The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 53

Chapter 53

“I saw it with my own two eyes!” Viola jabbed a finger at her face, furious. “You’re already ruined–everyone knows you lost your innocence back in the military camp. And now you’re going after Michael? You–ah!”

Before Viola could finish her sentence, Athena slapped her–hard.

Viola let out a shriek, clutching her face. She opened her mouth to curse, but froze when she saw the look on Athena’s face- colder than ice.

Her eyes gleamed like blades breaking through the surface. “Lady Viola, are you slandering me and Lord Osborne in hopes of sabotaging the engagement between the Osborne and Monson families?

“You may not be afraid of offending me, but aren’t you worried about crossing the Mcgee family?”

Viola went rigid. “What does Ray have to do with this?”

Willow quickly tugged on her sleeve and gave her a meaningful look. “Viola, I believe in Athena. She’d never do anything inappropriate with Michael. Ray has already proposed marriage.”

“What?” Fear flickered across Viola’s face. Her voice shrank to a whisper. “I… I didn’t know.”

Willow turned to Athena with a soft smile. “Please don’t take offense, Athena. Viola didn’t mean any harm. I trust you too.”

Athena gave a cold smile. “I couldn’t care less whether you believe me or not. If you’ve got the guts, go ahead and spread today’s events all over Pidence City. Let’s see whose name really gets dragged through the mud.”

Her words drained the color from Willow’s face. She lowered her head, blinking hard to hold back tears. “You’ve misunderstood me, Athena. I never thought that way.”

“Whether you did or not… you know the truth better than anyone.” Athena’s gaze felt sharp enough to pierce flesh. Willow trembled, not daring to lift her head.

Viola was still reeling, though a trace of smugness had returned to her face. “So… Ray actually proposed to you?”

Athena caught the mockery in her voice but didn’t respond. Just then, a familiar voice called from behind. “There you are. I’ve been looking everywhere.”

Eloise approached in a hurry, cutting off Athena’s thoughts. Athena could only push aside her unease.

Eloise came up and linked arms with her warmly. “Come along. I’m taking you to the front hall to greet a guest.”

Athena was about to refuse when Eloise leaned in and whispered, “Gale Mcgee is here. She asked to meet you.”

Athena had no choice. A request from Gale wasn’t something she could turn down. She followed Eloise without another word.

Behind them, Viola turned to Willow, full of indignation. “Why are you so afraid of her? You’re going to be the future lady of the Osborne family. She’s marrying into the Mcgee family–she won’t have it easy. One day she might be the one begging you for help.”

“Viola…” Willow quickly cut her off, glancing nervously around. “Don’t say that. Please.”

Realizing she’d overstepped, Viola clamped her mouth shut–but the defiance on her face lingered. She thought, ‘What’s so great about Athena, anyway? She dares act all high and mighty?‘

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Chapter 58

Still, the more she thought about Athena’s future, the more pleased she felt. Just wait–she’ll be the one crying before long.”

Naturally, someone like Gale wouldn’t sit among the other noblewomen.

Eloise brought Athena to the main reception hall, which had already been cleared of other guests. The room was quiet, filled with the soft fragrance of tea.

Gale sat upright in a carved wooden chair, her posture elegant and composed.

She wore a luxurious brocade gown of sapphire silk embroidered with silver patterns, making her look both regal and refined. Her hair was styled high and secured with a golden crown, radiating wealth and authority.

Eloise led Athena into the room, and both women offered formal greetings.

Gale lifted her gaze lazily, looking Athena over with a cool, appraising eye. Her tone was clipped and dismissive. “So… you’re Athena?”

Athena heard the disdain in her voice and lowered her head slightly. “Yes, Your Highness.”

But inwardly, she was puzzled. If the Mcgee family had proposed, they must’ve known her history. Gale had to have approved the match. So she wondered, ‘Why is she looking at me now like I am something that doesn’t quite pass inspection?‘

Chapter 34