The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 341

Athena’s words cut through Eloise’s hypocrisy like a sharp blade.

Ever since Kurtis’s downfall, Eloise insisted on being addressed as a member of the Monson family in public.

Within the Monson family, she forbade anyone from mentioning her maiden name, not even the servants were allowed to bear her maiden name.

Athena just couldn’t comprehend it. Even though her grandfather had been convicted, the king had made it clear that Eloise wouldn’t be implicated.

Athena thought, ‘Why does Eloise want to cut off all ties with them? My heart aches for Grandfather.

When Eloise married into the Monson family, Grandfather prepared the most generous wedding gift for her.

‘Although I never witnessed the legendary scene myself, I’d heard all the stories in the estate and even seen the treasures in Eloise’s treasury.

‘Grandfather truly cherished her.

Yet Eloise never spared a thought for him, her indifference is chilling to the bone.

Eloise was utterly humiliated. Her well–maintained complexion was now clouded with panic.

Her chest heaved as she gritted her teeth and snapped, “You know nothing! It’s not your place to lecture me,” she declared.

In her fury, she didn’t even refer to herself as Athena’s mother.

Instead, she resorted to her status to suppress Athena.

But Athena couldn’t care less.

She’d kept these words bottled up for so long, finally voicing them brought her real relief.

Athena stepped forward, casting a contemptuous look at Eloise. She said, “You may choose to be ungrateful, but I won’t. Though I didn’t see much of Grandfather, I know he was a man of integrity.

“He would wear the same clothes for five years, and there wasn’t a single decent piece of furniture in the house. How could such a person possibly be involved in embezzlement?

“I swear I’ll get to the bottom of this and clear Grandfather’s name.”

Eloise stumbled back a step under Athena’s unyielding gaze, her face paling as she stammered incoherently, “You… you’re courting death!”

“Why so frightened, Lady Eloise?” Athena said coldly, “I’ve already cut all ties with the Monson family. Even if I’m courting death, it won’t drag you down with me.”

Lady Eloise stood frozen, her eyes wide with terror. “That case was buried years ago, even the Emperor forbids even mentioning it! Do you have a death wish?”

“What’s the matter? Scared now?” Athena caught the panic in Eloise’s eyes.

She’d always been so poised and dignified, Athena had never seen her lose her composure like this before.

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But just the mention of investigating Kurtis’s case left Eloise utterly terrified.

“What is she so afraid of?‘ Athena wondered.

Athena took another step forward, her gaze sharp. “You know something, don’t you? Tell me.”

Eloise recoiled as if struck by lightning, letting out a panicked scream as she stumbled back two steps, shaking her head frantically. “I don’t know! I don’t know anything!” she cried, her voice trembling with fear.

Willow rushed to embrace her mother, soothing her, “Mother, are you alright?”

She shot Athena a sharp look and raised her voice, “Stop asking! You’ll terrify Mother!”

“Oh, really?” Athena sneered. “After weathering so many storms, just a few words are enough to frighten you like this, Lady Eloise? I didn’t realize you were so fragile.”

Though Eloise was visibly shaken, what stood out even more was the rage in her eyes.

Athena saw her expression with perfect clarity.

She was just putting on an act, pretending to be hysterical to avoid facing the truth.

With Willow’s support, Eloise scrambled into the carriage.

They soon fled in disarray.

Athena stood silently at the doorway, watching their retreating figures vanish from sight.

Her lips curved into a smile laced with frost.

‘To disregard one’s own father, to even forget his birthday, who’s the real monster here?‘ she thought.

“Athena,” Michael’s deep voice came from behind.

Athena turned to look at him and saw his brows knitted tightly together.

Chapter 342