Chapter 103

Eloise looked at Athena with surprise, realizing she wasn’t joking, and for a moment, she was stunned. For the first time, Athena didn’t refuse them.

Eloise’s heart swelled with joy. She nearly burst into laughter, but she held back for fear of displeasing Athena. Suppressing her joy, Eloise nodded repeatedly. “Great! Let’s not waste any time. Let’s set off right away?”

With that, Eloise instructed the servants, “Prepare some snacks for the young ladies.”

Eloise looked at Athena with fawning eagerness and reached for her hand, but Athena skillfully sidestepped the gesture. Eloise’s smile stiffened for a moment, but she quickly recovered and said warmly, “You’re so frail, dear. Why not ride in the carriage with me? Ours is larger and more comfortable.”

Eloise had always tried to build a closer relationship with Athena, but no matter what she did, Athena remained standoffish toward her. Today seemed like an opportunity.

But once again, her wish fell through. Athena still declined. “No need. I’m used to it.”

She was used to being alone, used to not being cared for. She had long grown numb to affection. Eloise now trying to please her only made her feel even more indifferent. Rather than sit and watch them act out their loving mother-daughter routine, she’d rather be alone.

Athena stepped forward, Trina following closely behind.

Eloise watched Athena walk away with a hollow gaze, tears welling up in her eyes. Eloise wondered bitterly, “Why won’t Athena get close to me!” She had tried so hard. She didn’t know what more she could do for Athena to acknowledge her as her mother.

“Mother,” Willow stepped forward and held Eloise’s arm. “Don’t be too sad. After all, Athena suffered in the misty camp for three years. It’s normal for her to resent me. If I could go back in time, I’d rather be the one who went.”

Her eyes reddened, and tears rolled down. “If giving up my life could ease Athena’s pain, I would do it. I stole the love that should’ve belonged to her. I deserve to die.”

Eloise grew anxious after hearing this. “What nonsense are you saying? You’re about to get married; talking about death is so inauspicious.”

She wiped Willow’s tears with a handkerchief and said emotionally, “If it weren’t for you by my side, I don’t know how I would have survived these past three years. Rather than say you stole her love, I’d say you were the one who took care of me in her place.”

Eloise added softly, “If not for you, I’d have fallen ill long ago.”

Willow sniffled, her voice trembling. “But Athena…”

“She’s stubborn. She might not understand now, but one day she will,” Eloise sighed. Looking at Willow’s gentle face, she felt much more comforted. Without this daughter, she might not have survived three years of longing.

Eloise smiled and said gently, “It’s getting late. Let’s set off.”

Willow replied softly, “Yes, Mother.”

Athena boarded a smaller, narrow carriage with Trina. There wasn’t even a small table inside, let alone a foot warmer or refreshments.

Trina was filled with indignation, chattering nonstop, “Lady Eloise only says nice things but doesn’t follow through. If she truly cared about you, she wouldn’t let you be treated like this after returning to the household.” The bench in the carriage was hard; it might be tolerable for a short ride, but a long journey would be rough.

Trina placed a thick cushion under Athena, making her seat more comfortable.

She spoke for a long time but didn’t get a response. Looking over, she saw Athena lifting the curtain, staring blankly outside.

Eloise and Willow were laughing and chatting as they got on their carriage. Sensing Athena's gaze, Eloise was about to approach and say something, but Athena quickly dropped the curtain.

“Lady Athena, what are you looking at?” Trina leaned in and asked.

“Nothing,” Athena replied, shaking her head.

She just found it odd that the three Monson brothers, usually Willow’s tail, hadn’t come along today.

Elsewhere, Eloise sighed and helped Willow onto the carriage.

The ride to Serene Square was peaceful. An hour later, the carriages arrived.

There were many people. They had a ceremony in the square, and there were many stalls. Many people came to have fun.

After getting off, Athena glanced around the square, seeing nothing suspicious. However, someone caught her eye. Not far away, Matthew was patrolling the square with a squad of guards. After his scandal, he could hardly stay in the Pidence City garrison.

On duty, he was constantly mocked and ridiculed. Unable to stand it, he volunteered for jobs others avoided. Serene Square was close to Pidence City, often visited by nobles and wealthy ladies. Its security was crucial.

“Matthew!” Willow also spotted him and waved happily.

Seeing her, Matthew smiled and ran over. “Willow, Mother, what brings you here?” As he reached them, Willow handed him a food parcel. “This is from Mother.”

“For me?” Matthew was delighted, opening the small bundle. Inside were pastries and a flask of fine wine.

He sniffed the wine and grinned. “Excellent stuff! You always know what I like.”

Then, his gaze shifted to Athena behind Eloise. His smile turned into a scowl. “Unlike some people, all self-righteous, pretending to hate our family, still shamelessly clinging to us.”

Since their last clash, things between Matthew and Athena had only worsened. Every time he saw her, he either mocked her or spoke with veiled sarcasm.

Afraid they’d start fighting again, Eloise gently hit Matthew’s arm. “Watch your mouth. She’s your sister. How can you say that?”

“Sister?” Matthew sneered, glancing at Athena before saying to Eloise, “Does she even acknowledge that?”

Unbothered, Athena responded sharply. “Your mouth is still as annoying as ever. What, didn’t get enough lashes last time?”

Her words struck right at Matthew’s sore spot, turning his face livid. Matthew glared at Athena and snapped, “Don’t get cocky. This isn’t the duke’s estate. Your grandmother isn’t here to protect you.”

Athena stepped closer, her eyes cold. “You dare lay a hand on me here? With all these people? Your reputation is already in tatters. Add this to the list, and your career will be over for good.”

Boiling with rage, Matthew’s chest heaved. Unable to out-argue Athena, he looked to Eloise for help. “Mother, look how arrogant…”

“Enough, both of you, say no more,” Eloise said with a splitting headache. These two clashed like fire and water. Neither of them gave her peace of mind.

Willow quickly tugged on Matthew’s sleeve. “Don’t be mad. Come have a stroll with me.”

At that moment, a crowd of visitors surged forward, separating and pushing Willow and Matthew. Only Eloise and Athena were left standing outside.

“Willow, be careful!” Eloise called out anxiously.

“Don’t worry, Mother, Matthew is with me!” Willow’s voice came from the crowd, putting Eloise at ease.

Just as she turned to speak to Athena, she found Athena had disappeared too.