The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 350

Chapter 350

“A castoff like her, and she still managed to become Mrs. Cavendish?” Lizzie sneered, looking down on Athena with undisguised malice. Even after Athena became Xander’s wife, Lizzie’s contempt for her never faded.

Lizzie deliberately pitched her voice, ensuring everyone nearby could hear her clearly.

The noble ladies gathered around her exchanged quiet, knowing laughs.

The party had yet to begin, with guests mingling in small clusters throughout the palace gardens.

Athena didn’t miss a single one of those malicious glares and derisive whispers directed at her.

She couldn’t help but wonder how Xander would react, but to her surprise, he remained perfectly composed, appearing completely indifferent to those whispers.

Athena wasn’t naive enough to think Xander was tolerating them.

She believed that Xander was just biding his time. That calm facade surely meant he was plotting something big.

As Athena and Xander entered the hall together, Lizzie frowned, a look of visible confusion flickering across her face.

Surprisingly, Xander didn’t stand up for Athena.

Lizzie sighed with feigned regret. “I thought he’d fly into a rage for his lady. What a pity we missed such an entertaining spectacle.”

“Today’s the palace party, Prince Xander surely has his concerns. He wouldn’t cause a scene at such an important event,” someone fawned over Lizzie.

Someone whispered, “Wasn’t it said that Prince Xander treated Athena specially? But after what we just saw, those must have been mere rumors. Didn’t you notice his expression didn’t change a bit? If he really cared about her, how could he stay so indifferent?”

Amidst the hushed whispers of the crowd, Lizzie felt a wave of relief wash over her.

Back when Athena was injured at her party, Lizzie was so terrified that she fled to the imperial palace that very night and hid there for days.

After that, everything remained peaceful. Xander never came after her.

She had only recently moved out of the imperial palace and returned to her manor.

From behind, a pair of delicate, almost boneless hands gently kneaded Lizzie’s shoulders.

Lizzie’s face relaxed into an expression of pure contentment, her eyes drifting shut as she basked in the luxurious sensation.

It was only then that the crowd noticed the striking young woman standing behind Lizzie.

The young woman had an alluring figure with a slender waist, her face partially concealed behind a delicate veil.

Her figure alone was breathtaking enough to turn heads.

People wondered what stunning beauty lay hidden beneath that veil.

Lizzie kept this woman so close by her side and trusted her completely. It was a clear sign her status was anything but

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ordinary.

Just then, a figure emerged not far away.

Fermin Miller entered with Pamela Miller by his side.

From a distance, Pamela spotted Lizzie and withdrew into the inner hall, while Fermin made his way toward her.

With a dismissive wave of her hand, Lizzie ordered, “Leave us.” The noble ladies obediently stepped back two paces with respectful bows, then quietly dispersed.

Fermin stepped forward, bowed respectfully to Lizzie, and addressed her, “Aunt Lizzie.”

“Have a seat,” Lizzie said with a sly, calculating smile, fixing Fermin with a pointed gaze. “I even risked Xander’s displeasure for your sake. So, how do you plan to show your appreciation?”

Fermin let out a light, amused chuckle, his expression perfectly composed. With an easy smile, he said, “Dear Aunt, whatever you desire is but a snap of your fingers away. Why would you ever need me to do it for you?”

Lizzie shot Fermin a playful glare, then pointedly tilted her chin toward a spot in the garden.

Following her gaze, Fermin looked over.

Ferris stood alone in a secluded corner of the garden, gazing absently into the distance.

“You’re actually watching Ferris?” Fermin said in surprise, “I never took you for the sentimental type. Is he really that much of a catch?”

Lizzie said with an affected sigh, “People always want what they can’t have. If he came running with just a snap of my fingers, I wouldn’t give him a second glance.”

Fermin chuckled. “How true.”

His gaze then shifted to the veiled attendant behind Lizzie. As he looked more closely, he stiffened in shock. “How could you bring her into the palace?”

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