The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 315

Chapter 315

Chapter 315

“Athena…” Henry gasped, his face contorted in horror as he looked at Athena, eyes brimming with desperate pleading. “You’re my daughter, I cherish you more than anything! How could I ever treat you this way?”

With trembling hands, Henry produced a few sweets from his sleeve, his face a mask of sorrow. “Athena, I remember how much you loved sweets. These were all prepared for you. This is just a misunderstanding. Please explain the truth to Prince Xander.”

Athena stood firm and retorted, “From the moment I stepped into the Monson family, you’ve resorted to every means to block me. Had I not stood my ground, I’d be left utterly helpless.”

Henry’s face turned ashen with despair, his hands dropping limply to his sides.

Athena was dead set against the Monson family.

Xander’s expression turned icy as he declared in a low, commanding voice, “Henry, you knowingly broke the law, making your crime even more severe. I forfeit six months of your salary as punishment and to set an example for others.”

“Yes, I accepts the punishment.” Henry closed his eyes briefly, a wave of desolation washing over him.

Henry thought bitterly, ‘A child not raised under my own roof will never truly be considered my own.

‘I’ve never once mistreated Athena. I’ve cherished her like a precious jewel and raised her with utmost care all these years.

‘Yet in return, she turns around and bites the hand that fed her.

‘How utterly heartless!

Xander gave Athena a meaningful look. “Come with me.”

That look from Xander made Athena’s hair stand on end.

Athena had never feared anything. Yet when it came to Xander, she felt an indescribable dread she couldn’t explain.

It wasn’t because of the immense power he wielded, but rather his natural, overwhelming presence that made people feel intensely uneasy.

Athena murmured a soft acknowledgment and followed behind Xander.

She boarded the carriage with him.

After boarding the carriage, Athena pressed herself into the farthest corner, instinctively putting as much space as possible between herself and Xander.

Xander noticed her guarded look, his brow furrowing slightly. “Are you really that afraid of me?”

His voice softened considerably. Puzzled, Athena looked up at him and unexpectedly caught a glimpse of a trace of tenderness that would have escaped most observers.

But before Athena could examine it more closely, that fleeting tenderness in Xander’s eyes vanished.

Athena shook her head and said softly, “I’m not afraid of you, Prince Xander. What I feel is nothing but respect and awe.”

A twinge of disappointment flickered in Xander’s heart. He let out a quiet huff and said nothing more.

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Chapter 13

An uneasy silence filled the carriage. Neither spoke a word.

The only sound was the steady creaking of the carriage wheels.

The ride wasn’t long, but for Athena, every minute felt like an eternity.

Athena thought for a moment, then said sincerely, “Thank you, Prince Xander, for helping me today. I’m deeply grateful.”

Xander replied dismissively, “I merely happened to be passing by. No need to dwell on it.”

Athena narrowed her eyes in disbelief and thought, ‘Just passing by? Seriously?”

‘Was it really just a coincidence? Somehow, I doubt it.‘

“I won’t forget what you did for me today. I’ll find a way to repay you,” Athena vowed earnestly.

To him, it was nothing worth mentioning, but to Athena, it was nothing short of a life–saving grace.

Xander countered, “No need to wait for another day. The present moment serves just as well.”

Athena looked at him in surprise. Xander said with a faint smile, “I haven’t had much of an appetite lately, and I’ve been craving the oatmeal you made. Would you make it for me again?”

Athena thought to herself in disbelief, “That murky oatmeal? Even beggars would refuse to eat this, but to Xander, it’s a gourmet feast.

Athena felt a pang of guilt. She’d made that oatmeal taste awful on purpose, just to mess with Xander.

Truth be told, aside from her medical skills, she was hopeless at everything else.

Feeling somewhat guilty, Athena offered a sheepish smile to Xander. “Your Highness, perhaps we could choose something else?”

She gave Xander a sheepish smile. “Actually… that oatmeal wasn’t very good.”

Xander gazed at her with profound tenderness, his words laced with meaning. “What I considers good is, by definition, the best.”