Chapter 484
“What, you don’t want it?” Xander murmured, his voice low, Athena snapped out of it, quickly took it, and shook her head, “Ha, thank you”
Clutching the handkerchiet, Athena felt strangely reluctant to use such a personal gift frons Xander just to wipe away her sweat.”
Noticing Athens’s flustered expression, Xandes smiled faintly, produced an invitation from his robe, and presented it to her. “My mother’s birthday falle on the 28th of this month. You and Mrs. Monson must attend.”
Every year.
Xander hosts a grand celebration for Alexandra’s birthday
This year was no exception.
However, upon hearing the news, Athena felt a twinge of unease.
Last time, Alexandra had warned her not to entertain any ideas of corying up to royalty for her own gain.
Clearly, Alexandra disapproved of her.
But Xander was inviting her to Alexandra’s birthday. “Isn’t that just walking straight into the lion’s den? Athena thought.
Not even the subtle shift in Athena’s expression escaped Xander’s discerning gaze.
Xander asked, “is there some trouble?”
Athena shook her head, her expression composed, yet her heart was in
t was in turmoil.
if she were to tell Xander the truth, wouldn’t it just seem like she was trying to come between him and his mother?
Alexandra’s current courtesy toward her was merely because she hadn’t yet crossed Alexandra’s interests.
Athena thought anxiously, “If I show up at Alexandra’s birthday banquet, she’ll skin me alive!
Margaret, noticing Athena’s hesitation, immediately understood what was weighing on her mind.
Unwilling to voice her concerns in front of Xander, Margaret gracefully stepped in “Lady Alexandra’s birthday? Rest assured, Your Highness, I shall certainly attend. Thank you for your kind invitation,”
xander also noticed something was amiss, but chose not to press the matter directly. Instead, he gracefully steered the conversation elsewhere.
After exchanging some more pleasantries, Xander took his leave.
As Athena escorted Xander to the gate, she hesitated before asking politely, “May I ask what your mother prefers? I’d like to prepare something suitable.”
“There’s no need to bring anything” Xander said with a meaningful smile, his eyes brimming with deep affection. “Your presence alone would be gitt
enough.”
His intense gaze was almost too much for Athena to handle.
Fortunately, Xander didn’t press the matter further. He gave Athena a gentle smile before turning and strolling away, his steps light and unhurried.
Only wher Xander had left did Athena finally let out a troubled sigh and head back.
Trina www Athena looking troubled and couldn’t help but ask in confusion, “Ms. Morison, Prince Xander is always so attentive to sighing
th his im
Before, Trina had only believed that Xander, with his immense power, would surely protect Athena.
hy are you still.
1/2
Chapter 484
But as Trina got to know him better, she realized that some people are just naturally outstanding–regardless of their status.
Even a servant like Trinn could plainly see how much Prince Xander doted on Athens–surely, Athena must have realized his feelings by
But how could Trina possibly fathom the depth of Athena’s troubles?
“Ugh, just the thought of Alexandra spotting me at the birthday banquet is enough to give me a splitting headache, Athena groaned inwardly Alexandra would surely think I’m the one clinging to Prince Xander.”
Margaret noticed Athena entering with a furrowed brow and asked with concern, “My dear child, you’ve been so downcast ever since receiving that Invitation. What’s troubling you? Tell me all about it.”
Seeing the concern on Margaret’s face, Athena couldn’t beat to trouble her grandmother with her own worries.
Athena nestled into Margaret’s arms like a petulant child, her voice muffled against her grandmother’s robes. “I was just so worried about you, Grandmother. You really gave me a fright!”
Seeing Athena’s genuine expression, Margaret finally let out a sigh of relief. “Don’t worry, dear, I’m perfectly fine. If it weren’t for that good–for–nothing Matthew, I wouldn’t have gotten so worked up in the first place…
But before she could finish, the butler hurried in.
“Mrs. Morison,” the butler announced, “Eloise and Henryof Suffield are here to see you. They claim to be here to offer their apologies.”
Athena and Margaret both furrowed their brows, their eyes full of undisguised disgust.
Margaret had just begun to calm down, but the mere mention of their names instantly reignited her fury. “Send them away! I refuse to see them!”
田
A

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