Matthew looked down at Athena, who was curled up at the bottom of the well, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes. She had strutted around high and mighty for so long, and finally, he’d had his revenge. Just as he was about to turn and leave, Athena suddenly let out a sharp scream and fainted.

Startled, Matthew looked again and saw a snake slithering toward her, tongue flicking out ominously. She had fainted from fear at the sight of the snake. “Useless,” Matthew cursed under his breath. He wanted to walk away, but the thought of the snake possibly killing her made him panic. He only wanted her to suffer, not to die.

Flustered, he jumped into the well. Throwing the snake out, he picked Athena up and slapped her face gently. “Wake up, wake up.” Athena slowly opened her eyes. Matthew exhaled in relief. But before he could react, Athena waved her hand, and a cloud of white mist suddenly enveloped them. Matthew instinctively tried to hold his breath, but it was too late. All strength instantly drained from his body.

Meanwhile, Athena slowly stood up. “You… what did you do to me?” Matthew’s voice trembled with fear as he collapsed to the ground. Filthy mud clung to his hair, face, and even seeped into his mouth. The stench made him want to vomit, but he couldn’t move at all.

Just moments ago, Athena had been the pitiful one. But now, he was far worse off than she had been. At least she could move. Athena didn’t respond. She dragged him to the well wall and propped him up against it. Then, using his shoulders and head as stepping stones, she climbed her way out.

“You tricked me!” Matthew roared, eyes bloodshot with rage. At this point, he wanted to kill her. The well wasn’t very deep. Athena reached the top quickly, then collapsed on the ground, exhausted, gasping for air. Looking at the gloomy sky, she suddenly burst into laughter.

Down below, Matthew was furious enough to cough up blood. Hearing her laugh only made him more enraged. “What are you laughing at?” “I’m laughing at how stupid you are,” Athena said, sitting at the edge of the well and casually wringing muddy water from her sleeves. The droplets fell, landing squarely on Matthew’s head and face, then trickled down his cheeks. This humiliation made the hatred in his heart burn even hotter.

Seeing him so pathetic, Athena smiled even brighter. “Lord Matthew, you stay down there and reflect on your actions. When you realize your mistakes, I'll let you out.” She threw his own words back at him, word for word. Matthew’s chest heaved with rage. “Where did you learn these underhanded tricks? Using them against your own family? You’re truly beyond saving!” “Family?” Athena gave a cold laugh. “You think you’re my family?”

“You…” Matthew gritted his teeth, completely unable to move. He could only watch as Athena swaggered away. He started to panic, shouting, “Get back here! Come back!” But there was no response. Athena really had left. His heart began to sink. That damn woman… she really walked away. She’s absolutely ruthless!

Just as despair settled over him, footsteps sounded again. Athena had returned. Belief flashed in his eyes. He shouted, “I suffered long enough. Now pull me up!” This hellhole reeked, and there were snakes. Even one more minute was unbearable. But Athena merely looked at him, then tossed two things down into the well.

Two gray rats ran wildly along the muddy floor. Matthew’s face instantly turned pale. Terror filled his eyes as the rats, coated in filth, began scurrying toward him. “Get away! Get away!” he screamed, on the verge of a breakdown. It wasn’t that rats were dangerous, but they were disgusting. Just being in the same space as them gave him goosebumps.

Athena poked her head over the edge and laughed. “Lord Matthew, enjoy your days down there with the rats.” She stood up, scoffed coldly, and turned to leave. “Wait, don’t go!” Matthew cried, voice frantic. “Athena, don’t go! I was wrong! I really know I was wrong.” Athena sneered. “Too late.”

With that, she turned and placed a ragged mat over the well opening. The light disappeared in an instant, sending Matthew into deeper panic. But the final blow came when the rats, emboldened, began dining on his legs. His scream echoed from the well, but Athena didn’t even look back. Her steps only quickened.

Battered and bruised, Athena limped for half an hour before finally reaching the edge of the forest. Up ahead, several figures came into view. A familiar voice drifted through the trees. “Lady Athena, where are you?” Joy flooded Athena’s face as she called out, “Trina, I’m here!” Pain shot through her ankle, but she finally felt a verit hope. She was saved. Trina must have seen her being taken and brought help.

As the figures drew closer, Athena saw clearly it was Ferris. The moment he saw her, Ferris’s heart clenched, and he nearly forgot to breathe. The woman before him had hair matted to her face, clothes soaked in mud, utterly wretched.

In a swift motion, he rushed forward and lifted her into his arms. His face was filled with distress. “Come, I’m taking you home.” Trina gasped and quickly covered her mouth. Athena was filthy, but Ferris didn’t seem to mind at all.

When Athena had been taken, Trina panicked and didn’t know what to do. After thinking hard, she had run to the McGee family’s mansion for help. Upon hearing the news, Ferris had immediately rallied his men and followed the clues here. Fortunately, Athena had managed to escape.

Trina was moved to tears. She had gone to the right person after all. Athena, stunned by the sudden embrace, forgot to react. She stared blankly at Ferris, eyes scanning his face. He actually cared about her. “Is this just an illusion?” Athena wondered.

“Your Highness, put me down,” she muttered, coming to her senses and trying to get out of his arms. But Ferris held her tightly and didn’t budge. “You’re covered in injuries. With your leg like that, you’d never walk out of this forest before nightfall.” Athena opened her mouth to protest, but Ferris cut her off coldly. “Be still. I don’t have the strength to keep picking you up.”

Though his voice was stern, his eyes were full of concern. Knowing his health was still fragile, Athena stopped struggling. She wasn’t being dramatic. She truly was in pain. She had no strength left.

Ferris carried her onto the carriage and headed toward the McGee family’s estate.