Chapter 145
Chapter 145
Nicolas abruptly looked up at her, clearly displeased. “Mother, the Monson family’s manors are our family legacy. If word got out that we’re selling them just to scrape together a wedding gift, wouldn’t we become the laughingstock of the entire nobility? ”
Eloise’s eyes reddened, on the verge of tears. “ But now, I truly have no other way out,” she said, her voice trembling.
Eloise had already been rebuffed by Margaret. There was no way she would dare bring this up with her again.
Nicolas thought for a moment and said, “For now, we’ll have to use Athena’s share of the wedding gifts for Willow. Besides, when Athena marries, Grandma won’t leave her empty–handed p>
“But…” Eloise’s face paled with alarm. “She is still my daughter, after all! We agreed to only take half of her wedding gifts. If we take it all now, won’t she despise us even more p>
A flicker of guilt flashed through Nicolas’s eyes at the mention of Athena.
But that flicker of guilt vanished in an instant.
Nicolas turned to Eloise and said, “Mother, do you really think Athena still cares about us now? Whether we take half of her wedding gifts or all of it, what difference does it make p>
“Besides, once she marries into the Mcgee family, she’ll still have to rely on us. When she’s in dire straits, that’s when she’ll finally appreciate what we’ve done for her p>
Eloise was about to protest further, but Nicolas stood firm, he wouldn’t give an inch on this matter.
Besides, Nicolas always had the final say in household matters, so Eloise fell silent, knowing any further protest would be futile.
Behind Athena’s back, Nicolas and Eloise diverted her entire wedding gifts to Willow, a scheme of which she remained completely unaware.
At Snowdrop Wing, Athena sat at her desk, medical texts spread open before her, with various herbs and pulse–taking instruments neatly arranged at hand, her attention fully absorbed in her work.
Her gaze was fixed on Ferris’s medical records.
Recalling the last time she checked his health, the intricate patterns she had detected were still vividly clear in her mind.
Athena recalled grimly, ‘All his meridians are severed, and his energy is in utter chaos.
“This is no ordinary external injury. Instead, he has suffered a vicious and calculated blow, so severe and malicious that it caused complete meridian blockages and left his vital energy critically depleted.
‘Even more alarming is the sinister toxin still lurking in his body.
“This insidious toxin lurks deep within his bloodstream, slowly gnawing away at his vital organs.
“The poisoner’s methods are utterly ruthless. Not only had they severed his meridians, rendering him incapable of practicing martial arts, worse still, it ravaged his body, condemning him to endure constant agony day after day p>
Athena couldn’t help but wonder, ‘Just what kind of hell had Ferris endured during those years?
Was he being hunted by old enemies, or caught in a web of political intrigue, just another pawn sacrificed in someone’s
1/2
power struggle?
Or was he caught in the crossfire of martial world rivalries, falling victim to some villain’s sinister plot p>
Athena worked late into the night before finally piecing together Ferris’s diagnosis.
To truly heal Ferris, the toxins must first be purged from his body and his severed meridians reconnected. Only then can he regain a new lease on life.
With a plan finally in mind, Athena collapsed into bed, exhausted.
Worrying about Ferris’s injuries kept Athena from sleeping soundly.
She woke before dawn had even broken.
Athena was up unusually early, which completely surprised Trina.
Trina glanced outside at the sky that was just beginning to lighten and asked, puzzled, “Miss, why are you up so early p>
Athena pointed to the herbs and pulse–taking instruments on the table and told Trina, “Pack these up. We’re going out p>
“Understood.” Without another word, Trina swiftly gathered the bundle and followed closely behind Athena.
The bundle was heavy, as if it contained numerous bottles and jars.
Athena hurried toward the estate’s rear gate with Trina in tow, clutching a satchel packed with medicine she’d prepared for
Ferris.
She slipped out at dawn while the estate was quiet, hoping to avoid drawing any attention.
But fate had other plans.
The estate was usually deserted at this hour.
Just as Athena reached the rear gate, Matthew staggered drunkenly into her path.
He reeked of alcohol, his clothes crumpled, and his hair a wild, tangled mess.
Suddenly, Athena and Matthew came face–to–face, both momentarily stunned.
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.