The next morning, Athena and Xander emerged from the study together, both glowing.

Today, there were court affairs to attend to, so Xander had to go to the palace.

Athena walked Xander to the door. Xander, still reluctant to let go, held her hand and said, “We...”

Athena blushed and gave him a gentle shove. “Just go already!”

“Alright.” Xander was grinning from ear to ear, his happiness impossible to hide.

He was so elated that, when it came time to get into the carriage, he didn’t even bother with the step, hopping up in one Roman stride.

Ansel stared, momentarily stunned by Xander’s dashing display.

“Oh my god, His Highness is so happy,” Ansel marveled. “I’ve witnessed it firsthand.”

Athena watched the carriage disappear down the road before finally turning back toward the mansion.

Trina leaned in and whispered to Athena, “Your Highness, doesn’t Xander seem like a different person lately?”

Athena, knowing exactly what Trina was hinting at, replied with a casual smile, deftly steering the conversation away. “Well, now that he doesn’t have any official duties, of course, he’s more relaxed.”

I couldn’t believe my eyes, she wondered. Xander wasn’t just a little different; he’d changed completely, inside and out.

If I hadn’t seen it for myself, I never would have believed that this all- smiles guy was the same Xander.

I remembered how he used to be—always wearing a frosty scowl or looking deeply troubled. And honestly, I liked this change.

No sooner had Athena entered the courtyard than a maid from Alexandra’s attendants approached her and said respectfully, “Your Highness, Your Grace requests your presence.”

Since her marriage, Athena had rarely gone to pay her respects to Alexandra.

For one, Alexandra couldn’t stand the sight of her and excused her from these formalities.

For another, with Xander always at home, he’d insist on tagging along whenever Athena visited.

Alexandra had tried several times to lay down the law with Athena, but never succeeded.

Now that Xander was out, Athena figured Alexandra was itching to throw her weight around as a mother-in-law.

Trina, looking worried, gently tugged at Athena’s sleeve and whispered, “Your Highness, should I send someone to inform His Highness?”

Your Grace must be planning to give me a hard time, Trina thought.

Athena just chuckled and shook her head. “She’s just a paper tiger—she wouldn’t dare actually do anything to me.”

Athena used to think Alexandra was tough to deal with, but after seeing how Xander had her wrapped around his finger, her impression of Alexandra changed.

Honestly, Alexandra was just a pitiful woman—her husband was gone, and now she was living at her son’s mercy.

Ever since Alexandra married, Xander’s been glued to her. No wonder Alexandra felt left out.

It was not really a tantrum; Alexandra just wanted some attention, to feel like she still mattered. Women like her were the easiest to manage.

Athena stepped into Alexandra’s chambers.

Sure enough, Alexandra sat in her armchair, her face cold and stern, clearly ready to interrogate.

Stepping forward and bowing politely, Athena said, “Greetings, Mrs. Cavendish.”

Alexandra scowled and snorted coldly. “As the wife, your first priority should always be Xander. I heard you threw a petty tantrum last night and insisted on sleeping in separate rooms—how could you possibly do such a thing?

“If word of this gets out, where would that leave Xander’s dignity? As the mistress of this household, how can you be so incredibly willful?”

Athena had anticipated that Alexandra would bring up yesterday’s incident and had already prepared her rebuttal.

Feigning surprise, Athena smiled and said, “Mrs. Cavendish, where did you hear such a thing? Xander and I have never had a single argument, let alone talk of sleeping in separate rooms.

“I truly don’t know where you picked up such idle gossip—it’s unfair to unjustly accuse your daughter-in-law.”

Alexandra’s eyes widened a bit as she scrutinized Athena.

Despite Athena’s polite smile and gentle tone, a knot of frustration tightened in the Dowager’s chest.

Why do I feel so irritated for no reason? Alexandra thought. What kind of newlywed girl dares to talk back to her husband’s mom like this? Athena’s been spoiled beyond belief by Xander. She’s completely out of control.

As long as I’m here, she’ll never have the final say in this household, Alexandra resolved inwardly.

Alexandra’s face darkened as she barked, “Bow.”

Athena promptly bowed her head. Seeing Athena’s submission, Alexandra felt a measure of satisfaction.

Alexandra jabbed a slender finger at Athena.

Just as she was about to launch into a tirade, Athena feigned surprise and gasped dramatically. “Mrs. Cavendish, have you been feeling unusually tired, dizzy, or having heart palpitations lately?”

Alexandra’s words died on her lips—every symptom Athena mentioned was spot on.

“So what if I have?” Alexandra snapped, rolling her eyes dismissively. Then it hit her—Athena was a physician. Has she noticed something? she wondered.

Alexandra subtly glanced at Athena, noticing her face was etched with worry, her brows deeply furrowed. She looked as if she had something important to say, yet hesitated to speak.

Upon recalling the symptoms Athena had just described, a wave of apprehension washed over Alexandra.

Clearing her throat, she demanded, “What have you found? Don’t beat around the bush—tell me at once.”

Alexandra had always been fastidious about her health regimen, exceptionally particular about her diet and daily comforts.

It was only recently that she’d begun to feel a little off.

Before she could even summon the court physician, Athena had already noticed the symptoms.

“Mrs. Cavendish, your symptoms are due to a deficiency of energy and blood. With proper care and nourishment, you’ll recover, but it’s most important to avoid anger. Please, take care of your health,” Athena said with practiced concern.

She went on, “I recently prepared some energy-saving, digestive-balancing pills. If you don’t mind, I’d be honored for you to try them.”

Everyone knew Athena’s medicines were priceless treasures, rarely obtainable. Her offering them herself was a gesture of genuine respect.

Alexandra’s expression softened slightly; she neither accepted nor refused.

Athena signaled the maid to bring the medicine over.

“After taking these pills, combining them with massage therapy will enhance the effects. Allow me, your daughter-in-law, to demonstrate for you, Mrs. Cavendish, so your maid can learn the technique,” Athena offered.

Alexandra blinked, still holding her chin up haughtily, though the sharpness in her features had noticeably softened.

Seeing no objection, Athena rose and stepped forward to gently massage Alexandra’s temples.

As she worked, she instructed the maid on the technique.

Before long, an indescribable sense of comfort spread through Alexandra’s body. Even the persistent headache she’d suffered for days melted away.

Alexandra gazed at Athena in astonishment, realizing that her medical skills truly lived up to their reputation. One couldn’t bite the hand that fed Alexandra.

Alexandra’s impression of Athena had softened considerably. Trying to maintain her usual haughtiness, she said, “Very well, you may go. I wouldn’t want anyone thinking I’m mistreating you.”

Athena replied with a gentle smile, “Attending to you is both my duty and my honor, Mrs. Cavendish.”

As Alexandra was about to leave, Athena took out a bottle of Beauty Pills and handed it to Alexandra. “If you take this regularly, it will make your skin delicate and glowing, Mrs. Cavendish. Why not give it a try?”

“Really?” Alexandra asked, clearly skeptical.

Though her eyes betrayed her doubt, her hand still reached out for the bottle. She turned the Beauty Pills over in her hands, her eyes lighting up.

At her age, nothing worried her more than wrinkles. If this really works, it would be wonderful, she thought.

Athena lifted her chin slightly and replied softly, “If you take it regularly, it will surely make you radiant again, Mrs. Cavendish.”

“Quick, tell me, how should I use it?” Alexandra pressed eagerly.

“Mrs. Cavendish, you just need to…” Athena leaned in and whispered the instructions in her ear.

Alexandra beamed from ear to ear. “If it works, I’ll be sure to reward you handsomely.”

After just a few words, Athena had completely won over Alexandra.