Chapter 180

Athena nodded hard, her voice breaking with emotion. “Yes, Grandmother… it’s me. I’m home.”

“Athena!” Margaret propped herself up, pulled Athena into a tight embrace, and burst into uncontrollable sobs.

They wept until their faces were streaked with tears.

After her tears subsided, Margaret gazed at Athena with deep affection and kept repeating, “Good. Now that I’ve seen you again, I can die content.”

“Grandmother, you won’t die. I won’t let you,” Athena said, her voice trembling with determination.

Margaret wiped the tears from her face and smiled. “My dear child, I’m old now. It’s just a part of life; we all must go someday.”

With that, she took out a handkerchief and gently wiped Athena’s tears. “There now, my dear child, don’t cry. I am quite well. It’s getting late; you should be going.”

Truth be told, Margaret was reluctant to let Athena leave, yet she could not feel at ease allowing her to remain in this dangerous place.

If the people at the Monson family found out, she knew they would put Athena in trouble again.

Athena clasped Margaret’s hand tightly. “I’m not leaving. I want to stay with you a while longer.”

Gwen stepped forward and said respectfully, “Mrs. Monson, please set your mind at ease. Miss Monson is no longer alone. She is under the protection of the McGee family. Nothing will happen to her.”

Only then did Margaret nod slowly and consent to let Athena stay a while longer.

Seeing that Margaret was now in good spirits, Gwen brought in a tray of food.

Athena spoon-fed Margaret some food. Overjoyed by Athena’s care, Grandmother finished the entire plate.

Gwen exclaimed in amazement, “Miss Monson really has a way with Mrs. Monson; just look at how much she’s enjoying her meal!”

Athena’s heart grew heavy. She thought, ‘Grandmother will only eat when I am there. But what about when I’m not here? Does Grandmother often have no appetite, or even skip meals? She is still ill, her vitality a shadow of what it once was.’

Athena kept her grandmother company for a while, chatting softly until the elderly lady drifted off to sleep.

Gwen walked Athena to the courtyard gate. Her eyes lingered on Athena, as if she wanted to say something but held herself back.

“Gwen, go ahead and ask whatever you want,” Athena said.

“If I may ask… how is Mrs. Monson’s condition?”

Athena said solemnly, “Even if you hadn’t asked, Gwen, I was going to tell you. Grandmother’s illness has reached its final stages. Her strength is all but spent.”

At this point, she swallowed the lump in her throat and forced out the painful words, “At most… one year.”

Only with her personal and meticulous care could Margaret hold on for a year.

Gwen nodded, her face pale and tears glistening in her eyes. “I understand, Miss Monson.”

Athena handed the medicine to Gwen and instructed her, “Make sure Grandmother takes these daily on schedule. I’ll deliver the follow-up dose myself.”

Gwen gave a deep, respectful curtsy. “Safe travels, Miss Monson,” she said softly.

Athena gave Gwen a brief nod before turning to leave.

Athena made her way to the front courtyard. Passing through an ornate moon gate, she suddenly came to a halt.

Up ahead, Athena saw Henry waiting for her, surrounded by his staff, their aggressive postures radiating hostility.

His face darkened with rage. His eyes blazed with fury as he glared at Athena.

Athena wasn’t the least bit surprised. After all, she’d injured Nicolas. There was no way she’d be able to walk away from this unscathed.

“Duke, have you gathered this entire entourage to invite me for a meal?” Athena’s voice dripped with icy sarcasm.

Henry glared at her with a livid face and said coldly, “So your wings have grown strong indeed. You don’t even call me Father when you see me?”

“Have you forgotten? I was disowned from the family a month ago; I’m no longer a Monson.”

Athena took two deliberate steps forward and planted herself firmly before Henry.

Her features, bearing a clear resemblance to Henry, showed not a trace of unease.

Only icy indifference remained.

Henry ignored Athena’s expression and demanded coldly, “You injured my son. Did you really think you could just walk away?”

“Or what? Does the Monson family plan to tie me up?” Athena curled her lips into a provocative smile. “I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed, Duke. Now that I’m no longer a mere commoner, you’d better think twice before trying to lay a hand on me.”

Seeing Athena’s defiant expression, Henry ground his teeth, his voice tight with suppressed anger. “Still so sharp-tongued,” he said.

Henry’s feelings toward Athena were quite complicated.

She was his daughter, yet whenever Athena saw him, it was as if she were facing her worst enemy.

Deep down, all he wanted was to have a proper conversation with Athena.

Just as he stood there, waiting for Athena to emerge from Margaret’s residence.

All the while, Henry was anxiously turning over in his mind how to address Athena.

Unbeknownst to anyone, he had even brought Athena’s favorite sweets.

But it wasn’t until Athena stood before him and addressed him as the Viscountess did that Henry realized that Athena was no longer the pliable child she once was.

Athena gave a light, dismissive chuckle and turned on her heel to leave. Henry frowned as he watched her go but made no move to stop her.

Just as Athena turned to leave, a clear, resonant voice suddenly cut through the air, stopping her in her tracks, “What if I wish you to stay?”

Just then, Fermin showed up before them.

He stood clad in a flowing black-and-gold cloak, his waist cinched by an emerald-studded belt.

Fermin wore a pleasant smile as he gazed upon Athena, his eyes devoid of any hostility.

One might even say there was a hint of admiration in his gaze.

Athena’s heart lurched, her eyes growing wary.

‘Prince Fermin, a wolf in sheep’s clothing,’ Athena thought to herself.

He conducted himself with impeccable perfection, enjoyed sterling public acclaim, and was revered among the people as the Paragon Prince.

Athena curtsied. “Your Highness, greetings.”

Fermin stepped forward, took Athena by the hands, and helped her up. With a gracious smile, he said, “No need for such formalities. Please…”

With that, he turned to Henry and feigned indignation. “Duke Suffield, why didn’t you tell me sooner that you had such a talented daughter who’s a miracle healer?”

Henry paled with dread and bowed deeply. “Your Highness, forgive your unworthy subject’s negligence,” he pleaded respectfully.

“No blame to those who did not know.” Fermin waved his hand magnanimously, then flashed a calculated smile at Athena. “Now that we know, it’s not too late. Wouldn’t you say so, Athena?”

Athena lowered her gaze, masking the emotions in her eyes, and remained silent.

When Athena remained silent, the warmth in Fermin’s eyes cooled noticeably.

He said, “Athena, I do have a favor to ask. Willow lies gravely wounded, and only your pill can preserve her now. Surely, for my sake, you wouldn’t refuse me this small courtesy, would you?”

Athena clenched her fists tightly. ‘Fermin isn’t asking, he’s just outright robbing me!’ she thought angrily.

If she refused to hand it over, she probably wouldn’t be allowed to leave the Monson family today.

Fermin maintained an air of effortless composure, giving a light chuckle. “Athena, take your time to consider. I’m in no rush.”

Fermin turned to Henry with a stern face. “Duke Suffield, what a failure of a father you are! Now that Athena has returned, shouldn’t you hurry and prepare a proper feast to ease her mood?”

Henry dared not refuse. Bowing respectfully, he replied, “Yes, Your Highness, I’ll see to it right away.”

Athena looked at Fermin and asked, “Your Highness, what if I refuse to hand it over?”

Athena couldn’t help wondering, ‘I have no intention of saving Willow. She deserves to die.’

Fermin looked at Athena with a hint of surprise, clearly not expecting her to be this bold.

Fermin let out a soft chuckle, folding his hands before him and sighing. “My family still lacks a songbird. I’ve never quite decided what to keep. But now that I’ve seen you, Athena, you’ve certainly piqued my interest.

“You shall return to my estate with me. Rest assured, I will ensure your every comfort.”