Chapter 497
Chapter 497
Xander looked at Kendra with his usual air of detachment, his expression as cold as ever. He gave her only the barest nod, a gesture devoid of warm welcome. His indifference wat unmistakable, anyone else would have taken the hint and stepped back
But Kendra remained unfazed. She flashed a familiar smile. “Three years apart, Xander, and you’re still i
giving me the cold shoulder p>
She was breathtaking her eyes soll with affection as they lingered on him.
With her beauty and background, she was the kind of woman most men couldn’t say no to
But Kander remained unmoved. As she stepped closer, he pulled Athena toward him and said, without expression, “This is my future wife p>
Kendra’s smile froze in place. Her gaze snapped to Athens, and all tenderness drained from her face, replaced by a cold, hostile glare
Kendra gave Athena a casual once–over, then curved her lips into a knowing, subtly condescending smile. “Oh, I know who you are,” she said.
Her words dripped with unspoken implication,
Everyone knew Athena as the Monson family’s long–lost daughter, who was eventually sent to the military for discipline after accusing her adopted sister Cold and ungrateful, she had even severed ties with her own family how, she was nothing more than a mere Viscountess
To Kendra, a woman like that could never deserve someone as noble and brilliant as Xander. She could only wonder what kind of tricks Athena had used to so thoroughly cloud his judgment
Kendra didn’t even deem Athena worthy of her attention, the woman couldn’t pose a threat whatsoever
Aber all, Alexandra had made it clear that the position of Mrs. Cavendish was reserved for Kendra alone.
Whether in family pedigree or reputation, Athena simply paled in comparison.
Aher a brief pause, Kendra offered Athena a graceful smile, but the sight curl at the corner of her lips betrayed a subtla mockery.
Athena caught the look and returned a gentle, knowing unit
She had already guessed that Kendra saw her as a rival, but she had no intention of engaging in a battle of egos. After all, Athena had never planned to marry Xander.
“Lady, shall we head inside? Her Highness Alexandra is waiting for you,” Kendra’s maid cut in, her voice sweet but tinged with pride. “She’s missed you terribly after these three years apart.” Though polite, her words clearly flaunted Alexandra’s special favor toward Kendra
Kendra maintained a flawless smile and gave Athena a polite nod. “See you in a bit, I’m sure Her Highness willbe quite taken with you p>
Alright.” Athena inclined her head slightly, her smile courteous but distant.
To everyone’s surprise, the tension between them never erupted.
The crowd, expecting a dramatic confrontation, was left watching in silence as the moment slipped away, the curtain falling before the first act even began.
As Athena and Xander walked toward the manor, kander lowered his voice and murmured, “Thanks for earlice”
“So, you’re thanking me for playing your human shield?” Athena teased, flashing him a playful grin
Kander let out a soft chuckle. “Yeah, good thing you didn’t call me out on it, or have been completely mortified p>
“Come on, Frince Xander, you’ve had my pack plenty of times too. No need for thanks,” she replied.
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11:23 Sat, 26 Jul
Chapter 497
They walked side by side, chatting and laughing, looking every bit the perfect couple.
Whenever Xander gazed at Athena, his eyes brimmed with such tenderness it seemed to overflow.
All around, women who had secretly pined for Xander clutched their handkerchiefs in silent fury, nearly shredding them with jealousy.
None of them had imagined that, after so many well matched choices, Xander would choose Athena.
Meanwhile, beneath the colonnade, Lizzie swept in with grandeur, every inch the picture of nobility in full regalia.
By her side stood Ferris, his expression utterly blank. From the moment Athena entered, however, his gaze never left her
Lizzie scoffed at his pathetic display. “She’ll never be yours, no matter how long you stare. Must you persist with this sad delusion? it’s disgusting”
f
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.