The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 418

Chapter 418

Upon hearing Lance’s words, a weary look crossed Athena’s face. Athena tossed the medicinal herbs into the wicker basket and snapped, “Enough is enough! I won’t see them.”

Lance frowned with concern. “Lady Eloise is on her knees at the gate, praying for Lady Margaret. With her stubborn demeanor, I doubt she will move unless you go to see her.”

Athena raised an eyebrow in surprise. “A threat?” she said, her voice laced with sarcasm.

‘Praying for Grandma? What a joke,’ Athena thought. ‘She’s just trying to blackmail her, attempting to force her out. It’s hard to believe Lady Eloise would stoop this low for Willow.‘

Athena bit her lip, her chest feeling tight as if it might burst from anger. At that moment, just hearing the name Eloise was enough to make Athena fume.

Athena had finally reached her limit with their bullying. She stood up abruptly and walked out. Jessa was munching when she noticed Athena storming out in anger. Eagerly, she quickly caught up, her eyes shining with anticipation, and asked, “Milady, are we going to fight?”

Jessa thought, ‘I’ve been stuck in this manor for so long that I’m going stir–crazy! A fight would be just perfect!‘

Athena, fully aware of Jessa’s abilities, said to her, “No, we are not.”

Jessa had always acted on her whims, disregarding propriety and decorum. Worried that her good intentions might backfire, Athena had quickly warned her, “Don’t act rashly.” Though the Duke of Suffield’s people had been a nuisance, resorting to violence would have changed everything.

Jessa nodded blankly. “Okay.” Jessa thought, ‘All these arguments within the house are such a hassle. The worst part? I can’t even throw a punch–it’s so frustrating!‘

Athena strode to the door and swung it open, only to find Eloise on her knees at the entrance, hands clasped in mock prayer

At the sound of movement, Eloise slowly opened her eyes, anticipation glimmering in her gaze. When she saw Athena, a relieved smile crossed her face. “Athena,” she said softly, “you’ve finally decided to see your mother.”

Jessa frowned at the scene, her brows tightly knit. She scoffed, “What kind of mother drops her knees to the ground just to force a meeting? How shameless…”

Eloise’s stern disapproval of the servants‘ behavior was ignored. Her expression turned cold, and the air grew heavy with the authority she carried as Duchess. “Which disrespectful servant dares to behave so rudely? If not for your lady, you would’ve faced serious punishment by now.”

Athena stepped protectively in front of Jessa, her voice cold and steady as she addressed Eloise. “What an impressive display of authority, Lady Eloise. However, this isn’t the duke’s estate–your authority does not extend here. Even if my servant was disrespectful, her discipline is my responsibility, not yours.”

Eloise stared at Athena in disbelief, only to be met with an expression cold as ice, her gaze steady and unyielding, offering no trace of compromise. A dull ache spread through Eloise’s chest as she struggled to understand how her daughter could treat her with such indifference.

“Athena, I am your birth mother after all. How could you allow a mere servant to humiliate me like this?”

Eloise’s eyes burned with tears as they spilled down her cheeks. Athena’s icy demeanor pierced her heart like a sharp blade. “Lady Eloise, you’ve already trampled all over me–do you truly expect me to treat you with any respect?”

19

“Athena, how could you be so callous?” Eloise’s eyes were filled with deep disappointment.

Unfortunately, Athena had long abandoned any hope in Eloise. She faced her with a sense of complete detachment. “My cruelty is nothing new–you should know that all too well by now, Lady Eloise. Kneeling at my gate like this–isn’t this your tactic to force Grandma to reveal herself?

“You constantly preach about filial piety, yet your behavior is utterly despicable,” she retorted. “With Grandma suffering from illness, all you seem to care about is yourself. When it comes to cruelty, I’m nothing compared to you.”

Eloise appeared as though Athena’s words had struck her like a devastating blow. She swayed, struggling to remain upright, her eyes brimming with tears as if she felt profoundly wronged.

Even as Eloise wept uncontrollably, Athena remained indifferent. She regarded her coldly and challenged, “So, Lady Eloise, do you still intend to kneel at the door and compel Grandma to show up?”

Chapter 419

Chapter 419