Chapter 45

Athena turned around to see Nelsen hurrying out from the residence. He came up to her and said respectfully, “His Highness has instructed me to escort you back to the manor.”

Athena’s eyes widened slightly. “His Highness?”

“His Highness said that from now on, the Xander estate will be responsible for your transport,” Nelsen replied with a warm smile, his gaze gentle and kind.

Athena couldn’t help but picture Xander’s cold, imposing face in her mind. She was surprised—she hadn’t expected someone aloof to be so thoughtful.

A young servant brought the carriage over. Nelsen gestured politely. “Lady Athena, please.”

Athena gave a small nod of thanks and stepped onto the stool to climb into the carriage.

Without so much as a backward glance, she left—leaving Nicolas and Michael standing there, exchanging glances.

Nicolas, however, looked rather pleased. After all, Athena had rejected Michael too.

“What are you smiling at?” Michael’s temper flared instantly. The sight of that smirk on Nicolas’s face set him off.

Nicolas glanced at him, amused. “I was just thinking how the tables have turned. She used to follow you around like a shadow—now look who’s trailing after her.”

There was no mistaking the sarcasm in his tone.

Michael shot him a cold look. “Don’t act smug. She’s ignoring you too.”

Neither of them had much to boast about.

But Nicolas just shook his head. “That’s different. No matter how much we argue, Athena is still my sister. Blood is blood. But you? She’s cut you off completely.”

His earlier imitation vanished, and a smile tugged at his lips. With Athena and Michael truly finished, he no longer had to worry about old feelings being rekindled.

Michael’s face turned thunderous, his jaw clenched. Without another word, he turned and stalked off.

When Athena returned to the duke’s estate, she went straight to Margaret’s courtyard.

Margaret had just finished her afternoon coffee, and Gwen was massaging her shoulders when Athena walked in.

“Athena, you’re back,” Margaret said with a warm smile, clearly already aware that she had been out.

Athena returned the smile and walked over, sitting beside her. “Grandmother.”

Margaret’s eyes crinkled with joy. “Come, tell Grandmother—how is Ray treating you!”

“You’ve met him before?” Athena asked, slightly surprised.

Margaret let out a soft sigh. “I’ve barely left the house all year—how could I have seen him? But I met him a few times when he was young. He was a polite, well-mannered boy. When your mother brought up the match, I asked around just to be sure. Still, I wasn’t comfortable agreeing outright, so I said you should take your time and get to know him first.”

Athena felt a wave of relief wash over her. She thought, ‘So it is true—Grandmother hasn’t agreed to the marriage lightly. She genuinely has my best interests at heart.’

But then Margaret’s gaze fell on the golden hairpin in Athena’s hair, and paused. “So…you’ve accepted the proposal?”

Athena stilled. “Why do you say that?”

“The other day, your mother came by with a set of hair ornaments. She said they were a gift from Gale—a token for your first meeting. It was such a significant gesture that I didn’t dare accept it on your behalf. I told her she should ask you directly.”

Margaret’s brow furrowed, her tone growing serious. “Marriage is no trivial matter, Athena. You must think carefully.”

Athena’s heart sank like a stone. She thought, “So that’s what this is!” She slowly pulled the hairpin from her hair, her gaze turning cold.

She had assumed the jewelry was a gift from Margaret. In reality, Eloise had used Margaret’s name to deceive her.

No wonder Michael had reacted the way he did when he saw the hairpin—now it all made sense.

An unshakable disappointment settled in Athena’s chest. She fought to keep it hidden, determined not to let the old matriarch see through her.

But Margaret was astute. She caught the flicker of change on Athena’s face and asked quickly, “Did something happen?”

Athena forced a smile and shook her head. “It’s nothing, Grandmother.”

Margaret eyed her with concern. “If something’s wrong, you must tell me.”

“Really, it’s nothing—I’m just a little tired,” Athena said, leaning lightly against Margaret’s shoulder. It felt like only in her presence could the chill in her bones be pushed back, even a little.

She had done everything she could to stay out of their way. Yet somehow, she still hadn’t escaped being used.

A familiar sting rose behind her nose, and she blinked rapidly to force the tears back. She couldn’t cry in front of Margaret—it would only make her worry.

Margaret gently patted her shoulder. “If you’re tired, then rest. Don’t worry about me—just take care of yourself.”

Athena nodded. “I understand, Grandmother.”

Her throat tightened, as if something were stuck in it, making it hard to breathe.

Not wanting to be seen like this, she made an excuse and stepped outside.

The cold wind hit her face, and the bitterness weighing on her heart was pushed down; in its place came a surge of burning anger.

She could accept that Eloise had arranged a marriage for her. What she couldn’t accept was being kept completely in the dark—manipulated like a piece on a chessboard. She wanted answers. She was ready to confront Eloise.

But after just a few steps, she stopped. No—she couldn’t act impulsively. She had to stay calm.

She took a few deep breaths, forcing herself to steady her thoughts. She stood beneath a tree, letting the wind whip around her for the time it took to finish a cup of coffee. Only then did her thoughts begin to settle.

The Monson family wanted her to marry into the McGee family for one reason: power. Going to Eloise now wouldn’t change a thing. Besides, she hadn’t gotten what she came for yet.

She needed to wait—wait until Kelsey got hold of the evidence on Kurtis. Until then, there was only one thing she could do: stall for time.

Having made up her mind, Athena turned to leave just as a voice called out behind her, “Lady Athena.”

She turned to see the steward approaching. “Lord Henry wishes to see you,” he said.

His face looked grim. Athena guessed it had something to do with her attempt to call off the engagement.

They were already calling her in before she’d even had the chance to make her move. She thought, ‘Fine then—it is time to settle the score.’

She straightened her back like a general heading to battle and said calmly, “Lead the way.”

The steward looked surprised. He wondered, ‘When has Lady Athena become so… resolute?’ Though the thought flashed through his mind, he didn’t show it on his face. He simply nodded and led the way.

By the time Athena arrived at the front hall, the room was already full.

Willow sat dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief, her quiet sobs clear in the heavy silence.

No one spoke. The atmosphere was thick with tension.

Nicolas sat stiff and silent, staring blankly into space.

Matthew looked ready to explode, his face full of righteous fury, like he couldn’t wait to stand up for Willow and crush Athena underfoot.

Eloise looked worried, stealing glances at Henry. Every time he met her eyes with a cold stare, she quickly lowered her gaze.

As soon as Athena stepped into the room, every eye turned to her.

Willow’s sobs grew louder the moment she saw Athena, as if she might collapse in tears at any moment.

“Father, let’s just drop it. I’m sure Athena didn’t mean it,” she said softly.

Before Henry could respond, Matthew jumped in “Drop it? She publicly broke off the engagement without a second thought for your dignity! She’s selfish and cold hearted—and you’re still trying to defend her?”