Chapter 317

Two days later, the case was settled. Eloise admitted to framing Kurtis and hiring a killer to cover up her crimes. With the witnesses and evidence, Leonard was sentenced to death, but he committed suicide before his execution by smashing his head against the cell wall. Eloise also received the death sentence, as framing a revered general was a capital offense.

The sudden reversal in Kurtis’s conviction caused a stir, but Athena was left with questions. She couldn't understand why Leonard had killed himself before the verdict was delivered. "Why did he have to die at this critical moment? What was he trying to hide?" she wondered, believing that only Eloise knew the full story.

When Athena arrived at Eloise’s cell, she found her huddled in a corner, staring vacantly at the ceiling. The contrast between Eloise's current state and her past life was stark. Formerly obsessed with fine clothes and jewelry, she was now dressed in the coarse garments of a condemned prisoner, awaiting her execution.

The sound of footsteps made Eloise's face light up as she cried out, "Willow, is that you?" But her smile froze when she saw Athena. "What are you doing here?" Eloise spat, her voice filled with disdain.

Disappointment flashed in Eloise's eyes as the jailer unlocked the cell door. Athena entered, followed by Trina, who carried a food container. As Trina arranged the meal on the table, Eloise glared at Athena. "What are you doing here? Come to gloat over my downfall?"

Athena saw no trace of kindness in Eloise's words, only pure hatred. This was the real Eloise, not the one who would feign innocence. Athena looked around the barren cell. "I just don't understand," she said with a bitter chuckle. "Why do you hate me so much? If you never wanted me, why did you bother giving birth to me in the first place?"

Eloise began to ravenously eat the food. Sneering between bites, she replied, "No reason. I simply loathe you. That's all."

Eloise spoke without remorse, as if Athena were nothing more than a worthless trinket to be cast aside. Athena felt a bitter taste in her throat, her heart aching. What daughter could endure such hatred from her own mother? She took a few steadying breaths and poured a drink for Eloise. "Whatever your reasons for hating me, I no longer care. Let me see you through your final journey, and then let bygones be bygones."

Eloise paused mid-bite, her eyes welling up with tears that vanished just as quickly. She lowered her head and continued to devour the food, as if only by stuffing her empty stomach could she find a moment of solace. Athena simply watched in silence, her expression unreadable. She thought, "Truth be told, I am not sure whether I hate Eloise or not."

"I just feel it is my duty to see her through her final moments."

Eloise slowly set down her silverware, wiped her mouth with her sleeve, and said coldly, "Leave. I don’t want to see you anymore."

"Alright." Athena slowly rose to her feet and walked out.

Just then, Eloise's desperate voice called after her, "Willow. I want to see Willow!"

Athena shot Eloise a startled look, only to see her eyes bloodshot and welling with tears, a desperate hope etched on her face. It was surprising that the one she wanted to see was Willow. Athena had been met with vicious words, yet even in death, the one she cared about most was still Willow.

Athena gave a bitter, self-deprecating smile and strode out of the cell. Eloise lunged at the bars, her voice raw with desperation as she screamed after her, "I want to see Willow! I want to see my daughter..."

Even as Athena walked away, she could still hear Eloise’s anguished cries echoing behind her.

Trina huffed indignantly, "Lady Athena, you really shouldn’t have come to see her. Why subject yourself to such torment?"

Athena, lost in thought, mused softly, "Trina, tell me. Why would a mother not love her own child?"

Trina thought for a moment and replied, "Maybe she didn’t like the child’s father, so she didn’t like the child either." But then Trina shook her head. "No, that doesn’t add up. Lady Eloise truly loved Lord Henry. I heard that when she married him, she did so quite willingly."

A fleeting insight flashed through Athena’s mind, but it was gone before she could grasp it. Her gut told her there must be a secret she didn’t know about, a well-kept secret that none of them would know. A sudden thought struck Athena—perhaps she should ask Margaret.

"Back to the manor, now!" Athena urged anxiously.

The carriage sped up, swiftly reaching Athena’s manor. Athena made a beeline for Margaret’s quarters. To her surprise, Margaret seemed to have anticipated her visit. Gwen was already waiting at the entrance on her orders.

"Lady Athena," Gwen said with a warm smile, "Her Ladyship asked me to wait here for you."

"Grandmother actually knew I was coming?" Athena asked, surprised.

Gwen chuckled as she led Athena inside. "Indeed."

Inside, Margaret sat quietly in her chair. She had unexpectedly changed into full ceremonial robes with the official headdress of a noblewoman on her head. Athena stared at her in surprise. Margaret simply smiled and beckoned her closer. "Come here, Athena," she said.

Margaret’s face looked slightly ashen, but Athena, preoccupied with her own thoughts, didn’t dwell on it and took the seat to Margaret’s right.

"Grandmother, is there something you want to tell me?" Athena asked softly.

Margaret nodded, her expression complicated as she gazed at Athena, as if trying to etch her face into her memory. She forced a faint, strained smile and said softly, "Athena, you must be wondering how I knew you were coming?"

"Yes," Athena replied with a gentle nod.

"Athena, have you also wondered why Eloise has always treated you so cruelly?"

"Grandmother, please enlighten me."

Margaret gazed at Athena for a long moment before finally saying, "Actually, you have an aunt."

Athena’s eyes widened in astonishment. "But why has Grandfather never mentioned her?"

Margaret raised her hand, signaling Athena to remain silent. Swallowing down all her burning questions, Athena could only listen patiently as Margaret spoke.

"General Perkins has two daughters. Your aunt, Vania Perkins , was Eloise’s twin sister. She and my son grew up together, and after they married, they were blissfully happy. At that time, your father was merely an unfavored son in the family, sent away to be raised in Nexalasia."

As Athena listened, everything in her mind suddenly clicked into place. The scattered images clicked together, forming a coherent picture. The truth was now within reach.