The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 74

Chapter 74

Margaret sighed and said, “When my husband was alive, he always said, ‘Harmony in the family breeds prosperity: But look at us now, has this household ever truly known peace?”

Her scathing remark wasn’t directed at Athena alone, it was meant for everyone present.

Eloise’s lips quivered as if to speak, but in the end, she dared not utter a word.

Henry also hung his head in silence.

The King, Arthur Cavendish, ruled the nation with grace and expected his officials to uphold the same principle in governing their households.

Margaret wasn’t merely reciting family rules, she was clearly invoking Arthur’s example. No one would dare to argue with

that.

Even Nicolas and Matthew hung their heads, not daring to betray their dissatisfaction.

Only Athena remained, her expression cold and detached as she stared fixedly at the ground before her, the smoldering fury in her eyes undiminished.

Margaret surveyed them and let out a weary sigh before continuing,“You all demand Athena to be the one who always yields, to obey, to be sensible at every turn. Tell me, which of you has truly lived up to these standards?”

Nicolas felt his face burning with shame. Ever since Athena had returned, he realized he’d been misunderstanding her all along.

Guilt flooded his heart as he hung his head even lower.

Matthew still wore a resentful look, though he dared not speak up in Margaret’s presence.

After all, he was the one who had hurled insults at Athena first.

“Matthew.” Margaret suddenly called out. Matthew jolted, feeling as if her piercing gaze had pinned him down like a physical weight.

He replied softly, barely above a whisper, “Grandmother.”

Fixing Matthew with a steely glare, Margaret demanded sternly, “As the elder brother, how could you use such disgraceful words to humiliate your sister? Do you think that brings you any honor?”

Though resentment still burned in his heart, Matthew maintained a respectful demeanor and replied through clenched teeth, “I acknowledge my wrongdoing, Grandmother.”

“Since you admit your mistake, I sentence you to be grounded in the Memorial Hall for three days. Do you submit?” Margaret demanded.

Matthew replied through clenched teeth, “I accept the punishment.”

Margaret then turned to Athena. “Athena.”

Athena murmured softly, “Grandmother, I know I was wrong.”

She was prepared to accept whatever punishment her grandmother might impose.

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Chapter 74

“What wrong have you done?” Margaret asked softly.

Confused, Athena looked up and met a pair of warm eyes, like the gentle warmth of early spring sunlight thawing the ice around her heart.

“Grandmother…” she called out, her voice trembling.

Margaret sat ramrod straight and smiled, her voice firm. “Turning the other cheek is not the Monson family creed. We return every slight. We don’t start trouble, but we fear none either. A coward has no place in this family.

“Today, it was Matthew who insulted you first. Though you fought back, it was justified. Therefore, you are not at fault.”

As Margaret’s words fell, heat pricked behind Athena’s eyes.

When Matthew had called her a slut, she hadn’t felt wronged. When others misunderstood her, she remained unshaken.

But facing her grandmother’s defense, her expression broke.

Tears spilled over. Athena blinked rapidly, fighting to hold them back.

Yet the more she struggled, the faster they fell.

Eloise was stunned by Margaret’s blatant favoritism. She pleaded urgently, “Mom, Matthew is injured. How could he possibly be grounded for three days? I beg you to show mercy!”

“As a mother, you have neglected your duty to discipline your child, which has led to this disgraceful situation. You cannot escape blame,” Margaret thundered. Eloise’s heart trembled as her stern voice continued, “As punishment, I hereby order you to copy out the Family Conduct Manual five times. Let this serve as a warning to others.”

A ripple of shock passed through the gathered family, none had expected Margaret to discipline even Eloise.

The next moment, Margaret continued sternly, “Nicolas and Willow, you are grounded to your own rooms for three days to reflect.”

Everyone felt a chill run down their spines. There was no mistaking it this time. Margaret was truly furious.

Just when everyone thought the matter was settled, Joseph barged in from outside. “Mom, why would you give Athena such fine jewelry? She doesn’t deserve,

The butler was frantically signaling to Joseph, who belatedly noticed the tense scene in the room. His face turned pale with shock.

With a clatter, the items in his hands fell to the floor.

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