”
Having said this, Nona stole a glance at Willow.
With red–rimmed eyes, Willow gave her an approving look.
Nona’s heart swelled with delight as she pressed on, “Blake, now that Athena has left the estate, perhaps you don’t know, but she’s a miracle healer! Her remedies are worth their weight in gold. Instead of making things difficult for my lady, why not go to Athena? After all, she’s your sister, too.”
“Nona, how could you say that…” Willow hurriedly tried to stop her, her voice trembling with panic. She shot a flustered glance at Blake and pleaded, “Brother, please, I beg you, don’t go after Athena again. Nona’s just making things up, don’t listen to her.”
Nona exclaimed angrily, “Miss Monson, you’re suffering so much, why are you still protecting Athena? If it weren’t for her, you would’ve married into the Osborne family long ago! You may forbid me to speak, but I must say it!
“Athena has latched onto the Mcgee family and now holds ten shops in her hands. Why should she get to live the high life out there…”
With a resounding slap, Willow’s hand shot out dramatically and struck Nona across the face.
Willow glared at Nona and snapped, “Silence, you insolent servant! Have I spoiled you so much that you’ve forgotten your place?”
In a choked, tearful voice, Nona sobbed, “Miss Monson, even if you beat me to death, I must speak out!”
As they kept up their staged quarrel, Blake’s eyes gleamed with greed. He grabbed Nona and demanded, “You serious? That Athena is really some miracle healer?”
“Would I lie? The Mcgee family’s heir was at death’s door, he nearly died! It was Athena who saved him.”
Blake stroked his chin, eyes glinting with greed.
Blake thought to himself, ‘A miracle healer’s remedies are worth their weight in gold, almost impossible to come by!
‘Damn! Who would’ve thought that wench Athena was hiding such deep secrets?‘
Blake couldn’t be bothered with Willow any longer. Without a backward glance, he turned on his heel and strode off.
Willow stepped directly into his path. “Brother, where do you think you’re going?”
Blake shoved Willow aside and barked, “Get out of my way! Since when do I have to report to you where I’m going?”
Willow not only refused to step aside, but put on a solemn face and said, “Athena hates me, and she’ll hate you just the same.
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20
Chapter 279
If you go like this, you won’t even get to see her face, why court disaster?”
Blake’s eyes darted as he feigned agreement. “Got it, got it. Quit nagging!”
Inwardly, Blake sneered, ‘Athena won’t see Willow? That just proves how incompetent they are.
‘No way am I as pathetic as Willow. I’m not some spineless loser like her
With that, he shoved Willow aside and stormed off.
Willow cried anxiously, “Brother, don’t you dare do anything reckless!”
Only when Blake’s figure had disappeared into the distance did a faint, knowing smile finally appear on Willow’s lips.
“Miss Monson,” Nona asked in a hushed voice, “do you think Blake will go looking for Athena?”
Willow shot Nona a look of feigned surprise. “Nona, what are you talking about? How would I know who my brother might go looking for?”
Nona froze momentarily, then caught Willow’s drift.
Nona immediately put on a fawning expression and said obsequiously, “You’re absolutely right, Miss Monson. How silly of me, I must have been confused. We merely came out to buy some rouge today and didn’t meet anyone at all.”
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