Chapter 249
Chapter 249
His icy gaze swept over those standing at the duke’s estate’s gate. “Who dared lay a hand on her?” Xander asked, his deep voice dripping with lethal intent.
Eloise and Willow both shuddered violently, a chill running down their spines.
Their legs gave way, and they dropped to their knees.
Nicolas and Henry, on the other hand, trembled as they stepped forward, about to bow to Xander, only to be sent flying by a brutal kick from Xander.
With heavy thuds, Nicolas and Henry crashed to the ground, blood spilling from their mouths.
Too terrified to speak, Nicolas and Henry bowed in perfect submission.
Henry asked frantically, “Your Highness, what offense have I committed to incur your wrath? Please enlighten me p>
“How dare you, Duke of Suffield, harm the Viscountess! Do you realize what you’ve done?” A royal attendant emerged from behind Xander and said.
In his hands, he held an imperial decree.
Henry and Nicolas exchanged bewildered glances, utterly clueless about what was happening.
Thanatus Harold, the royal attendant, snorted coldly. “Athena, receive the imperial decree p>
Athena looked bewildered as she hastily shoved Xander aside, scrambling to get down.
Xander gently placed her on the ground. Enduring the pain, Athena slowly bent down.
Then, Thanatus announced the decree, “By the grace of His Majesty the King, let it be known. Athena, eldest daughter of the Duke of Suffield, has rendered distinguished service in saving Prince Xander’s life. In recognition of this noble deed, I grant her the title of Viscountess Athena p>
As the royal decree concluded, the entire assembly stood frozen in stunned silence.
Athena was even more astonished. “The Viscountess? Did Prince Xander request this title for me?‘ she thought in disbelief.
With a smile, Thanatus reminded her, “Viscountess Athena, it’s time to express your gratitude to His Majesty p>
Athena immediately lowered her head. “I humbly thank Your Majesty for this great honor p>
Athena accepted the imperial decree. Attendants swiftly brought forth a chair for her to sit.
Thanatus shot Henry a disgruntled glare. “You sure have a remarkable daughter, Duke Henry. Now, hurry up and bring the Viscountess to the palace to express gratitude to His Majesty p>
Henry gasped, his face frozen in disbelief.
“The… Viscountess? ” he stammered, still in shock.
‘How on earth did Athena suddenly become the Viscountess?‘ Henry thought in utter disbelief.
Nicolas also grew agitated. “Lord Harold,” he pressed, “what exactly is happening here? How could Athena possibly be granted the title of the Viscountess? ”
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Chapter 249
In Nicolas’s eyes, Athena was utterly worthless.
‘She could save someone?‘ Nicolas wondered in disbelief.
Willow wanted to ask, too, but she didn’t dare speak up because of her lowly status.
Yet jealousy simmered quietly inside her.
The Viscountess! It’s the highest honor of all. I can’t believe it went to Athena,’ Willow seethed with envy.
“Lord Harold,” Eloise also asked anxiously, “how did my daughter receive the title of the Viscountess? ”
While speaking. Eloise discreetly pressed a pouch of money into Thanatus’s palm.
Thanatus accepted the money without ceremony, his face breaking into a smile. “Congratulations, Duke of Suffield! Miss Monson saved Prince Xander, and His Highness personally requested this title for her.
“Don’t just stand there gawking. Go to the palace to express your gratitude to His Majesty now p>
Henry looked embarrassed, Nicolas stared blankly in shock, Willow gritted her teeth in envy, while Eloise tried to smile but couldn’t.
Thanatus eyed their strange expressions with puzzlement. “Why do you all look like you’re at a funeral? Are you displeased with His Majesty’s generous favor p>
“No, no, no. I wouldn’t dare!” Henry choked out, his voice trembling and on the verge of tears.
Just then, a deep, mocking voice rang out behind them. “They’d love to ride Athena’s coattails, but that ship has sailed p>
It was Xander who spoke. He had a mocking smile on his face as he announced, “Just moments ago, Lord Nicolas formally expelled Lady Athena from the duke’s estate. Now, as the Viscountess, she hasn’t a shred of connection with them anymore p>
With a cold sneer, Xander added, “And don’t they even think about clinging to her now p>
Only then did Thanatus let out a belated “Oh,” shooting Henry a look full of undisguised disdain.
“His Majesty has just conferred the title of Viscountess upon Lady Athena,” Thanatus said, “and you already dared to harm her? How dare you 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.