The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 405

Chapter 405

At the Monson Manor, Athena had stepped out of the courtyard after settling Margaret down.

Her eyes landed on a figure not far away, and she froze in place.

She’d never known anyone could pull off black so flawlessly. Xander was regal and dignified, like nobility personified. Even if he was just standing there, he was a sight to behold.

Xander seemed to notice Athena’s gaze. Turning to her, he inquired, “Have you settled Lady Margaret in?”

His deep voice was intoxicating.

Athena walked up to him, curtsied gracefully, and said, “Thank you for your assistance, Prince Xander.”

Deep down, Athena felt a pang of bitterness. It was humiliating that what Xander could do with such ease had nearly cost her her life.

Athena wondered when she would be able to reach Xander’s level.

“What’s on your mind?” Xander asked.

Athena fluttered her long lashes and answered truthfully, “I’m thinking about the day I can finally rise to the top and crush every single one of those who’ve wronged me beneath my heel, one by one.”

Even though Athena could barely protect herself, there were so many people she wanted to protect, like her grandfather and grandmother.

Xander curved his lips into a subtle smile, his piercing eyes softening as the usual frostiness in his gaze gave way to a hint of

warmth.

“Never letting a slight go unpunished. Good,” Xander said.

Xander’s praise made Athena a little flustered. “But I’m still far from capable. Instead, I keep imposing on you, Prince Xander. How improper of me.”

Xander frowned at her words. “I did all this of my own volition. There’s no need to keep thanking me, Athena.”

Athena was about to say more when Xander changed the subject. “I heard you’re investigating General Perkins’s case.”

His gaze was frank, completely unreserved. Athena knew Xander was utterly unconcerned with others‘ opinions.

Athena felt a warmth bloom in her chest and nodded. “Yes.”

“This case is quite delicate. Even if you investigate, you won’t uncover anything substantial. You might even face some opposition,” Xander spoke softly, his gaze on Athena unwavering.

Xander continued, “I’ve already sent people to look into the matter. You should keep a low profile on your end to avoid drawing attention.”

Athena’s voice trembled as she blurted out, “Is my grandfather alright? Is there any hope of overturning the case?”

Athena’s grandfather was exiled for embezzlement and has been in exile for three years now. Over these three years, any evidence would have been obliterated.

Athena thought to herself, ‘I know I can’t bring Grandfather back right away, but at the very least, I just need to know how

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he’s doing.

Overcome with urgency, Athena impulsively grabbed Xander’s hand, her eyes wide with desperate concern.

Unlike most women whose hands were always cold, Athena’s were surprisingly warm, and were smooth and soft to the

touch.

Xander glanced down at her hand. Athena, as if scalded, jerked her hand back.

Athena took a moment to compose herself, then said apologetically, “My apologies, Prince Xander. I let my emotions get the better of me.”

After speaking, Athena looked up at Xander, her eyes wide with eager anticipation.

Faced with her pleading expression, Xander found it impossible to refuse. He said, “I can’t guarantee the case will be overturned, but I give you my word. Your grandfather will come to no harm.”

“I’ve arranged covert protection for him. The conditions in the Northwest are harsh, and he’ll have to endure some hardship. Make sure you don’t give anyone reason to suspect anything,” Xander said.

Athena understood that Xander was warning her.

Someone had deliberately set up and framed her grandfather back then. If the old case were to be reopened now, it would only tip off the real culprits. Although Athena could investigate, it had to be done covertly.

Athena gave a firm nod. “Understood, Prince Xander.”

Sunlight bathed her in a golden halo, softening the edge about her.

Standing before Xander, Athena looked as docile and innocent as a young fawn, her wide eyes full of trust and uncertainty.

Xander reached out and gently stroked her head. “It’s time to go.”

Chapter 406

Chapter 406