Chapter 120

Henry had always held his children to strict standards and would never allow them to live like those idle and debauched young nobles. Five Stone Powder, in particular, was something they must never even touch.

At this moment, his regard for Joseph was filled with utter disappointment.

Henry said coldly, "I once thought you were simply young and lacked self-restraint. Now I see I was wrong."

He was unusually calm, not yelling as he normally would, yet Joseph was already scared out of his wits. The calmer Henry was, the angrier he actually was.

"Father, Father…" Joseph crawled to his father’s feet, begging desperately, "I know I was wrong. I’ll change. Please give me one more chance!"

Suddenly, Henry kicked him aside and pointed at his nose, cursing, "I have no son like you. Get out of the manor. Never come back through this door again!"

Eloise gasped, horrified. "He’s your son. If you drive him out, where can he go?"

"Out of my way!" Henry finally lost his temper, letting the full force of his fury erupt.

He pointed at Joseph, his voice trembling with rage. "I have no such son! Men, throw him out!"

"Father!" Two voices cried out in unison. They were Nicolas and Willow.

The two pleaded for Joseph, "Father, please show mercy! Spare Joseph just this once!"

Though Nicolas was furious at Joseph’s actions, blood was still thicker than water.

Nicolas turned to Henry and added, "Joseph made this grave mistake, but as his older brother, I am also responsible for failing to guide him. Please, Father, on Willow’s behalf, give him another chance."

Willow quickly echoed, "Yes, Father. I’m about to marry into the Osborne family. There mustn’t be any scandal now. Please, I beg you to be lenient."

Athena said coldly, "So, in the end, it’s still all for your own sake. You’re just afraid Joseph’s deeds will cause trouble with the Osborne family, aren’t you? You haven’t even married in yet, and you’re already turning your back on us."

Her words made Willow tremble. She rushed to explain, "No, that’s not what I meant at all!"

Tears fell like rain from her eyes, her pitiful appearance tugging at the heartstrings.

Willow said, "Athena, why do you always have to target me? If there were even a sliver of a chance with the Osborne family, I’d fight for it, too."

She broke into sobs.

Nicolas glared at Athena. "That’s enough! You know perfectly well who’s being malicious. Don’t project your thoughts onto Willow."

The way he defended Willow made Athena want to laugh. Three years ago, if he had protected her even once like this, she wouldn’t have suffered those three years of hardship.

Willow was always seen as obedient and sensible, while she was demonized as utterly wicked.

Joseph had done despicable things, yet Nicolas claimed he simply failed to rein him in. Such blatant favoritism, yet they wouldn’t admit it.

Athena chuckled coldly. "Duke Henry, there is a way, one that doesn’t require casting Lord Joseph out, yet still ensures he is properly punished."

"What do you mean?" Henry frowned deeply, his gaze at Athena full of wariness.

She had just been trying to have Joseph condemned, yet she was now speaking on his behalf.

Eloise and Willow both looked tense, not understanding what Athena was up to.

Only Nicolas’s expression darkened, his eyes full of suspicion.

Athena said, "Three years ago, I made a mistake and was sent to the army to 'learn obedience.' Since Lord Joseph has also made mistakes, perhaps he should go too?"

At her words, everyone’s expression changed dramatically.

Eloise looked angry and screamed, completely ignoring decorum, "Absolutely not! Joseph is different from you…"

Mid-sentence, she realized what she’d said was inappropriate and quickly shut her mouth.

But the words were already out. There was no taking them back.

Athena, of course, heard every syllable.

"How is he different? I’m just a woman, and I endured it. He’s a man. He can’t?" Athena stepped closer to Eloise, her smile sharp and mocking, "Or is it that, in Lady Eloise’s eyes, I’ve always been 'different'?"

Eloise shrank from her cold gaze, stumbling back and shaking her head frantically. "No, that’s not it…"

Tears streamed down her face like falling pearls.

"Athena, if you’re angry, take it out on me!" Willow’s sentence was cut short by a resounding slap.

She screamed, clutching her cheek. "Athena, how could you—!"

Athena shook out her slightly numb wrist and smirked at her. "You told me to."

Eloise rushed forward and pulled Willow behind her. Henry roared, "Enough! All of you, shut up!"

He trembled with fury, eyes blazing as he looked at Athena. "You! Go kneel in the Memorial Hall. Without my orders, you are not to get up."

Athena raised an eyebrow, annoyed. "Duke Henry, you won’t punish the true culprit, but want to punish me instead? How is that fair?"

"If not for your meddling and defiance, would the house be in such chaos?" he bellowed. "Men! Take her away?!"

Several attendants began to move.

Suddenly, a familiar voice echoed through the hall, "Oh my, what a lively household this is."

Startled, Athena looked up and saw Nelson walking in with two young servants.

He represented Xander Manor, and by extension, the reputation of Xander himself.

His unannounced arrival stunned everyone.

They all looked at each other, confused.

Henry quickly suppressed his anger, switching to a polite tone. "Lord Bates! Such an honor! Forgive us for not welcoming you properly."

"Duke Henry, thank you," Nelson replied with a friendly smile but without the slightest hint of deference. He spoke as though they were equals.

Athena couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. No wonder people feared Xander.

Even his steward had such confidence; if Xander himself had come, half the household would probably faint.

Nicolas stepped forward and bowed. "Might I ask what brings Prince Xander’s steward here in person?"

Nelson smiled. "By Prince Xander’s command, I’m here to deliver something to Miss Monson."

Willow’s eyes lit up instantly. She thought Prince Xander had learned of her engagement to the Osborne family and come bearing wedding gifts.

Eloise’s heart also lifted. "Yes, that must be it."

Mother and daughter exchanged a knowing smile, clearly convinced.

Henry relaxed as well and said eagerly, "How gracious of Prince Xander! I am unworthy of such honor."

He then turned and waved to Willow. "Silly girl, what are you standing there for? Go on, give your thanks."

"Thank…" But before she could finish, Nelson raised a hand to stop her. "Hold on. It’s not for you."