Chapter 370
Chapter 370
As she spoke, Janice guided Athena toward the flower hall.
Unable to discern the true purpose behind Janice’s invitation, Athena thought, ‘What does she want? ‘ Despite that, Athena followed her inside gracefully.
Athena gave a faint smile in response, “It was nothing, Miss Beckham. Please don’t give it another thought p>
As she spoke, her eyes swept over the Beckham estate. The courtyard was spacious yet unpretentious, and there were fewer servants than in other noble households.
However, each moved with disciplined efficiency, a clear testament to the mistress’s excellent management.
Janice blushed slightly and said, “A woman’s beauty is her greatest treasure. If it were ruined, her whole life would be over p>
Athena picked up on the hidden meaning in Janice’s words and gave her a puzzled look.
Seeing Janice too embarrassed to speak, a young lady nearby interjected, “The imperial princes have all come of marriageable age. Naturally, the Beckham family is among those being considered. The only question is, which prince’s favor will Miss Beckham win p>
For noble ladies, marriage had never been theirs to decide.
Janice had been taught since childhood that her match would be arranged by the royal family.
As such, she harbored no resistance.
Athena couldn’t help but feel it was such a pity. ‘To spend a lifetime trapped in a gilded cage like that, how is it any different from being a bird with clipped wings? There’s no real freedom at all,‘ she thought.
But such thoughts were hers alone, and it was left unspoken.
Just then, the guests began drifting toward the back garden in twos and threes.
A figure flashed before Athena’s eyes, followed by a whiff of that all–too–familiar perfume.
Willow hurried over, her eyes brimming with syrupy sweetness as she simpered, “Athena p>
Surrounded by distinguished guests, Willow cornered Athena under everyone’s watchful gaze, banking on her unwillingness to cause a public scene.
From the moment Athena spotted Willow, her mood soured.
With Willow blocking her way, Athena felt a suffocating tightness in her chest, and she fixed Willow with an icy stare before stating, “I don’t know you. Step aside p>
Athena’s words clearly put Willow on the spot. With her smile freezing awkwardly on her face, Willow’s eyes brimmed with
tears.
Before Willow could respond, Janice’s voice suddenly rang out, “Lady Willow, I just saw Lord Osborne looking for you. He treats you so well, and even accompanies you to such parties p>
With just those words, Willow instantly swallowed back her tears and flashed a demure smile, “Janice, please don’t tease me p>
Athena couldn’t hide her surprise when she found out that Michael was here. He’d always despised these kinds of gatherings
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and had constantly complained about the noise and the crowds. Who would’ve thought he’d set aside his usual disdain and show up this time?
However, Athena wasn’t jealous; she was simply curious.
As they talked, the group reached the venue, where many noble ladies and young lords had already gathered.
Athena glanced around but saw no sign of Justice Beckham.
Realizing that Justice Beckham would not be present, disappointment crept into her heart, and she became rather unenthusiastic.
Willow kept edging closer to Athena, feigning sisterly affection. “Athena,” she simpered, “could you come see me off on my wedding day p>
“You want me to see you off?” Athena snapped as she turned sharply to Willow, irritation flashing in her eyes. “Don’t you find that request utterly ridiculous p>
Athena couldn’t care less about saving Willow’s face. She shot back mercilessly, “For starters, I’ve already left the Duke’s Estate, and we’re practically strangers now. And with our difference in status, you shouldn’t even ask me to see you off p>
After a brief pause, Athena’s lips curled into a chilling smile as she added, “If that day ever comes, the only place I’ll be sending you is to your grave p>
Her icy glare in her eyes froze Willow in place, robbing her of even the courage to breathe.
Willow stared at Athena, her face as white as a sheet, utterly speechless.
The noble ladies around stared in shock, never imagining Athena would utter such chilling words.
Just then, a woman’s voice rang out, “You squatter! You stole someone else’s place and got them thrown out of the manor, yet you still have the nerve to show up pretending to be all kind and pitiful? It’s only because the Viscountess has a good temper that she doesn’t stoop to your level. If it were anyone else, you’d have lost your life by now p>
Chapter 371
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.