The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 42

Chapter 42

Athena curved her lips into a smile, but her eyes remained cold, completely devoid of any emotion. She thought, ‘How could someone like me ever be considered for such a good marriage, especially one to a royal family?‘

She had met Ray when she was a child. He was strikingly handsome, almost otherworldly, with a pair of flirtatious, captivating eyes.

With such an impressive family background and such remarkable looks, it was no surprise that any woman in Pidence City seeking a good marriage would likely line up for a chance to marry him.

She couldn’t believe Eloise had the kind of influence to make Ray lower his pride and seek her hand in marriage.

But Eloise’s words were so convincing, detailed, and matter–of–fact. She must have gone to Margaret earlier today to discuss this. And now it was in front of her–it was clear that Margaret had given her blessing.

Eloise, oblivious to Athena’s indifference, continued enthusiastically, “Ray is two years older than you. When you were little, he even joked about marrying you. But we’ve known the Mcgee family for years. You won’t suffer any injustice if you marry into such a family.”

Athena nodded coldly, though she was far from convinced. “This is a wonderful match. Lady Eloise, you truly have the best of intentions.”

It was merely a meeting–just a casual chat. Besides, the Mcgee family was so powerful that perhaps it would benefit Kurtis. But…

She raised an eyebrow, a sly smile curling her lips as she said, “So, the marriage is already decided, and now you’re just here to inform me, right?”

Eloise, a little caught off guard, forced a nervous smile. “It’s not completely settled yet, but I wanted to make sure you knew. 1 would love to see you and Willow married, and if the date is set soon, Margaret will rest easy.”

In the end, it all came down to Willow. Athena thought, ‘How laughable.’

Athena’s gaze grew even colder.

Eloise felt the sharpness of that stare and a pang of discomfort struck her heart.

Tears welled up in her eyes as her voice softened almost to a plea. “I know you don’t believe me, but I will prove to you that I’ll care for you in the future.

“I won’t go back on my word. Athena, will you trust me just once more?”

The words were barely out of her mouth before tears began to fall.

But Athena merely stared, her expression stone cold, as if she were looking at a stranger.

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As she saw Athena’s lack of response, Eloise’s frustration grew. She thought, “This child is so stubborn! She doesn’t even resemble my own flesh and blood anymore!‘

Suppressing her anger, Eloise forced a smile. “If Margaret knows that your future is settled, she’ll be thrilled. Who knows? Her health might even improve.”

Athena’s gaze dropped in exhaustion.

Yes. If it weren’t for Margaret’s illness, she wouldn’t have been able to stand another minute in the duke’s estate.

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Chapter 42

Seeing her expression soften slightly, Eloise quickly pounced on the opportunity. “Now that both your sister’s and your marriages are settled, don’t you think it’s time to return the token from the Osborne family to me?”

When Athena had been engaged to Michael, the Osborne family had given her a jewel pendant, a family heirloom, as an engagement token. She hadn’t taken it with her to the military camp.

Eloise had once searched her room for it but hadn’t found it.

Now that the marriage was going to Willow, that pendant needed to be returned. Eloise had gone around in circles only to get back that pendant.

Athena smirked, her lips curling into a mocking smile.

Had Eloise been more straightforward, she might have agreed. She had never wanted Michael, to begin with. But now, seeing the desperation in Eloise’s eyes, she no longer felt like giving it up.

The Monson family had climbed their way up on her blood and tears. She wondered, ‘Why should they get away with it? Just because I am younger? Just because they think I am an easy target?