Michael shot Reley a dissatisfied look, wondering if he ever favored Athena. He was merely stating the facts to them.
But Willow put on an exaggerated look of grievance, genuinely playing the victim, or actually feigning it.
“She has never behaved like this before,” Michael said gently, “Mother, please don’t be upset. I’m not siding with Athena, I just wanted to remind you that this matter has attention, and we should keep a low profile.”
Michael knew Kelsey all too well—whenever something brought honor to the family, she couldn’t wait to announce it to the whole city. But was this really the right time for such a public display? Worried she might make a misstep, Michael felt compelled to speak up and warn her.
He had always respected Kelsey and never dared to defy her wishes. Even so, what he said today already felt like intimate disrespect.
Sure enough, Kelsey’s eyes widened, her pupils trembling in disbelief. “You… you’re lecturing me?”
Before Michael could even utter a word, Kelsey, consumed by fury, burst into tears.
Her face flushed with anger and tears, Kelsey snapped, “I know you and Athena were childhood sweethearts, but you’re married to Willow now! Your loyalty should be with your wife. Even if she was at fault, you should still defend her, let alone when she’s done nothing wrong!”
Kelsey simply couldn’t comprehend what it was about Athena that had Michael so completely under her spell. Kelsey had always known about Michael’s past affections, but considering he and Athena had grown up side by side, expecting him to truly let her go was simply asking too much. But he was already married, yet he was still dancing attendance on Athena!
‘How am I supposed to put up with this?’ Kelsey wondered inwardly. ‘Besides, he hasn’t even slept with Willow yet! When will I ever get to hold my grandchild?’
Michael’s brows knitted tightly as Kelsey’s words went further out of line. He wanted to defend himself, but seeing her hysterical sobbing just made him annoyed.
Michael shot to his feet and strode out. Seeing this, Willow anxiously called after him, “Michael, where are you going?”
Michael didn’t even look back as he stormed out. Kelsey slammed her hand down hard on the table, fuming. “Now that he’s grown too big for his boots, he won’t even listen to his own mother.”
With red-rimmed eyes, Willow sniffled and said, “It’s all my fault. I’m just so useless. I couldn’t keep Michael’s heart. Please don’t be upset, Kelsey. There’s really nothing between Michael and Athena, trust them both.”
Hearing this, Kelsey shot Willow a look of utter frustration. “How can you be so naive? I trust my son’s character, but can you honestly say the same for Athena?”
Chapter 259
Kelsey scoffed, “Though she supposedly is about to become Mrs. Carides, there’s still no official word. Farsi Flats told me…”
The more Kelsey thought about it, the more convinced she became that Athena was letting her roam free for this reason.
“There’s only one explanation—Prince Xander finds her unworthy,” Kelsey concluded.
Probably long gone?
Willow’s words made Kelsey’s heart race with anxiety. If Athena still harbored designs on Michael and tried to seduce him again, that would ruin Michael’s future, she thought, alarmed.
“Absolutely not! I need someone to keep a close eye on Athena so she can’t be given any chances.”
Willow let out a theatrical gasp: “No way! Athena isn’t like that. You must have misunderstood her.”
Kelsey sighed with exasperation, “Oh, my dear, Eloise has sheltered you far too well.” Willow was simply too unaware of how wicked people could be.
Willow lowered her head, putting on an act of bewildered helplessness. Defiantly ignoring Michael’s advice, Kelsey decided to host a small party, as the Osborne family had been flooded with visitors these days. Though it wasn’t a grand affair, the event still drew an impressive crowd. After all, the Osborne family was at the height of their influence, and everyone was eager to curry favor with them.
Willow also attended, dressed in her most splendid attire, just as Kelsey had requested. After all, as the very face of the Osborne family and their new bride, Willow thought, “There’s nothing wrong with dressing a bit more lavishly.”
In just a few days, the Osborne family’s storerooms were overflowing with gifts from all directions. Meanwhile, Willow’s popularity soared to unprecedented heights, so much so that the common people even began clamoring for her to be granted a noble title.
Such commotion naturally reached the palace’s notice. Upon hearing the news, the Queen immediately sensed something was amiss.
The Queen scoffed inwardly, ‘A mere face covering causing such an uproar? It’s not some miraculous panacea! Yet Kelsey actually bought into the hype and even hosted a party at her residence. Though it wasn’t a grand banquet, this move still managed to draw attention from all quarters.’
The Queen immediately summoned both Kelsey and Willow to the palace. Upon hearing the news, both Kelsey and Willow were grinning from ear to ear.
Kelsey beamed at Willow and said, “As a newlywed, you should have gone to the palace to pay your respects to the Queen, but things have been so busy lately that I haven’t had you go. Now that the Queen has summoned us both to the palace, this is truly a tremendous honor.” Kelsey was radiant with pride. The Osborne family had recently been in the eye of the storm, facing widespread criticism, but now she finally felt vindicated—walking with her head held high, her back straighter than ever.
Willow was all smiles, thrilled at being summoned by the Queen. “Maybe Her Majesty will even reward me,” she thought, excitement bubbling up inside her.
Chapter 260
If people really petitioned for me to receive a noble title, I’d never have to bow to anyone again, she thought. The more Willow imagined it, the more exhilarated she became and she simply couldn’t wipe the smile off her face.
Soon, Kelsey and Willow arrived at Phoenis Hall. The palace stewardess stopped Kelsey at the entrance and murmured discreetly, “Hold, madam.”
Kelsey’s face registered shock, her earlier delight vanishing instantly as her heart began to pound. “What could possibly have angered the Queen out of the blue?” she wondered anxiously.
Exchanging a nervous glance, Kelsey and Willow entered with cautious steps.
The Queen sat upon her throne in magnificent robes, her majestic presence enhanced by the ornate crown atop her head. Kelsey and Willow bowed to the Queen, paying their respects. The Queen looked at Willow, a slight frown creasing her brow as she took in Willow’s lavish attire.
Still, suppressing her impatience, the Queen motioned for the two to rise and take their seats. Kelsey began with some polite pleasantries, trying to gauge the Queen’s mood. “Your Majesty, we are deeply honored that you would summon Willow and me amidst your countless responsibilities.”
Willow also eagerly chimed in, “It is my greatest honor to be summoned by Your Majesty.”
The Queen’s frown deepened. “If I don’t straighten you two out,” she said sharply, “I fear you’ll bring utter disaster upon the Osborne family.”
The Queen’s words froze the smiles on Kelsey and Willow’s faces, leaving them in awkward silence.
Kelsey looked at the Queen in bewilderment. “Your Majesty, what do you mean by this?”
“If you had any sense at all, you’d know exactly what to do. Yet you chose to believe your daughter-in-law and let her run wild.” The Queen’s blunt words left Kelsey pale-faced.
“All you see are the immediate gains, blind to the disaster brewing beneath the surface. Had the epidemic spiraled out of control, how would you answer for it?” the Queen rebuked, her tone sharp and commanding.
Kelsey kept her head bowed low under the Queen’s scolding, unable to lift it. Still, she managed a somewhat defiant protest. “But the epidemic is under control now—that’s all thanks to Willow’s efforts. Your Majesty, aren’t you perhaps being a bit too cautious?”