The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 616

Chapter 616

Chapter 616

“Doesn’t she have a home of her own? Why is she shamelessly clinging on like this? Nelson thought bitterly

xander’s expression darkened as he strode purposefully toward the garden.

Word of his return had reached Alexandra’s ears the moment Xander stepped through the manor gates.

Kendra fixed her longing gaze on the courtyard entrance. When Xander’s imposing figure finally appeared, tears welled up in her eyes.

She clutched her handkerchief in silence, her face a picture of deep grievance.

How could he abandon me here in the manor for two whole months without even showing his face? Has Athena truly stolen his heart? she thought bitterly

Xander approached Alexandra, bowed respectfully, and said, “Greetings, Mother”

Though Alexandra was annoyed by his behavior, he was still her son. With Kendra present, she spared him some embarrassment.

Shet

shot him a reproachful glare, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Well, look who finally deigned to come home. If Kendra hadn’t been here to keep me company these past few days, I’d be dead by now.”

Of course, she was exaggerating. She just caught a cold, but she made it sound like she was dying.

Xander’s expression remained unchanged, but the corners of his lips slowly curved into a faint smile.

That the

smile was like the last frost clinging to spring branches–deceptively gentle, yet radiating an icy detachment that kept others at bay.

Dark currents swirled in his amber eyes, the fleeting emotion vanishing in an instant, replaced by careless indifference” apologize for worrying you. Mother As soon as I finished my business outside, I came straight back, didn’t 12”

His words made Alexandra’s eyes light up with joy.

She wondered, “Does this mean he’s broken things off with Athena?

Then Kendra might actually have a chance!

“Who in their right mind would choose a pebble over a jewell

“Athena isn’t worthy of Xander, Even as a Duchess now, her scandalous reputation is something she ran never hide!

Smiling, Alexandra book Kendra’s hand and gave it a gentle pat. She said to Kander, “At least you’ve got some sense. You absolutely must make itup

to Kendra.

“Your counsel is wise, Mother,” Xander replied evenly, his expression giving nothing away.

But these words sent

wave through Kendra’s heart, igniting a storm of emotions within her.

She stared at Xander in shock, her eyes shining with barely concealed joy.

Has Xander finally noticed me?‘ she wondered.

“Mother” Xander said calmly, “Kendra has reached marriageable age. I’ve selected several eligible bachelors of compatible social standing for her Should she be willing, arrangements can be made for the families to meet.”

Kander’s words hit Kendra like a bucket of ice water, dousing the last embers of warmth in her heart and chilling her to the core

All she ever cared about was Xander. For him, she endured all the gossip and rumors, staying in the Xander Manor to care for Alexandra

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09:55 Tue,

Chapter 616

Yet all her devotion was met with nothing but his cruel, heartless rejection.

Kendra couldn’t accept this reality. Tears streamed uncontrollably down her face

Her eyes red with emotion, she knelt at Alexandra’s feet, her voice trembling yet resolute as she protested, “Aunt, even if lythames, would never shamelessly cling to the Xander Manor. Had you not insisted on keeping me here, why would I stay instead of returning to my own home?”

Sobbing uncontrollably, Kendra choked out, “I understand, cousin Xander. Fl leave right away. Fwon’t bother you anymore”

Kendra stood to leave, but Alexandra would not let her.

Alexandra swiftly grabbed Kendra’s wrist and whirled around, her eyes blazing and her face pale with rage as she glared at Xander “Xandre. be so heartless and ungrateful? You know full well that Kendra has waited for you for years. Now, she is growing out of the proper age for yet you say such cruel things. Do you even have any decency?”

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