Chapter 348

In the rear garden of the Duchess Manor, the flowers were in full bloom. Pale purple flower clusters hung like waterfalls, swaying gently in the breeze.

Athena sat beside the stone table, absentmindedly twirling the flower petals on the table with her round fan.

Across from her, her grandfather, Kurtis, sat upright, steam curling up from the cup in his hand. He said, “Athena, I’d like to hear your thoughts.”

Kurtis’s voice was low and carried a hint of concern. “Everyone says you’re about to marry the most powerful man in Pidence City, but what I really want to know is what you truly feel inside.”

Athena lifted her head and met his eyes, which were full of worry. Warmth rose in her heart.

Everyone only talked about her becoming the future consort of the powerful Prince Xander. No one had ever asked if she was willing or if she was happy.

“Grandpa,” Athena said softly, a gentle smile spreading in her eyes. “Prince Xander treats me very, very well. I also believe he will treat me with sincerity and never let me suffer.”

Kurtis listened quietly, his gaze locked on her eyes. He saw that when she mentioned Xander, her eyes sparkled with happiness. It was a joy that came from deep within.

“I know people say Prince Xander is ruthless and wields great power in court,” Athena continued, her voice full of conviction, “But in front of me, he is always gentle, caring, and meticulous. He makes me feel that no matter what happens, he’ll always be there to shelter me.”

Her expression grew more resolute as she went on, “Grandpa, I believe that for the rest of my life, he will always treat me this way. When I’m with him, I feel secure and truly happy.”

Kurtis carefully observed her every expression and every look in her eyes. He saw no hesitation or uncertainty. If she didn’t trust Xander with her whole heart, she wouldn’t be so resolute. As a veteran of countless battles, Kurtis had met all kinds of people and knew well that one’s eyes could never lie.

The weight in his heart finally lifted. He let out a light sigh, a smile of relief appearing on his face. “Good. As long as you’re happy, I can rest easy. Although Xander is sharp and ruthless in court, his heart is true when it comes to you. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have arranged for us to be safely escorted back to Pidence City.” That gesture alone already showed Xander’s regard for Athena.

“Grandpa, you really don’t have to worry.” Athena’s face held a bashful charm, and she asked tentatively, “So… about the letter of betrothal…”

Kurtis chuckled lightly. “Tomorrow, I will gladly welcome Prince Xander to formally propose marriage.”

A rosy blush crept up Athena’s cheeks, and she lowered her head shyly. But inside, her heart overflowed with sweetness.

Later that evening, Xander sent a note to Athena. It read, “I’ll come to your residence tomorrow to propose marriage; wait for me.” The handwriting was bold and powerful. Even without seeing him, Athena could sense the joy he must have felt while writing it. He had waited so long, and finally, the day had come.

Chapter 348

Lying in bed, Athena was so excited she couldn’t fall asleep. She could hardly believe that happiness was finally reaching out to her.

At the same time, in Xander Manor, Xander was just as excited and wide awake. The gifts had filled the entire warehouse, ready to be delivered at first light. What surprised Xander, however, was that Alexandra had not objected at all.

Overwhelmed with joy, he only began to regain his clarity when someone knocked on the door. “My lord.”

It was Ansel’s voice. Xander immediately sat up, his eyes turning sharp. “What is it?” Ansel never came unless it was something urgent. Daily household affairs were managed by Nelson. Only matters of court politics warranted Ansel’s presence.

As he spoke, Xander was already dressed. When he opened the door, he saw that Ansel’s face was tense. Ansel said, “My lord, there’s been an incident with the Porter family.”

Xander’s brows furrowed deeply. “What happened?”

“Miss Porter… tried to take her own life.” Ansel’s tone was fast and urgent. “Lord Isaac has already rushed into the palace. The King may summon you.”

Xander clenched his fists so tightly that his nails nearly broke his skin. It felt as if his throat was stuffed with wet cotton; it took him a while to speak again. “When did it happen?”

“Just after midnight, the servants found her in her boudoir, blood from her wrist soaking the bed.” Ansel’s voice trembled as he spoke. “The Porter family immediately called for imperial doctors. She hasn’t woken up yet. Lord Isaac was so distraught that he went to the palace in his bloodstained robe.”

Outside, the sound of galloping hooves approached. It must be the palace’s summons. Xander looked outside, and sure enough, the sound stopped at the front gate. A palace attendant was soon led into the courtyard by the guards.

Upon seeing Xander, the young servant spoke quickly. “Your Highness, His Majesty has summoned you to the palace.”

Xander’s gaze deepened. He said calmly, “I’ll go at once.”

He stepped down from the stairs, then paused to speak to Ansel. “Send word to the Duchess Manor. Let them know this was aimed at her. She mustn’t be caught off guard. Tell her not to worry. Everything is under control.”

Ansel hesitated. “And Your Highness?”

“I’ll be fine.” Xander’s voice was resolute.

The Porter family’s crisis at this moment was clearly an attempt to stop his betrothal to the Duchess Manor. They didn’t want his life. They wanted him, his position, his future.

The carriage came to an abrupt stop at the palace gates. Xander stepped out and walked quickly toward the Hall of Governance, his pendant swaying at his waist with every stride.

Inside, the hall was brightly lit. Isaac knelt beneath the steps to the throne, his shoulders trembling slightly.

Sensing someone behind him, he glanced sideways and saw Xander arriving. He let out a loud wail and collapsed to the floor, his voice thick with grief and rage. "Your Majesty, uphold justice for me! My daughter loved Prince Xander for years, but her deep affection was cast aside.”

He continued, “Now Prince Xander has someone else in his heart and has abandoned my daughter. How could a woman endure such humiliation? In her despair, she cut her wrist. I beg Your Majesty to deliver justice for her!”

Arthur clearly looked annoyed after being badgered endlessly by Isaac, but as a minister who had served three kings, Isaac’s rank and status meant he couldn’t be ignored.

So Arthur turned to Xander, his brow furrowed, and asked, “Xander, what is going on between you and the Porter family’s daughter?”

Xander stepped forward. His voice remained calm, though the hand in his sleeve was tightly clenched. “Your Majesty, I too was surprised to hear of what happened to Miss Porter. But I cannot agree with what Lord Isaac claims. I never had a marriage contract with the Porter family, not even a verbal promise. So how could there be talk of betrayal!"

He added, “His accusation is far too heavy for me to bear.”