The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 50

Chapter 50

Kelsey gave a soft smile, her hands crossed over her abdomen as she spoke with biting sarcasm. “Your daughter really is something else. She didn’t agree to an annulment, instead, she wants to break off the engagement.”

At this, both Eloise and Willow stared at her in shock.

They exchanged surprised glances, and Eloise quickly asked, “How could she want to break off the engagement?”

“She’s your daughter. Why ask me? You should be asking her,” Kelsey replied, her tone growing sharp. She had never made a mistake in all these years, yet now, Athena had managed to outmaneuver her.

Willow’s heart tightened with worry. She tugged gently at Eloise’s sleeve, her distress palpable. Eloise, sensing the anxiety, patted her hand reassuringly. “Don’t worry.”

Turning back to Kelsey with a polite smile, she said, “Perhaps my daughter misunderstood. I’ll speak with her and get back to

you.

“By the way, I recently acquired some Moonlight Silk. The fabric looks exquisite, and it would complement your complexion perfectly. I’ll have someone send it over to your house.”

Eloise’s tone was sweet and flattering, and Kelsey clearly appreciated it.

Moonlight Silk was a rare and valuable fabric. Not only was it soft to the touch, but it shimmered like moonlight when the wearer moved, lending them an ethereal beauty.

Kelsey’s demeanor softened, and she smiled at Eloise. “You’re too kind.”

They exchanged a smile, and the conversation shifted, the engagement issue effectively brushed aside.

But in her heart, Kelsey couldn’t help but sneer. Eloise thought she had the upper hand, but what she didn’t realize was that her seemingly innocent daughter Athena had learned how to fight back.

The flower hall had fallen silent, and Athena stood alone, almost untouchable, like a poison no one dared approach.

In contrast, Willow basked in the attention, surrounded by adoring guests. The difference between the two was glaringly obvious.

Just as Athena was about to leave, a maid came over to clear the coffee set and accidentally spilled some coffee on her.

Athena frowned slightly but didn’t speak. The maid, terrified, immediately bowed and begged, “Lady Athena, I’m so sorry! Please forgive me!”

“Get up,” Athena said, her voice calm, showing no intention of scolding the maid. “Trina, let’s go back and change.”

The noise in the courtyard had grown unbearable, and Athena had been eager to leave. This was the perfect excuse.

She began walking toward her courtyard, with Trina following closely behind.

Though Athena’s departure turned a few heads, no one paid much attention. After all, today was Willow’s day.

As Athena passed through the corridor and approached a flower gate, she was suddenly blocked by a tall figure.

Michael stood in her way, as imposing as a mountain, his expression as cold as ice.

Athena’s first instinct was to turn and leave, but when she looked back, she saw Trina was no longer behind her. Instead,

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there were two of Michael’s guards.

Before she could react, he grabbed her wrist, the sharp pain making her flinch. She frowned and, in a low voice, said, “Let

go.”

“If you don’t want your maid to get into trouble, you’d better keep quiet.”

Without saying another word, Michael dragged her to a quiet, secluded spot. Athena, with a swift movement, yanked her

wrist free.

Her hair had come loose and was now falling over her face, which she roughly brushed aside. Though her expression remained calm, her voice carried a hint of agitation. “Lord Osborne, please show some restraint.”

“Restraint?” Michael’s eyes were filled with mocking amusement. “When you were chasing after me, you didn’t talk about restraint. Now that you’re aiming higher, you cast me aside as if I’m nothing?”

His gaze fell on the gold hairpin in Athena’s hair, and without a word, he reached for it. Athena, quick as ever, slapped his hand away, her voice icy as she questioned him, “Don’t you find it laughable, Lord Osborne?”

The bitterness in her heart nearly overwhelmed her. She fought to maintain her composure, pinching her palm until the sharp pain helped her regain control.