Chapter 142

Time flew by. Before anyone realized it, Willow’s wedding day was just around the corner.

The entire duke’s estate was bustling with activity, with everyone scrambling to attend to Willow’s every need.

Congratulations poured in as noble ladies streamed into the estate, each fawning over Willow and vying for her favor.

Meanwhile, Athena was left in the shadows, all but forgotten.

It seemed everyone had forgotten that Athena was the trueborn lady of the duke’s estate.

Athena couldn’t care less about being sidelined. All she wanted now was to find out who had hurt Macy and make the person pay.

Athena’s daily outings had long since caught Matthew’s attention.

That day, as usual, Athena stepped out of the estate.

Matthew ordered his trusted aide, “Follow Athena and see what she’s really up to. If she dares disgrace our family name, she won’t get away with it.”

Matthew’s trusted aide nodded and discreetly trailed after Athena’s carriage.

The carriage arrived at a small courtyard residence in the southern district of Pidence City.

Athena stepped out of the carriage. Matthew’s trusted aide watched her disappear inside, then stole a furtive glance through the gate.

In the courtyard, he saw Macy taking slow, unsteady steps.

Recognizing Macy instantly, Matthew’s trusted aide rushed back to report to him.

With Willow’s wedding approaching, her quarters had become the liveliest place in the entire estate, buzzing with activity and laughter these days.

Matthew had to wait until Willow was alone before he could speak with her.

Looking at Willow’s beaming face, Matthew sighed wistfully, “Just a few more days and you’ll be married. I’ll miss you dearly.”

“Matthew, even after I get married, I can still come back and visit,” said Willow.

“Once you become Lord Osborne’s wife, you can’t just come back whenever you wish. The Osborne family will need you to run things as its mistress. I doubt you’ll even find the time to visit us,” Matthew sighed.

“Matthew, no way,” Willow said, unable to suppress her beaming smile.

She had waited what felt like a lifetime for this day to finally arrive. Just the thought of marrying Michael made Willow so excited she couldn’t sleep at night.

While the two were chatting merrily, a maid entered and announced, “Sir Monson, Andy is waiting outside for your instructions.”

This was Willow’s private chambers, hardly appropriate for a male servant to enter.

Matthew stood up and said to Willow, “I’ll step out for a moment.”

Noticing that Matthew seemed preoccupied, Willow quietly followed him.

Andy reported respectfully, “Sir Monson, I’ve looked into what you asked. The person in that courtyard is Macy.”

Willow had just reached the doorway when she overheard those words.

“Lady Willow has nowhere else to turn. You’re the only one in this estate who can protect her. Please help Lady Willow.”

With Willow and then piling on the emotional pressure like this, Matthew had no choice but to get involved.

Matthew clenched his fist, a look of dread flickering across his face. “So this is what all the fuss is about? Just a worthless maid. Have her sent away and be done with it.”

“Just focus on your wedding, Willow. I’ll take care of everything else,” Matthew reassured her.

Willow nodded gratefully, her eyes shining with admiration. “Matthew, I’ll always cherish your kindness to me.”

Willow’s adoring gaze made Matthew blush with a mix of pride and bashfulness.

Nicolas was the pride of the duke’s estate. As the eldest son, he naturally enjoyed Henry’s highest regard.

As for Matthew, the second son with only a minor official position, Henry paid him far less attention.

But Willow was different. She idolized him. She would call him in that sweet, adoring voice of hers, treating him as her rock and protector.

Willow’s admiration gave Matthew the sense of purpose he’d always craved.

Since childhood, Matthew had always granted Willow’s every wish. As always, this time was no different.

“Thank you, Matthew,” Willow murmured again, her red-rimmed eyes gazing up at him with pitiful adoration, a look that sent a wave of gratified pride through Matthew.

Without another word, Matthew strode out of the estate. Following Andy’s lead, he had no trouble locating the small courtyard residence in the southern district of Pidence City.

Matthew waited patiently until Athena had departed before stepping forward.

Guards stood watch at the courtyard gate. A guard stepped forward, eyeing Matthew warily and blocking his path. “Who goes there?”

Matthew flashed his badge. “Pidence Guards—official business. Stand aside.”

The guards’ faces paled with fear, and they immediately yielded the way.

Matthew swaggered in with his men in tow. His sudden arrival sent shockwaves through the courtyard.

The maids cowered in fear, while Macy, her face filled with terror, retreated step by step.

“Macy, what are you doing here?” Matthew demanded in an official tone. “You were caught stealing before—by rights, you should have had a hand chopped off and been sold into servitude.

“But because you were Athena’s maid and had protected her since childhood, I let you off the hook.”