Chapter 391
Athena spoke in one breath, without the slightest pause. Her shiny eyes shimmered brilliantly in the sunlight, radiating a piercing glare that made people avert their gaze.
Nicolas’s brows furrowed, as if pondering Athena’s true meaning.
Eloise’s face paled with shock, her eyes darting about in utter disbelief as if refusing to accept this revelation. It was Eloise’s second son, Matthew, who accused Athena of causing harm. Although Matthew could be a bit irresponsible, he had never committed any truly evil acts.
And Willow was the apple of her eye. Willow was such a sweet and innocent girl. How could she possibly ever intentionally harm Athena? What was really going on here? Who was telling the truth, and who was lying?
Athena wasn’t trying to defend herself. All she cared about was her grandmother. She hadn’t done it, and she wasn’t about to take the fall for anyone else.
She spoke up only to let them know they were directing their anger at the wrong person.
Athena said coldly, “I’m going in now. If you still try to stop me, don’t blame me for the consequences.” Athena arrived with an armed entourage. While her men were no match for the duke’s elite guards, they were enough to teach the family a lesson.
As the Viscountess, no one would dare lay a finger on her. Athena strode into the courtyard without hesitation. Seeing Nicolas still rooted to the spot, she reached out and shoved him aside.
Nicolas suddenly seized Athena’s hand, his voice tight with urgency as he demanded, “Athena, is what you’re saying true or not? ”
Athena wrenched her hand free, glaring at him with disgust as she snapped, “If you can’t even tell truth from lies, how the hell did you become Vice Minister of the Justice Ministry? And just how many times have you wrongfully accused me p>
Athena shot him an icy glare, then turned on her heel and strode inside. At the courtyard entrance, Nicolas looked utterly lost and dejected.
Nicolas blinked in bewilderment, feeling utterly lost. Then, as if making up his mind, he abruptly turned and hurried toward Willow’s courtyard.
Seeing Nicolas rushing off in such haste, Eloise rushed after him. “Nicolas, wait for me p>
Within moments, Nicolas and Eloise arrived at Willow’s room.
Willow had just taken her medicine, her face still deathly pale. Thanks to the aconite powder, the pain had already subsided considerably.
Nona leaned in and whispered animatedly to Willow about Athena, “Matthew really dotes on you. He even fell out with Athena for your sake and now won’t let her set foot in the estate p>
A faint smile played on Willow’s pale lips. “Matthew is always so impulsive,” she said weakly. “Though Athena may have her faults, she’s still his sister. How could he be so harsh p>
“Outrageous?” Nona exclaimed shrilly. “Miss, you have no idea how vicious Athena is! She exploited her medical skills and actually made Matthew’s legs completely numb. They had to carry him back to his courtyard. Nicolas has taken his men to confront Athena. I’m sure he’s already avenged you p>
The corners of Willow’s lips curled up even further as she said with feigned remorse, “It’s all my fault. I caused yet another
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conflict between Nicolas and Athena. ”
Nona stepped forward to take the medicine bowl from Willow, grinning as she said, “She had it coming! She deserved it…” Before Nona could finish speaking, she was violently hurled backward by a powerful force.
She crashed onto the floor with a sickening thud.
Nicolas glared at Nona and snapped, “You reckless fool! Who gave you the audacity to wag your tongue here? ” Nicolas entered just in time to catch every word of Nona’s gossip. Never in his wildest dreams had Nicolas imagined that Willow would keep such a wicked servant sowing discord by her side.
“Guards! Cut out this wretch’s tongue and throw her out of the estate! ” Nicolas roared. Nicolas stormed in, his fury directed at Athena, not just for her defiance, but for how she constantly challenged his authority.
Chapter 392
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.