The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 338

Eloise let out a relieved sigh. “Thank goodness Michael showed up. If you’d gotten soaked, you could’ve caught a chill.”

Eloise glared at the courtyard, her voice sharp with anger. “I know you’re in there. Even if you don’t want to see us, that’s no excuse to throw dirty water at people!”

Needless to say, Eloise was addressing Athena.

Marquita instinctively looked at Athena and noticed that her face was slightly pale.

Though Athena had severed ties with the Monson family, their persistent pestering couldn’t help but aggravate her.

Marquita opened the main gate and stepped outside, offering Eloise a perfunctory curtsy. With a hint of sarcasm, she said, “Please forgive me, Lady Eloise. I may have been out of line. I just heard some stray cats in heat making a racket outside. It was truly unbearable, so I tossed some water to chase them away. I never meant to offend you or Lady Willow.”

Marquita gave a perfunctory bow, her face devoid of deference. “If I have caused any offense, I humbly offer my apologies to you.”

Marquita gave a perfunctory bow, her face devoid of deference.

“How… how dare you speak to me like that?” Willow’s already wounded expression twisted further in distress.

Willow’s carefully restrained tears finally spilled over at Marquita’s words.

Willow’s eyes were still red from crying. “Mother and I just wanted to visit Athena. Even if she doesn’t want to see us, does she really have to stoop so low?”

Michael stared coldly into the courtyard and said in a deep voice, “Miss Monson, are you just going to hide in there and avoid facing this?”

Athena knew there was no avoiding this confrontation.

Left with no choice, Athena opened the door and stepped out.

The moment Athena appeared, Michael’s eyes lit up, a spark of delight flashing through his gaze.

He thought, ‘Athena has finally come out to see me.

‘Those words were just to provoke her.

‘It wasn’t like I meant to give her a hard time.‘

Michael stepped forward and offered Athena a warm smile. “It’s Christmas Eve. I came to accompany you tonight.”

As he spoke, Michael eagerly presented the two jars of plum wine to Athena, offering them like prized treasures.

“You’ve always wanted me to stay up with you during Christmas Eve in the past, haven’t you? I was always too busy before… but now I finally can.” Michael locked his eyes on Athena, eagerly awaiting her response.

Willow looked at Michael in utter devastation, her body swaying, she nearly lost her balance.

Willow’s gaze darted between Michael and Athena, her heart shattering as if pierced by a thousand arrows.

Willow curled her lips into a small, forced smile and murmured in agreement, “Yes, Athena. Once you and Michael

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Chapter 338

reconcile, I’ll get along peacefully with you. I promise I won’t be jealous of you two.”

“Get along peacefully?” Athena let out a bitter, disbelieving laugh. “Are you two for real?”

The mocking glint in her eyes pierced Michael’s heart like a real blade.

Michael realized with a sinking heart that Athena no longer cared for him.

Michael thought, ‘But I’ve never once considered giving up on her. After all, the only reason I married Willow was because my family forced my hand.

‘But I will have Athena run the family eventually!‘

Michael lowered his gaze, concealing the emotions in his eyes. He continued softly, “Athena, I know you’re still upset. But tonight, all I need is a word from you. If you’re willing, I’ll do anything to get you away from Prince Xander.“.

Michael knew Athena disliked Xander. Otherwise, she would not have moved out of the Xander Manor.

‘If things didn’t work out between her and Ferris, then maybe I still have a shot,’ Michael thought, hope flickering in his chest.

Now, all he needed was an affirmation from Athena.

Athena felt the frustration of talking to a brick wall. She glared at Michael and retorted, “Who do you think you are? Who

harm? told you I needed saving? What makes you think Prince Xander ever meant me any

“On the contrary! Every time I was in trouble, it was Prince Xander who came to my rescue. He saved me from danger. How dare you smear his reputation like this?”

For some reason, she just couldn’t stand hearing anyone speak ill of Xander.

Even though she had never planned to marry him.