Chapter 32

“This isn’t my day to be the center of attention, so why dress so eye-catchingly?” Athena picked up the gold hairpin Margaret had given her and held it up to her hair, testing it.

Wearing the entire set would be too much, but one pin would be enough. It would satisfy Margaret’s feelings without making her look too flashy. As for everyone else’s feelings, she wondered, “Why should I care?”

Siena and Aliza were about to try to convince her again when Athena called for Trina. “Go and bring me the blue dress from the wardrobe.”

Trina nodded, opened the wardrobe, and brought the dress, placing it beside Athena.

Siena shot Trina a sharp glare. Trina remained unfazed, calmly going back to her cleaning.

Siena felt her frustration building, like she’d punched the air. She was seething inside.

Athena noticed this and gave it some thought.

Just as she was about to change, she heard Joseph’s voice from outside. “Athena!”

His carefree laugh rang out from a distance.

Athena furrowed her brow, but before she could respond, Joseph had already entered.

He casually sat down in front of her, grinning. “Today is Willow’s birthday. What gift did you get her?”

“A gift?” Athena sneered inwardly. She hadn’t prepared anything at all.

But before she could speak, Joseph’s eyes landed on the dress on the tray. “What a beautiful dress! I knew you wouldn’t show up empty-handed, Athena. We grew up together, and you’ve never missed one of Willow’s birthdays.”

Athena smiled faintly. She thought, “Well, the dress has found its purpose. But no one would have things go exactly as they hope.”

Siena and Aliza widened their eyes in surprise, ready to explain that the dress had been given by Eloise.

But before Athena could speak, they fell silent, knowing it was better not to say anything. After all, such a lovely dress was only right for Willow.

Meanwhile, Joseph, still not satisfied with just the dress, turned his attention to the gilded hairpin on the vanity. “This hairpin is so delicate as well…”

As he reached for it, Athena swiftly jabbed the hairpin into the gap between his fingers, causing him to recoil in shock.

He looked at her, wide-eyed with fear, and complained, “What are you doing? I was just looking! You nearly ruined my hand!”

“This was a gift from Grandmother,” Athena said coldly, her voice soft but carrying a sharp edge. “No one is allowed to touch it.”

Joseph realized that she had changed. No longer the soft, obedient sister, she had become someone ruthless, indifferent, and cold.

He scoffed, rolling his eyes. “What’s the big deal? It’s just a few old hairpins. Since when did you become so petty?”

The old Athena wouldn’t have acted this way. Back then, whatever he wanted, she would give to him without question. But now, she was selfish and…

All the family’s guilt toward her had been drained. She truly didn’t know how to appreciate anything.

Grumbling, he snatched up the dress and left with a flourish.

As he stepped outside, his servant couldn’t help but speak up. “Lord Joseph, that dress was a gift from Lady Eloise to Lady Athena, isn’t it wrong to…”

Joseph flicked the servant’s head with his fan. “Do you think I don’t know it was from Mother to Athena? That’s exactly why I’m taking it!”

Thinking of Athena’s icy expression and then remembering how gentle and sweet Willow was, Joseph muttered, “How can someone so vile wear such a precious dress! It belongs to Willow. She’s beautiful, and she’s the one who truly deserves it!”

The servant touched his head, too scared to say anything else.

The two of them made their way to Willow’s courtyard.

Willow’s courtyard was much grander than Athena’s, with vibrant flowers and willow trees creating an impressive, spacious atmosphere. Thanks to her birthday, and with Eloise’s recent additions, it looked even more luxurious.

The courtyard was filled with people, bustling with excitement.

As soon as Joseph entered, he called out loudly. “Willow, I’m here to see you!”

Inside, several people were already gathered.

Nicolas and Matthew were there as well. Their injuries had healed, and both turned to look at Joseph.

When Joseph caught the stern gaze of Nicolas, his steps faltered, and he sheepishly grinned. “Oh, Nicolas is here too.”

Matthew rolled his eyes at him, annoyed. He’d been trying to get Joseph’s attention with subtle glances since he entered, but the fool hadn’t noticed.

Though Nicolas hadn’t said a word, his presence was enough to keep both brothers in check. They were so used to his authority that neither of them dared act out in front of him.

Willow quickly stepped in to ease the tension. “Joseph, what’s that you’re holding?”

“Willow, for your birthday today, I’ve brought you a new dress,” Joseph grinned as he signaled the servant to step forward and place the dress in front of her.

The luxurious dress immediately caught Willow’s eye, and she couldn’t help but stare.

She recognized it at once. It was the dress Eloise had prepared for Athena.

At first, Willow had thought it was for her, but upon a closer look, she realized it had been sent to Athena’s courtyard instead.

Her hand, which had been reaching for the dress, hesitated before pulling back. She felt a flicker of uncertainty.

Joseph noticed her hesitation and quickly asked, “What’s wrong? Don’t you like it?”

“I love it,” Willow smiled at him, her lips curving up. “I love everything you give me, Joseph.”

Joseph breathed a sigh of relief. “Well, I’m glad my efforts weren’t wasted.”

“What [was] that?” Nicolas asked, not catching his words.

Joseph quickly waved his hand. “Nothing.”

Nicolas shot him an exasperated look. “Just make sure you don’t mess this up today. Be careful, or Father might punish you again.”

“Got it, Nicolas,” Joseph mumbled, sounding deflated.

After Willow changed into the dress, everyone’s eyes lit up when she emerged.

“Willow, I knew this dress would look perfect on you,” Joseph said enthusiastically, eager to compliment her.

Willow smiled shyly. “Thank you, Joseph.”

Matthew, smiling warmly, added, “With…”

Everyone praised Willow, adoring her beauty. But Nicolas remained silent.

Willow noticed his scrutiny and quietly asked, “Nicolas, don’t you think it looks…”

Nicolas shook his head absently. “It’s beautiful, very…”

Though the dress was lovely, Nicolas couldn’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t quite right.

“Let’s go, the party is about to start.”

The group moved toward the door, and Nicolas fell a few steps behind. As they left the courtyard, the cool breeze…

He realized what felt off: the sleeves. The dress wasn’t quite the right fit for Willow; it was a bit tight, and the seams…

What confused him was how Joseph could have made such a mistake. Nicolas thought, “He knows the dress is meant for Willow’s birthday, why give her one that doesn’t…”

The party was held in the flower hall, surrounded by lush plants and flowers, creating an elegant atmosphere.

The men and women were seated together, separated by a screen in the middle, maintaining a lively yet respectful environment.

The garden was filled with noble ladies and young misses, either admiring the flowers or strolling around.

However, some people’s eyes lingered on Joseph. Whether they were admiring the flowers or studying him was unclear.

When Eloise saw Willow in the dress, her brows furrowed slightly.

Willow, sensing her unease, approached her and softly said, “Mother.”

“This dress…” Eloise began, but before she could finish, Joseph quickly chimed in.

“Well, Mother, what do you think? Doesn’t Willow look perfect in it? It would be such a waste to give it to someone else.”

Eloise immediately understood—once again, Joseph had taken something meant for Athena and was using it to flatter Willow. She gave Joseph a disapproving glance, but he just smiled nonchalantly.

As he saw their exchange, Nicolas’s suspicion grew. “Wasn’t this for Willow?”

Nicolas, known for his fairness, wasn’t about to let this slip by without question. Sensing there might be more to this, Eloise hesitated before saying, “Of course, it’s for Willow.”

Willow lowered her head and smiled gently, pretending to know nothing. “Thank you, Mother.”

Eloise then took her hand and led her to meet the guests, introducing her to everyone in the flower hall. She carefully avoided…

When Athena appeared with Trina, all eyes turned to her.

The women gave her a faint smile before turning to whisper among themselves.

Their gazes were filled with either mockery or pity, and Athena could hear the faint sound of laughter floating in the air.