The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 468

Chapter 468

Occasionally, Athena and Xander exchanged a few words, likely discussing the patients’ conditions or possible treatment plans, or perhaps something more.

There was no romance between them, yet an oddly undeniable harmony existed.

At this moment, the person Michael envied most in the world was Xander.

He could stay so close to Athena, share the same space with her, and even be at her service.

Clutching the medicine, Michael left, bitterness weighing heavy on his heart.

Athena watched Michael walk away, a complex, inscrutable glint flickering in her eyes.

Trina asked in confusion, “My Lady, why do you even care what happens to him? If I were you, I’d never have given him the medicine.”

Athena gave a soft chuckle. “I don’t care if he lives or dies, but Lady Kelsey still serves my purposes.”

Athena thought Kelsey should know something about her Grandfather’s case.

Athena gave Kelsey the medicine-not out of kindness, but to make her owe her a favor.

Trina let out a soft “Ah.” “No wonder,” she said, nodding in understanding.

Trina stole a glance at Xander across the room, where he was quietly directing his attendants with practiced ease.

Ever since Athena entered Saint Jero Clinic, Xander had been steadfastly by her side.

Xander was distant and reserved with everyone-except Athena, who alone could draw out his rare tenderness.

Trina shook her head, her eyes sparkling with admiration, gushing, “My Lady, if only you could marry Prince Xander!”

Athena hurriedly clapped a hand over Trina’s mouth, darting a furtive glance at Xander. Seeing he remained oblivious, she exhaled in relief.

Athena turned back and shot Trina an exasperated look. “You little rascal, must you blurt out every thought you have?”

Trina playfully stuck out her tongue and eagerly defended Xander. “Prince Xander has it all-looks and power. What woman in the capital wouldn’t dream of marrying him? Honestly, My Lady, if you married him, no one would ever dare to bully you again.”

“Alright, that’s enough. Get to work,” Athena said hastily, worried Trina might blurt out something even more outrageous. She quickly assigned her a task. “Go and distribute all these medicinal herbs.”

Trina looked at the table piled high with medicinal herbs and sighed wearily. “I’ve been working nonstop for three days and nights-when will this ever end?”

Even though Trina grumbled, she wasted no time getting to work.

Athena couldn’t help but chuckle and shake her head at Trina’s antics. “Oh, this girl…”

Rubbing her aching lower back, Athena couldn’t help but smile to herself. ‘Even though I’m sore, I couldn’t be happier,’ she thought.

1/2

Chapter 468

It was exhausting, but worth every second.

The epidemic was finally under control. Athena thought with relief once the last batch of medicine was distributed, she could finally get some proper rest.

Xander glanced over at Athena, his gaze sweeping over the entire scene just in time to take it all in.

Xander summoned Ansel and ordered, “Everyone has been working tirelessly these past few days. Pass on my orders: reserve several tables at Fortune Pavilion for a feast to reward everyone.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” Ansel acknowledged the order and was about to leave.

But Xander called out, “Trina has served exceptionally well-reward her with 350 thousand dollars.”

Originally, he planned to reward her with 700 thousand dollars. But then he realized that for a young maid like Trina, such a large sum would attract far too much unwanted attention.

So he settled on 350 thousand dollars instead.

Ansel was taken aback. “Why single out that girl for a reward?”

Ansel thought, ‘Prince Xander said Trina had worked especially hard, but hasn’t everyone here worked their fingers to the bone? Why single out just that little maid for a reward? Isn’t that peculiar’

Xander thought for a second, then shrugged. “Fine, then. Everyone gets 350 thousand dollars.”

Rewarding only Trina would draw too much attention.

Ansel drew a sharp breath, staring at Xander in shock. “Your Highness, are you truly serious?”

350 thousand dollars was no small fortune for a servant.

There were easily twenty or thirty people working in Saint Jero Clinic.

Just this one reward from Xander amounted to a whopping 10.5 million dollars.

Even with the prince’s vast fortune, this was downright squandering the family fortune.

Ansel’s face twisted in distress as he looked at Athena, his eyes full of reproachful resentment.

If there were a mistress of the household, Xander wouldn’t be so extravagant.

Athena was taken aback. ‘What’s he playing at?’ she wondered.