Chapter 95

When Athena looked at him with those cold, piercing eyes, he instinctively took a step back in panic.

But he was the assistant in the Justice Ministry, a man seasoned by the grind of officialdom. In just a split second, he concealed the panic in his eyes.

With a flick of his long sleeve, Nicolas gave a cold snort. “Utter nonsense.”

He rarely lost composure like this. The always composed and self-restrained heir to the family had shown a moment of panic, all because of a single remark from Athena. It was fleeting, but she caught it.

Athena suddenly smiled. “Looks like I was right.”

She hadn’t been certain just moments ago, but now she was.

Nicolas must be entangled in some deeply troublesome matter that required a huge sum of money to resolve. Otherwise, the dignified duke’s estate wouldn’t be scraping together money like this. The family had a century of heritage. They shouldn’t collapse solely.

But now they were setting their sights on her dowry, clearly at the end of their rope.

That being the case, she had all the more reason to protect her grandmother’s dowry rights. The fate of the others had nothing to do with her.

The smile on Athena’s face made Nicolas’s spine go cold, but he forced himself to remain calm. “Stop spreading your poisonous words. I only stood up for Willow because I couldn’t stand seeing you bully her.”

He made it sound noble and self-righteous. Willow looked at him with teary gratitude, her voice choked. “Nicolas…”

Her voice was choked with emotion, and her eyes were red from crying.

Nicolas gently patted her head. “Don’t be afraid, I’m here.”

Athena couldn’t be bothered to watch their tearful sibling performance. As long as she stood here, no one would dare touch her grandmother’s property.

At that moment, there was a commotion outside the courtyard.

Henry entered with rage. As soon as Eloise saw him, it was like seeing her savior.

Willow cried out weakly, “Father.”

Seeing her red, swollen eyes and pitiful expression made his heart ache. Henry gave her a nod and strode in with a heavy face.

Athena stood at the entrance. She greeted coolly, “Your Highness.”

Henry’s expression darkened even more. He had completely lost all hope in this daughter.

His stern gaze swept over Athena. She stood with a respectful posture, showing not even a hint of fear. When he stopped in front of her, she even dared to meet his eyes.

It was clear she didn’t take him seriously.

Henry took a deep breath and bowed toward the room. “Greetings, Mother.”

Athena stepped aside to let him pass.

Soon, the sound of footsteps came from inside.

Gwen stepped out from the inner chamber. She glanced at Athena, her gaze filled with approval.

She had heard everything said outside. Athena was bold, wise, and calm. Her fierce protection of Margaret showed that her action was not misplaced.

But when Gwen turned her eyes to Henry, the warmth vanished.

With a sigh, she scolded him, “Lady Margaret has only just recovered, and now you come making a scene, threatening a hunger strike—is this your idea of filial piety?”

Henry lowered his head further.

He respectfully said toward the room, “I would not dare.”

Gwen continued, “Lady Margaret has spoken. If you’ve come to discuss the matter of the dowry again, don’t bother. She’s made up her mind. She’s determined to expel Lady Willow from the household. You may now leave.”

Having said this, Gwen turned to leave. But Henry stopped her. “You are right. It was all the fault of my wife and children. I failed to discipline them. I will have them apologize to Mother right now.”

He then turned and barked, “Why aren’t you begging Mother’s forgiveness?”

Eloise and Nicolas’s faces both changed drastically. Just now they had knelt to pressure Margaret and held the upper hand.

Now, kneeling meant admitting fault. They were on the backfoot.

They exchanged a glance and saw panic in each other’s eyes.

But under Henry’s authority, there was no room to resist. They had to kneel.

Willow naturally didn’t care to remain standing and knelt beside her mother with a pitiful look, tears flowing nonstop in a heartbreaking display.

If she were truly expelled from the household, she would be a laughing stock.

Though the three knelt, their minds were full of chaos.

Eloise felt aggrieved and dabbed at her tears nonstop.

Willow’s heart pounded with anxiety.

Nicolas, though outwardly composed, was starting to panic. He was used to controlling every situation, but things had slipped so far from his grasp.

His gaze fell on Athena, and his heart trembled. It felt like everything had changed since she returned.

Henry turned to Gwen. “Please inform Mother, her unfilial son wishes to apologize face to face.”

As the head of the household, Gwen wouldn’t reject him. She nodded and went inside.

Not long after, she came back out. “Your Highness, you may enter.”

Athena looked at her nervously, but Gwen gave her a reassuring look, signaling her to stay calm and wait outside.

Henry followed her inside, and upon entering the inner room, he knelt before Margaret. “Greetings, Mother.”

“Get up,” Margaret said, her voice weary. Her gaze at Henry was filled with both disappointment and heartache.

She was old now, and Henry’s hair was streaked with gray. He looked more haggard than her.

She was his mother, and she cared for him.

Though his recent actions had been absurd, she couldn’t bear to be harsh. “Sit,” she said.

Henry gave thanks and sat down.

“I’ve heard everything that happened today,” she said with a sigh, her face lined with fatigue. “Though Eloise’s actions were considered, it was you who instructed her.”

Hearing this, Margaret grew agitated. “You are truly muddle-headed! How could you mistake kin for strangers? That girl has no blood ties to you. She’s an outsider! How can you not see that?”

The more she spoke, the more upset she became. Just thinking of Athena’s position in the household made her cry.

Inside the room, there were only the two of them. Without others around, they spoke frankly.

Henry looked troubled. He said softly, “You don’t understand, Mother. Though Willow isn’t my biological daughter, the benefits she brings to the duke’s estate far outweigh the dowry.”

He had never wanted Margaret to worry about these matters.

But with things blown out of proportion, he had no choice but to speak.