Chapter 66
Joseph’s words resounded through the hall like a thunderbolt, leaving Henry and Eloise rooted to the spot, their faces etched with shock.
That stone carving was far more than just a rock. It embodied the very foundation and fortune of the Monson family. Back then, Henry spared no effort to acquire it, draining his coffers, calling in every favor, and leaving no stone unturned in his pursuit.
And now, Athena had just shattered it like it was nothing.
Henry’s face flushed crimson, then drained of all color, his eyes blazing with furious anger. He thought, ‘Shattering the stone was nothing short of undermining the very foundation of the Monson family! How could I possibly let Athena off so easily for such a thing?’
Henry’s voice thundered through the hall. “Athena!”
Henry’s face turned ashen, veins bulging on his forehead as he pointed a trembling finger at Athena. “You ungrateful wretch!”
Athena had braced herself for the storm of consequences the moment she smashed it.
Athena thought to herself, ‘I don’t believe some worthless rock could protect the Monson family. That’s just the family deluding themselves.’
Athena’s icy gaze slowly swept over to Willow, who was cowering behind Eloise. Willow felt a chill run down her spine as Athena’s icy gaze landed on her. Like a startled rabbit, she instinctively shrank back, her eyes brimming with terror.
“Instead of punishing me, Your Grace, you should investigate who harmed Lucky,” Athena said, her voice low but piercing. “How could a three-month-old puppy possibly climb so high up the rockery and fall into a crevice, nearly dying? Whoever did this knew full well that Lucky is Grandmother’s most treasured companion, yet still laid hands on him. Such malice is truly despicable!”
At her words, everyone was momentarily stunned.
Gwen stepped forward at the opportune moment, her gaze heavy with disappointment as she regarded Henry. “Had Athena not found Lucky, Margaret’s condition would have only worsened. Yet instead of seeking the truth, Your Grace blames Athena for breaking the stone? Tell me, does a mere rock mean more to you than Margaret herself?”
Saying this, Gwen sighed heavily and cautioned Henry, “Should anything befall Margaret, that would truly mark the downfall of the Monson family. Margaret’s mother was a duchess, and her maternal grandmother was none other than a princess.”
Over the years, the Monson family owed its prosperity to Margaret’s patronage, backed by her powerful maternal family.
Gwen’s words sent a chill down Henry’s spine.
He bowed his head humbly and said, “Thank you for your reminder, Gwen.”
Gwen curtsied to Henry. “I wouldn’t dare, Your Grace.” Gwen then turned to Athena and said gently, “Miss Monson, please come with me.”
Athena nodded and cradled Lucky as she entered the inner chamber. Shortly after, the house physician followed them in.
Margaret immediately regained consciousness after Gwen informed her that Lucky had been found.
When she heard that Lucky was hurt, she was so distressed that tears streamed down her face. Athena sat by her bed as she comforted her, “Don’t worry, Grandmother. No one hurt Lucky. He was just being naughty, climbed up the rockery, house physician said it’s nothing serious. He’ll be fine after some rest.”
Athena thought to herself, ‘If it weren’t for Grandmother’s illness, I would never have covered up for that villain.’
Hearing Athena’s words, Margaret finally smiled, the worry lines on her face softening.
Before long, the bandaged Lucky was carefully carried to Margaret’s side. Margaret stroked Lucky’s head with tender reproach and scolded affectionately, “You little rascal, must you be so mischievous? Don’t you know there are all sorts of dangerous creatures lurking about?”
With those words, Margaret’s gaze lingered pointedly on Athena.
Athena’s eyes glistened with unshed tears.
“How could I not realize that the tone of Grandmother’s words was aimed at me?” Athena thought to herself. “The stone means so much to this family, yet you smashed it without a second thought. You’ve left yourself no way out.” Margaret said, her eyes welling up with tears.
As much as Margaret loved Lucky, in her heart, he could never hold a candle to Athena. Even less did she want Athena to be punished because of Lucky.
Margaret thought to herself, ‘If I hadn’t sent Gwen to speak up for Athena, she would have surely faced the cane again.’
Athena’s eyes instantly welled up as she threw herself into her arms, tears streaming down her face. “Grandmother, I was so scared. When I heard you’d fainted, I completely lost my head. But I don’t regret what I did, not for a second.”
Athena thought to herself, “I will never let anyone harm Grandma. Not now, not ever.”
“My silly child…” Margaret murmured, gently patting Athena’s back over and over, her heart aching with both worry and pride.
Margaret had only just woken up, but after a brief conversation, her strength soon gave out. After carefully settling Margaret into bed, Athena quietly withdrew from the chamber.
Athena had been all fired up just moments ago, but Margaret’s words cooled her down.
Athena thought to herself, ‘Whoever dared to hurt Lucky must have been sure no one would find out. Only someone Lucky knew well could have gotten close to him. At that time, only Yvette, Willow, and her maidservant were in the garden, all three are suspects.’
Athena walked into the hall with a stormy expression. Seeing her face, Eloise’s heart clenched in alarm. She quickly pulled Willow behind her and forced a smile. “How is Margaret?” she asked.
“Grandmother has taken her medicine and has fallen asleep,” Athena said, her piercing gaze never leaving Willow.
Athena’s dagger-like gaze was almost tangible, leaving Willow with nowhere to hide.
Willow forced an awkward smile. “I’m so glad Grandmother is okay.”
“Yes…” Athena scoffed lightly, her voice laced with sarcasm. “Thank goodness Grandmother is all right, otherwise, wouldn’t that have played right into certain people’s hands?”
Faced with her snarky demeanor, Willow didn’t dare say a word.
Athena spoke up again, her voice icy. “Yvette just told me she was fetching Lucky’s shawl when he suddenly disappeared. But Lucky never forgets a face. Once he’s recovered, I’m sure he’ll point out exactly who tried to hurt him.”
Athena said coldly, “When we find whoever harmed Lucky, I’ll make sure they lose an arm.”
Willow visibly blanched at Athena’s words, her face draining of color as fear gripped her. Wringing her handkerchief tightly, her eyes brimming with tears, she looked utterly pathetic.
Seeing Willow so terrified, Eloise quickly shielded her and said to Athena, “Willow would never do such a thing. There’s no need to frighten her!”
“We’ll know soon enough,” Athena said, regarding Willow with an icy glare, then turned on her heel and strode out of Starlet House.
After returning from Margaret’s chambers, Athena summoned Trina and whispered a few words in her ear.
Trina’s eyes widened in surprise, but she nodded quickly in understanding. Then, Athena pressed a small pouch of coins into her hand, and Trina slipped out.
As Trina stepped out, she ran into Siena and Aliza. Lately, Trina had been attending to Athena exclusively, which was grating at Siena.
As soon as Siena saw Trina, she deliberately picked a fight. “Where do you think you’re going, you little wretch? Instead of properly serving Miss Monson in her room, you’re always wandering about!”
“I sent her out.” Athena’s voice cut in; no one had noticed when she’d appeared at the doorway.
Siena started, then hurried forward to curtsy to Athena. “Miss Monson, when did you return?” she asked.
Athena gave Siena and Aliza a quick, indifferent once-over; both were all dolled up, clearly trying to outdo each other in looks. It seemed they’d just returned from Matthew’s quarters again.
“Just got back,” Athena said with a faint smile.
All the allowances and supplies from Athena’s quarters ended up in Matthew’s hands, one way or another, due to those two and their endless little tricks.
Siena felt uneasy. “Could Athena have found out?” she thought to herself.
Seeing Athena’s pleasant expression and finding no disapproval in her eyes, Siena silently sighed in relief, letting her guard down.
Aliza approached with a bright smile, offering a steaming cup. “Miss Monson, I’ve made you some fresh coffee. Would you like some?”
Athena took a seat and sipped her coffee.
Siena propped open the window and, casually mentioning Matthew, said, “You know, Mr. Monson’s three-year post at the Providence Guards is up. With all the merits he’s earned, he might get promoted this year. Mrs. Monson said we should throw a big celebration when the time comes.”
Athena paused with her teacup halfway to her lips, a spark of interest flickering in her eyes. “Have you caught wind of something?”