The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 77

Chapter 77

Athena wasn’t genuinely seeking advice from Margaret, she simply felt a pang of guilt.

Athena thought, “Today’s incident has troubled Margaret, no wonder she’s upset. I should find ways to lift her spirits.

To her surprise, Margaret took it seriously and advised, “Everyone has their Achilles‘ heel. When someone pokes at yours, strike at theirs. Violence is the most useless and inferior way, sure, it might feel good in the moment, but all it does is cause a little pain and no real harm.”

Margaret smiled and said, “If I were you, I wouldn’t be so direct. Instead, I’d redirect the conflict to your father, have him pressure your Matthew, and through him, discipline Matthew. There’s no need to get your own hands dirty when you can let others do the work for you.”

Athena’s eyes lit up with sudden realization, admiration written all over her face. Looking at her, she said, “Just like what you did just now, Grandma?”

“Your father cares most about his reputation, my girl. How could you forget?” Margaret chuckled softly, as if amused by Athena’s naivety..

Athena thought, ‘So that’s what Grandma meant, if I pressure Henry like she did, I can walk away clean.

‘Margaret is right, I really am too naive.’

“Thank you for your guidance, Grandmother,” Athena said, performing a deep curtsey to Margaret.

Margaret quickly helped her up, and the two slowly walked along the covered walkway. With Athena’s heart now at ease, even the scenery around them seemed to bloom with new beauty.

Athena felt a weight lift from her heart, her mood suddenly much lighter. But one question still lingered in her mind, refusing to go away.

Athena couldn’t hold it in any longer. She gnawed at her lip hesitantly.

Noticing her uncertainty, Margaret smiled gently and said, “Is there something else on your mind, child? Go ahead and ask me anything.”

“Grandma, why are you so kind to me?” Logically, since she wasn’t raised under Margaret’s care, Margaret should have little affection for her.

But ever since Athena returned to the manor, Margaret has treated her with nothing but warmth and kindness.

Although she was raised outside the family, Margaret never showed Athena any estrangement. She was the only one in this household who truly gave her warmth.

Athena resolved, ‘I must cure Grandmother’s illness. May she live a long and healthy life.‘

Margaret turned back with a gentle smile, holding Athena’s hand and giving it an emphatic pat. “You silly girl, asking such a silly question again. You’re the blood of the Monson family. Though I’m old, I’m not senile yet. Who else should I be good to if not my own granddaughter?”

Athena’s tears fell abruptly. ‘Even Grandmother understands this simple truth, yet Father and Mother remain oblivious,‘ she thought bitterly.

Margaret gently wiped away Athena’s tears and then said, “Athena, if you don’t want to marry into the Mcgee family, I will turn down the proposal for you.”

1/2

Margaret truly cared about Athena and sincerely hoped she would have a happy and secure future.

Athena thought to herself, ‘Even if Grandmother turns down the Mcgee family’s proposal for me, there’ll always be others.

2 4 20

‘Rather than rejecting the marriage outright, I might as well use this marriage proposal as a temporary shield. Once Grandmother recovers, I’ll find a way to break free.

‘Besides, I can pretty much guess what’s going on with Ferris.‘

Athena turned to Margaret and said, “Grandmother, thank you for your kindness. As for the marriage with the young lord, I’d like to keep my options open for now.”

Margaret raised her brows in surprise and looked at her. “Athena, be honest with me, do you really not like that boy Michael anymore?”

Margaret had always been well aware of how Athena felt about Michael.

Ever since she was thirteen, her heart belonged to Michael.

Athena was like Michael’s shadow, following him wherever he went.

In other words, Athena had poured all her youthful passion into Michael.

2/2