Chapter 140
Chapter 140
Two days later, Gale paid a visit to the Monson family to discuss the engagement arrangements.
By convention, Eloise should have received her, but Gale refused. “I demand to see Athena,” she declared.
Henry and Eloise stood frozen in shock at these words.
Traditionally, marriage arrangements were always decided entirely by parents and elders in the family. For someone to make such a direct demand to meet the younger generation, it was absolutely unheard of.
The couple’s faces fell instantly, their expressions darkening with visible displeasure.
But Gale remained resolute. Unable to refuse her outright, they had no choice but to instruct a servant to summon Athena.
Before long, Athena arrived in the main hall.
Gale shot a glance at Henry and Eloise. With visible reluctance, the couple rose to their feet and excused themselves from the hall.
As Eloise brushed past Athena, she shot her a meaningful glance and instructed in a low voice, “Athena, stay with Her Highness for now. Your mother will join you shortly p>
Athena ignored her completely, leaving Eloise no choice but to depart with visible resentment.
The room now held only Athena and Gale.
After Athena bowed respectfully, Gale waved her up impatiently. “I summoned you here today to deliver a message p>
This wsn’t a negotiation, it was a declaration.
Gale was merely conveying Ferris’s words. “After you marry into my family, you shall have full authority over all household affairs. Should anything befall my son p>
At this, Gale’s eyes reddened with unshed tears. Choking back her grief, she forced out the words. “Should anything happen to my son, you needn’t mourn him. You’re free to leave whenever you wish p>
At these words, Athena stared in astonishment at Gale.
The confusion in Athena’s eyes only fueled Gale’s anger. She snapped, “Well, I never realized you had such tricks up your sleeve, Athena. You’ve got my son completely wrapped around your finger, and now you’ve even managed to secure your own future, haven’t you p>
Her venomous tone suddenly made Athena realize something.
She thought, ‘Wait… could Ferris actually like me?
‘But how could that be? He clearly detests me.
‘Every time he sees me, he turns on his heel and leaves, as if he couldn’t wait to put as much distance between us as possible.
Athena couldn’t make sense of the deeper meaning when Gale’s bitter voice cut in. “This was his dying wish, and as his mother, I have no choice but to honor it. But let me warn you, Athena, don’t even think about getting your hands on our
assets … ”
“ I can save him.“Athena’s abrupt declaration caught Gale completely off guard.
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Gale froze for a moment, then her face contorted with rage. She spat,
ho do you
hink you
So many
octors
imperial physicians have been at their wits‘ end! If you’re just trying to curry favor with me, spare me your pathetic excuses. ”
Athena let out a quiet sigh, then reached into her sleeve, withdrew an object, and gently placed it into Gale’s hand.
The moment Gale saw the object, her pupils dilated sharply, trembling with shock.
It was an exquisite silver bell, etched with intricate patterns. The words on it read: [Herb Hall p>
She stared at Athena, then at the silver bell in her hand, her eyes wide with utter disbelief. “How could this be? This is impossible!” she gasped. “That silver bell is the only token to enter Edwin’s Herb Hall. Only those who enter can meet him. But Edwin has been missing for three years! ”
The truth dawned on Gale in that instant.
She stared blankly at Athena, then suddenly sprang to her feet. Her voice trembling, she stammered, “You… you’re Edwin p>
Athena slowly shook her head, sorrow clouding her eyes. “My mentor passed away long ago,” she said softly, “I am his only disciple p>
Her lashes fluttered slightly, veiling the sorrow in her eyes.
Gale collapsed into the chair in despair, her chest heaving violently.
The next instant, as she looked at Athena again, the spark of hope suddenly rekindled in her once lifeless eyes.
Gale moved toward Athena and was about to kneel before her when Athena swiftly caught her arm. Athena said, “Your Highness, what are you doing p>
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Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.