The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 49

Chapter 49

The case had already been sealed and was under the custody of the Supreme Court. For an ordinary person to retrieve the account books now would be nearly impossible.

But Kelsey was different. Her brother was the chief of the Supreme Court. If she asked, getting her hands on the books would be a simple matter.

Besides, who would care about a case from three years ago? For Kelsey, it was hardly a challenge.

The smile on Athena’s face only fueled Kelsey’s fury. She stared at Athena with such intensity, it was as if she wanted to tear her to pieces. She thought, ‘How dare a mere girl like her threaten me? It is an insult.’

“You dare threaten me?” Kelsey’s voice turned icy.

Athena shook her head, her smile becoming more genuine. “Rather than a threat, I’d call it a deal. You and I are simply looking to get what we need. It’s a matter of mutual benefit.

“You want your jewel pendant, and I want the account books. We’ll both get what we need, and there will be no debt between

us.”

“And if I refuse?” Kelsey’s expression darkened further, her fingers tightening around her handkerchief, turning white with

tension.

Athena’s smile remained serene. “Then I’ll have no choice but to reluctantly marry your son, Lord Osborne.”

“You…” Kelsey’s voice quivered with rage, her hand shaking.

If it hadn’t been for the old master personally arranging Athena’s engagement and giving her the family jewel pendant, she wouldn’t have to endure this threat.

The pendant was an heirloom, a symbol of the Osborne family’s power in the business world. Kelsey was desperate to reclaim it.

Athena calmly picked up the coffee pot and poured Kelsey a cup of coffee. “Lady Kelsey, take your time. I have all the time in the world to wait.”

Her calmness only stoked the fire in Kelsey’s chest. If the timing were right, Athena would have been dead a thousand times over. But for now, she couldn’t act because the jewel pendant was still in Athena’s possession.

Kelsey hesitated, but then Athena stood up. “It seems Lord Osborne has something to say to me.”

“Wait.” Kelsey quickly called out.

Her gaze turned murderous as she looked at Athena. Athena could wait, but the Osborne family couldn’t.

Athena was already disgraced, but Michael was a rising star in the court, favored by the king. Kelsey couldn’t allow him to be entangled with someone like Athena at this critical time.

Kelsey gritted her teeth, swallowing her fury. She spoke through clenched teeth, “You’d better keep your word.”

“Of course.” Athena’s smile remained, but it didn’t reach her eyes. Kelsey had no interest in continuing their coffee. With a huff, she stormed out of the flower hall.

When Eloise saw Kelsey emerge, she quickly led Willow over to her. “Lady Kelsey, please wait.”

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Chapter 49

Kelsey stopped and shot her a sarcastic glance. “Lady Eloise, you really have raised a fine daughter.”

She spat out the last words with venom.

Eloise immediately sensed something was wrong. She smiled politely, trying to defuse the tension. “If Athena has been disrespectful in any way, I hope you won’t take offense.”

But inside, she was puzzled. ‘What happened? Has the negotiation fallen through?‘ From the look on Kelsey’s face, it seemed like the deal had gone through, though there had clearly been some unpleasantness in the process.

She was also worried–given Athena’s temper, she should have expected something like this.

Willow stood quietly by her side, trying to keep her composure. She didn’t want to appear too obvious or give the impression of being overly concerned.

She stood there, smiling politely, but her ears were tuned to every word, listening closely to catch every detail.

Despite her anger toward Athena, Kelsey didn’t want to openly confront Eloise.

So when Eloise asked, her tone softened, and she replied vaguely, “Sure.”

It was an indirect admission, but just as Eloise and Willow thought the matter was settled, Kelsey’s next words made their hearts skip a beat.

Chapter 50

Chapter 50