The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 45

Matthew rolled his eyes at him, annoyed. He’d been trying to get Joseph’s attention with subtle glances since he entered, but the fool hadn’t noticed.

Though Nicolas hadn’t said a word, his presence was enough to keep both brothers in check. They were so used to his authority that neither of them dared act out in front of him.

Willow quickly stepped in to ease the tension. “Joseph, what’s that you’re holding?”

“Willow, for your birthday today, I’ve brought you a new dress,” Joseph grinned as he signaled Lula to step forward and place the dress in front of her.

The luxurious dress immediately caught Willow’s eye, and she couldn’t help but stare.

She recognized it at once. It was the dress Eloise had prepared for Athena.

At first, Willow had thought it was for her, but upon a closer look, she realized it had been sent to Athena’s courtyard instead.

Her hand, which had been reaching for the dress, hesitated before pulling back. She felt a flicker of uncertainty.

Joseph noticed her hesitation and quickly asked, “What’s wrong? Don’t you like it?”

“I love it,” Willow smiled at him, her lips curving up. “I love everything you give me, Joseph.”

Joseph breathed a sigh of relief. “Well, I’m glad my efforts weren’t wasted.”

“What was that?” Nicolas asked, not catching his words.

Joseph quickly waved his hand. “Nothing.”

Nicolas shot him an exasperated look. “Just make sure you don’t mess this up today. Be careful, or Father might punish you again.”

“Got it, Nicolas,” Joseph mumbled, sounding deflated.

After Willow changed into the dress, everyone’s eyes lit up when she emerged.

“Willow, I knew this dress would look perfect on you,” Joseph said enthusiastically, eager to compliment her.

Willow smiled shyly. “Thank you, Joseph.”

Matthew, smiling warmly, added, “Willow’s grown up. She’s a young lady now.”

Everyone praised Willow, admiring her beauty. But Nicolas remained quiet, his gaze thoughtful.

Willow noticed his scrutiny and quietly asked, “Nicolas, do you not think it looks good?”

Nicolas shook his head absently. “It’s beautiful, very beautiful.”

Though the dress was lovely, Nicolas couldn’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t quite right.

“Let’s go, the party is about to start.”

The group moved toward the door, and Nicolas fell a few steps behind. As they walked through the courtyard, the cool

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Chapter 45

breeze seemed to clear his mind.

He realized what felt off–the sleeves. The dress wasn’t quite the right fit for Willow. It was a bit tight, and the sleeves were a

little short.

What confused him was how Joseph could have made such a mistake. Nicolas thought, ‘He knows the dress is meant for Willow’s birthday, so why give her one that doesn’t fit?‘

The party was held in the flower hall, surrounded by lush plants and flowers, creating an elegant atmosphere.

The men and women were seated together, separated by a screen in the middle, maintaining a lively yet respectful environment.

The garden was filled with noble ladies and young misses, either admiring the flowers or strolling around.

However, some people’s eyes lingered on Joseph. Whether they were admiring the flowers or studying him was unclear.

When Eloise saw Willow in the dress, her brows furrowed slightly.

Willow, sensing her unease, approached her and softly said, “Mother.”

“This dress…” Eloise began, but before she could finish, Joseph quickly chimed in.

“Well, Mother, what do you think? Doesn’t Willow look perfect in it? It would be such a waste to give it to someone else.”

Eloise immediately understood–once again, Joseph had taken something meant for Athena and was using it to flatter Willow. She gave Joseph a disapproving glance, but he just smiled nonchalantly.

As he saw their exchange, Nicolas’s suspicion grew. “Wasn’t this for Willow?”

Nicolas, known for his fairness, wasn’t about to let this slip by without question. Sensing there might be more to this, Eloise hesitated before saying, “Of course, it’s for Willow.”

Willow lowered her head and smiled gently, pretending to know nothing. “Thank you, Mother.”

Eloise then took her hand and led her to meet the guests, introducing her to everyone in the flower hall. She carefully avoided mentioning Athena.

When Athena appeared with Trina, all eyes turned to her.

The women gave her a faint smile before turning to whisper among themselves.

Their gazes were filled with either mockery or pity, and Athena could hear the faint sound of laughter floating in the air.

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Chapter 46