Chapter 384
Nicolas addressed the Duke of Suffield, “I thought that sending her out of the estate would make her know her place and completely mend her ways. But now she even dares to harm Willow. Who knows what unhinged atrocities she might
commit next?
“Father, please grant me permission to bring Athena back to the estate to… properly discipline her p>
He spat out the last words through gritted teeth, a primal savagery emanating from his very bones, his eyes blazing with ferocious hatred, like a beast intent on tearing Athena apart and devouring her whole.
The Duke of Suffield had been wavering, unsure whether to break ties with Athena, but Nicolas’s words finally steeled his resolve.
He thought with growing dread, ‘If Athena dared to make a lethal attack on Willow today, anyone in this estate could be next. It might be Matthew, or Joseph… Not even Eloise or I would be spared her mercilessness p>
The chilling image of Athena pressing a blade to his own throat sent cold sweat instantly drenching his back.
He looked into Nicolas’s resentful eyes and finally nodded slowly in response, “Athena has indeed gone too far. Go and bring her back, but handle this discreetly. Do not use excessive force. Remember, she now enjoys … certain powerful connections p>
Nicolas fully grasped the veiled meaning in the Duke of Suffield’s words.
With Prince Xander backing Athena, pushing too hard would be a direct slap in the face to the Xander Manor.
‘But how can we “invite” her back?‘ Nicolas thought as he was caught in a dilemma.
Matthew gloated inwardly as he offered his scheme, “That wretched girl cares most about Grandma. If she hears Grandma is critically ill, she’ll come running back without fail p>
“How could you even suggest such a thing about Grandma?” Nicolas feigned shock, though his voice remained eerily calm.
A calculating gleam flashed in his eyes, and he was clearly not opposed to the idea.
However, it simply couldn’t come from his mouth.
After all, as the heir to the Duke’s Estate and Margaret’s favorite, he couldn’t risk hurting her feelings.
Sensing Nicolas’s tacit approval, Matthew raised his voice, “Grandma has always favored Athena, and she gives her everything! I can’t stomach that. So what if she pretends to be ill for a few days? It’s not like it’ll really hurt her. Father has no reason to say no p>
His words carried a double meaning–he was clearly proposing to use Margaret’s feigned illness as a ruse to lure Athena back.
That way, Athena would have no choice but to return to the estate.
Once she’s back, she’ll be completely under the Monson family’s control.
If they were successful, they could even demand that she return everything Margaret had given her.
The Duke of Suffield’s brows knitted tightly in distress. ‘No matter what, she’s still my mother,‘ he thought. ‘As her son, how could I even consider harming her? Surely, such an act would invite heaven’s wrath p>
Just as the Duke of Suffield was wrestling with his conscience, agonized screams tore through the chamber. Willow’s voice,
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which was raw with pain, cried, ‘It hurts! It hurts so much! Just let me die, Mother, Mother… Is my leg broken? Am I going to become a cripple p>
The heart–rending, ragged screams wrenched the Duke of Suffield’s heart.
The Duke of Suffield reasoned, ‘Right, it’s just making my mother appear ill for a few days. It’s not as if we’re taking her life. If I continue to hesitate like this, it could mean the downfall of our household.
The Duke of Suffield steeled himself, his expression hardening as he gave a slight nod. “Matthew, see to it,” he ordered coldly.
Nicolas is the heir of the Monson family, and there can’t be any blemish on his record.
On the other hand, Matthew is already a lost cause. Even if the truth comes out, they can always pin it all on him and keep Nicolas clean.
Matthew’s eyes burned with a manic intensity, electrified by this rare show of paternal trust. “Rest assured, Father,” he vowed fervently, “I will see this matter through to perfection p>
While they were conspiring to set up both Margaret and Athena, Fiona, who was standing outside, felt a chill run down her spine.
‘What a den of monsters! They are willing to even harm their own flesh and blood. Their daughter and mother aren’t safe from their schemes,’ she thought in horror.
As footsteps approached, Fiona’s heart leapt in her throat before she quickly slipped away.
Chapter 383
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.