Chapter 578
He pounded the ground repeatedly with his fists, his voice thick with feigned grief. “I’m a useless grandion. I can’t even bid Grandmother a final anal Athena, even if there are the deepest grudges between us, how can you deny me the right to see her one last time?
“She doted on me since was a child. If I can’t even bid her a final farewell, how could I ever face our family?”
Henry also knelt on the ground, wailing dramatically, “Athena, please let me go in and see Mother?
While Henry and Nicolas were sobbing uncontrollably, Fiona stood by with a numb repression and a mocking glint in her eyes.
Fiona scoffed inwardly, “Where were you when Margaret was alive!
‘Only now that Margaret is gone do they remember her. How laughable”
Unaware of what was happening inside the duke’s estate, outsiders only saw Henry and Nicolas kneeling outside, weeping and pleading it was a pitiful sight that naturally drew their sympathy
Some people knew the truth behind Athena’s feud with the duke’s estate.
Most onlookers were split, hall were there for the drama, half out of sympathy.
The commotion outside reached Athena’s ears. She paused in her actions and asked in surprise, “Willow actually didn’t show up?”
With such a dramatic scene unfolding, how could Willow possibly stay away?” Athena thought sarcastically.
Just as Athena was still wondering Trina hurried over and whispered in her ear, “The Osborne family is here. Marquis of Somers and Marchioness of Somers have come to pay their respects”
Understanding dawned on Athena’s face. She thought, 1 knew that Willow wouldn’t miss this.
“She simply wouldn’t dare appear as a member of the duke’s estate. Instead, she arrived as Marchioness of Somers.
“Clearly, she is afraid of being turned away, which is why she came as Marchioness of Somers.
Athena had no choice but to show respect for the Osborne family.
However, she would not give Willow any special treatment.
Athena instructed Trina, “Tell Michael he may enter, but Willow is not allowed.”
Trina gave a quick nod and hurried out to deliver the message.
Not long after, Michael followed Trina into the hall.
Michael’s eyes welled up when he saw Athena in mourning robes, keeping vigil by Margaret’s coffin
He stepped forward, bowed deeply in respect, then lit three sticks of incense for Margaret.
Michael wanted to say something to Athena, but seeing her tear–reddened eyes, he found himself at a loss for words.
He thought, ‘Margaret was the only family Athen had left. Now that she is gone, how could Athena possibly bear it?”
Michael hesitated for a moment before finally speaking. “Athena, my deepest condoleners”
Athena gave a gentle nod in return. “Thank you.”
He was here to pay his respects to Margaret. Athena wasn’t about to pick a fight with him since he approached respectfully.
Chapter 578
Michael swallowed hard and asked again, “If there’s anything I can do, just say the word. My family will not stand idly by. After all, Margaret treated me with great kindness. Out of both gratitude and duty, it’s only right that I pay my last respects to her,”
Athena said, “Grandmother always preferred tranquility. I’ve already chosen a great resting place for her on Mount Breeve. If you sincerely wish to comp and pay your respects, it would surely bring her joy.”
Athena spoke in a measured tone, but Michael was overjoyed that she had actually agreed to let him attend Margaret’s funeral
Michael had braced himself for Athena’s harsh words, but to his surprise, things turned out otherwise.
Michael gazed gratefully at Athena. “Til keep vigil here for the next few days. if there’s anything you need, just say the word.”
Athena gave a slight nod, and Michael withdrew respectfully.
After Lord Osborne left. Trina, still puzzled, asked, “Lady Athena, why did you let him keep vigil for Lady Margaret!”
Athena tossed a sheet of paper into the brazier.
The firelight illuminated her face, exposing the murderous intent blazing in her eyes.
Athena gritted her teeth and hissed, “If I don’t let Michael stay, how else am I supposed to lure Willow out of the city?”
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