The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 481

Fake Girl 481

Chapter 481

Txander stiffened, a blush spreading across his fair complexion all the way to the tips of his dar

He stared dumbfounded at Natasha, his lips parted wordtestly.

But not a single word came out

He swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing, then flung his sleeve is fury and spat out, “Pidiculous!”

With that, he stormed off with his entourage in tow, like a gust of wind

With Athena’s help, Natasha scrambled to her feet.

She brushed the dust off her clothes, painted at Prince Evander’s retreating figure, and snapped, “In your dreams! (id rather i you!”

Still seething, she vigorously wiped her mouth with her sleeve, her eyes brimming with tears.

“What temble luck–how did I end up running into such a jinx?” she muttered.

Athena snapped back to reality and hastily tugged Natasha toward the exit. “Let’s get out of here, now!” she urged

Even though they were upstairs, there was no telling if they’d been spotted.

“Better to leave now before things get worse.

vagabond than

Athena led Natasha away and stopped in a secluded spot. “I have the coachman take you back first,” she said firmly. “What happened today—bury deep. Not a word to anyone.”

Though caught up in her marriage predicament, Natasha knew better than to gamble with her reputation.

Natasha nodded. “I’m not stupid.”

She thought, “If anyone finds out about this, I’m done for

With how old–fashioned my dad is, he’d probably kill me himself”

“Wright, go on–hurry up,” Athena urged her.

Natasha climbed into the carriage, then leaned out the window and called, “Sorry I spoiled your fun today. I’ll make it up to you next time!”

As the carriage rolled away, Athena let out a wry smile. “Still thinking about that at a time like this?” she thought.

She could only

by pray nothing would come of this–otherwise, who knew how this would play out

Athena hurried back, anxiety gnawing at her. She’d been gone sai possible.

long–who knew how her grandmother was doing? She needed to get back as soon an

Half an hour earlier.

Margaret was enjoying the opera in her private box when someone suddenly burstin

“Grandmother!” Someone utterly disheveled and battered, dropped to his knees at her feet.

Startled, Margaret steadied herself and only then did she clearly recognize the man before her–it was Matthew, the second son of the monson tam

He was a far cry from his usual polished selt his hair was matted, his clothes torn, and bruises marked his face.

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Chapter 481

Kneeling belote her, panic w

allewer his face, Matthew pleaded, “Grandmother, please cave mer

Margaret took a look at him and knew this was serioas,

Her face darkened as she demanded, “What happened ?”

Matthew’s eyes darted around guiltily, unable to meet her gaze.

“Speak” Margaret demanded, her voice low and edged with anger.

Her piercing stare pinned Matthew as she slammed her palm down on the table.

Matthew glanced nervously at the thugs searching the opera house, gritted his teeth, and spilled the truth “Grandmother, I was tricked. They led me into gambling, promising a loan of ten thousand taels of silver to be repaid in two months. But it’s only been fan days,

demanding the money back.

“They lent me ten thousand taels, but after just ten days, they’re demanding twelve thousand. If I don’t pay, they said they’ll cut off my hand

“Smack!” A resounding slap landed squarely on Matthew’s face. His head snapped sharply to the side from the force

Margaret’s face turned deathly pale with fury as she jabbed a trembling finger at his nose and thundered, “Get out! Get out of my sight never want to see your face again!”

Matthew’s eyes widened in shock as he stared at Margaret in utter disbelief

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