The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 376

Chapter 376

Her docile and cautious demeanor tugged at Matthew’s heartstrings.

“If it weren’t for Athena, Willow and I wouldn’t be in this mess,’ he thought.

Thumping his chest, Matthew said, “Willow, don’t worry. I won’t let Athena push you around.”

At this point, both teams were already on horseback. Matthew spurred his horse forward, flashing Athena a provocative grin.

Athena was his equal on the polo field, and this time, he was charging straight for her.

Natasha couldn’t stand Matthew’s blatant provocation. She brandished her polo mallet, pointing it squarely at him, and Matthew’s face immediately darkened.

Turning to Athena, she warned, “Watch out for Matthew. He plays dirty and ruthless. I’m afraid you’ll get hurt.”

Athena scoffed, “It’s not my first time playing against Matthew. Why would I be scared of him?”

The moment her words fell, the starting gunshot sounded.

Almost instantly, Athena and Matthew spurred their horses forward, leading the charge. Natasha was right on their heels, riding protectively beside Athena.

True to form, Matthew charged straight for Athena on his horse.

The wild abandon of his charge had everyone on the sidelines holding their breath for Athena’s safety.

Even though Janice didn’t know much about polo, she couldn’t help but break out in a cold sweat for Athena. “Why is Matthew playing so aggressively? What if someone gets hurt?” she exclaimed anxiously.

An onlooker just shrugged as they commented, “That’s what polo’s all about–it’s supposed to be rough and competitive. If everyone just held back, what’s the point of watching?”

The person who commented was Viola Maynard, the daughter of the Deputy Justice of the Federal Bureau.

Michael’s mother was her aunt. Although her own family wasn’t particularly prominent, her connection to the Osborne family allowed her to stand taller among the noble ladies, and it also gave her undeniable confidence when she spoke.

She had always been at odds with Athena, and now that Willow was about to marry into the Osborne family, she naturally sided with Willow.

Upon hearing this, Janice dropped the subject.

The situation between the Monson family and the Osborne family was murky waters, and she had no desire to wade into it.

The sole purpose of hosting this polo match was to network with influential figures.

Befriending Athena, the future wife of Xander, was perfectly reasonable.

But it certainly wasn’t worth offending the Osborne and Monson families just for her.

The horses darted swiftly across the field when suddenly, cheers erupted: “Goal! A goal! Athena is incredible! She scored so quickly!”

On horseback, Athena’s forehead was damp with sweat as she gave Natasha a faint, knowing smile.

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Their teamwork had just been flawless, and Matthew was so fixated on Athena that he completely missed Natasha.

He thought Athena would take the shot herself, but just as his horse caught up to her, she unexpectedly passed the ball to

Natasha instead.

Without a second thought, Matthew spun his horse around to give chase, only to see Athena slowing down, showing no intentions of pursuing him.

By the time he caught up to Natasha, the ball was already back in Athena’s hands, and just like that, she scored.

Matthew finally realized he’d been outmaneuvered by the two women.

A wave of murmurs swept through the crowd, and snippets of conversation drifted over to him.

Some called him careless, while others scoffed that his polo skills were nothing but a sham.

Willow’s face fell as she anxiously turned to Matthew and asked, “Matthew, didn’t you say you wouldn’t let Athena score? How did she manage to get the first goal in the very first game?”

Matthew seethed with fury as he watched Natasha and Athena high–five each other, but managed to put on a calm facade. He scoffed, “It’s just one goal. That’s not a big deal. Let her bask in the moment. She’ll soon taste my wrath.”

Willow gazed at him adoringly as she cheered, “Matthew, you’re the best!”

Matthew seethed with rage as he thought bitterly, ‘Athena is just as devious as ever.

“To stoop to such underhanded tactics!