The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 349

Chapter 349

The carriage came to a halt before the palace gates.

Athena and Xander alighted from the carriage together.

Athena instantly felt two heavy gazes clinging to her at the same time.

To their left stood the Mcgee family’s carriage.

Ferris gave Athena a slight nod from a distance.

Ferris’s eyes, already shadowed with gloom, darkened further at the sight of Athena, yet he forced a strained smile when their gazes met.

Gale gave Athena an apologetic smile before hastily pulling Ferris away…

The other gaze belonged to Michael.

Michael merely cast Athena a fleeting glance before deliberately averting his gaze.

Standing beside him was the elegantly dressed Willow.

Willow clung intimately to Michael’s arm. Upon seeing Athena, she performed a respectful curtsy and called out, “Athena, what a pleasant coincidence.”

Willow called out with forced courtesy, her voice devoid of any warmth.

On the contrary, her voice carried a hint of fear.

When Athena’s gaze fell upon her, Willow instinctively shrank behind Michael.

Athena let out a cold sneer at Willow’s timid demeanor. “Miss Monson, why are you so afraid of me? Could it be you’ve done something shameful and now fear I’ll hold you accountable?”

“No, that’s not it!” Willow stammered, her whole body trembling as if she might burst into tears. “I’m just scared you’ll be angry with me. That’s why I acted this way.”

As she spoke, she tugged gently at Michael’s sleeve, gazing up at him with pleading eyes.

Michael addressed Athena, saying, “Willow is rather timid. If she has in any way offended Your Ladyship, I hope you’ll not

take it to heart.”

Willow felt a quiet thrill as Michael stood up for her.

“Thank you, Michael,” Willow murmured timidly from behind him.

Before Athena could speak, Xander’s deep voice sounded right by her ear. “With such timidity, Lord Osborne, I advise you to keep her at home. Should she say or do anything improper at the party and cause trouble, the Osborne family would suffer the consequences.”

Xander fixed Willow with an icy glare, his expression full of warning.

Willow felt Xander’s piercing glare strike through her like a physical force, as if it could penetrate straight to her heart.

Just like that time when Athena had pressed a hairpin to her throat, nearly ending her life.

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Chapter 34Y

The pain in her chest still throbbed faintly. Willow turned deathly pale and didn’t even dare to breathe.

Michael bowed respectfully to Xander and replied calmly, “Thank you for your guidance, Your Highness. Since I was the one who brought Willow into the palace, I will take full responsibility for her conduct and ensure she causes no trouble.”

“Very well, then.” Xander took Athena’s hand and strode confidently into the palace.

Michael watched Athena walk away, an unspeakable ache twisting in his chest.

He’d already wronged Willow, so he mustn’t let her get hurt again.

Michael gave Willow a gentle smile and took her hand. “Let’s go inside,” he said softly.

Willow saw the tenderness in his eyes and nodded eagerly. “Yes.”

That night, Willow realized her gamble had paid off.

Michael caught up to her and promised solemnly, “Don’t worry, I’ll take responsibility for you. We’ll hold the wedding right after Christmas.”

The wedding invitations had already been sent out, and the new date was set.

They intended to formally announce their wedding to all at this party.

Willow would be the future lady of the Osborne family.

Instead of sharing Michael with another woman, she would be his official wife.

Willow’s heart was bursting with joy. She thought, ‘If I’d known winning over Michael would be this easy, I would’ve done it ages ago.

The palace party was held in Grand Hall.

Athena and Xander entered together.

The moment they entered, all eyes in the hall were instantly drawn to them.

They were a perfect golden couple.

This thought flashed through everyone’s mind in unison.

After a momentary surprise, everyone turned to scrutinize Athena.

At the sight, some gasped in surprise, others were captivated, while a few failed to conceal their envy.