The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 47

Chapter 47

If Michael continued to be involved with Athena, no one would mock him for wanting everything; instead, they would criticize Willow for not being able to hold on to a man’s heart.

They might even bring up old gossip, turning it into a joke about how Willow had stolen Athena’s fiancé.

Nicolas would never allow Willow to be caught in such a scandal.

Michael overheard the whispers around him. He instinctively looked at Athena’s calm face, her eyes betraying no emotion- she seemed to have grown used to this kind of attention.

He reached up as though to adjust her hairpin, trying to ease the tension. But then he heard Willow’s soft sobs–gentle and full of vulnerability. He stopped mid–motion, his hand faltering. He withdrew it, and with a resigned glance at Nicolas, followed him away.

Though he sat at the men’s table, his gaze kept drifting back to Athena, as though unresolved feelings lingered.

Athena couldn’t help but find it laughable. She thought, ‘Now, I am not even allowed the right to wear a gold hairpin? Is everything supposed to be given to Willow before anyone can be satisfied?‘

Ignoring the lingering gaze from Michael, Athena made her way toward Eloise.

The moment Willow saw her approach, she shrank back behind Eloise, adopting the pose of a frightened, timid girl. It only made the onlookers‘ eyes on Athena sharper, filled with a subtle hostility.

Everyone knew Willow was adopted.

Although the incident with the poisoned wine had been well–hidden, no secret stays hidden forever.

People were aware of the truth, though they pretended otherwise–polite on the surface, but secretly scornful. Some even refused to feign ignorance and avoided Athena whenever they could.

But Athena didn’t care about their whispers. If she had let such gossip bother her, she would have been dead a hundred times over by now.

She approached one of the noblewomen and curtsied slightly. “Lady Kelsey.”

Kelsey, Michael’s mother, was in her forties but looked no older than thirty, thanks to her careful grooming.

With a gentle smile, she raised her hand slightly. “Good girl, please rise.”

Kelsey then exchanged a brief glance with Eloise.

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Eloise turned to the crowd. “Everyone, please follow me to the pavilion. We have cool refreshments there to help you beat the heat.”

It was clear she was creating an opportunity for Athena and Kelsey to speak privately.

Once the crowd had dispersed, Kelsey looked at Athena kindly. “Though your marriage to my son didn’t work out, we are still family. Our relationship will only grow closer from here on.”

Kelsey didn’t mince words. She went straight to the point. “You must know why I’m here. The marriage between you Michael has been discussed between our families.

and

“For the sake of preserving your dignity, I believe annulling the engagement is the best option. If that’s the case, then the

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Chapter 47

jewel pendant..”

Kelsey looked at Athena expectantly, her intentions clear.

However, Athena only smiled faintly. “I don’t agree with annulling the engagement.”

Kelsey’s smile remained, but it quickly faded, her expression cooling.

She seemed to have not fully understood Athena’s response and asked again, “What did you say?”

“I said, I don’t agree with annulling the engagement,” Athena repeated, still smiling, but with no warmth in her expression.

Kelsey studied Athena’s face more carefully. As she realized she wasn’t joking, her smile vanished completely. She slowly leaned back in her chair, her sharp eyes fixed on Athena.

Yet, her voice remained gentle as she said, “I thought Eloise had explained things clearly to you. It seems you still haven’t recognized your position.”

Athena’s reputation was ruined, and within the Monson family, she was little more than a discarded pawn. Kelsey had only been willing to speak with Athena out of respect for the long–standing relationship between the two families.

She had expected to negotiate the return of the jewel pendant smoothly, but to her surprise, Athena had refused. She thought, ‘What right does she have to say no?‘

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