Chapter 195
hapter 195
Willow’s smile froze. She looked at Nelson with some confusion.
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But he only smiled at Athena, speaking kindly to her, “These items are all for the Lady Athena. ”
With a wave of his hand, the servant stepped forward and handed the items to Athena.
Athena was a little surprised. Xander had actually sent her something.
“I appreciate Prince Xander’s kindness, ” she quickly expressed her gratitude.
Everyone in the courtyard was stunned, their expressions frozen.
Only Willow sobbed softly, her face flushed red. She wished she could find a hole to crawl into.
Henry asked Nelson with confusion, “May I ask why Princess Xander is sending my daughter these things p>
Nelson’s expression darkened slightly as he looked at the Duke. “A few days ago, Lady Athena visited Xander Manor to teach embroidery. Prince Xander noticed she looked frail and malnourished. Coincidentally, the household had just received a fresh batch of truffles, so he instructed me to deliver some as a token of appreciation p>
The box was opened. It was filled with truffles.
Everyone gasped. Truffles cost a lot of money.
Judging by the amount, there must be at least four or five pounds here.
Xander was truly generous.
Willow bit her lip lightly, jealousy rising uncontrollably in her heart.
Henry was also uncomfortable hearing Nelson’s words.
He thought, ‘What did he mean by malnourished? The household certainly doesn’t lack food.
If Athena looked unhealthy, it was her own poor constitution, not the family’s fault.
Henry thought Xander was trying to humiliate him.
Henry forced a smile. “Prince Xander is… very considerate.” The last few words were almost squeezed through gritted teeth.
But Nelson acted as if he hadn’t noticed. His mission had already been accomplished.
Then he continued, “Prince Xander also asked me to relay a message to you, Duke Henry p>
“Please speak.” Henry’s heart pounded. He didn’t remember offending him.
Nelson cleared his throat and said, “Prince Xander said the duke’s estate is poorly disciplined, indulging the successors to cause trouble. If the Duke is unwilling to discipline them, he wouldn’t mind doing it in your stead p>
Henry turned pale and bowed. “Please forgive me, Your Highness. I realized my mistake p>
Behind him, everyone hurriedly bowed as well.
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“Please rise, Duke Henry.” Nelson extended both hands to help him up. “The tavern incident enraged Prince Xander. If you still cannot manage your household, I’m afraid p>
He didn’t finish the sentence, but his meaningful gaze said it all.
Henry felt his scalp tingle. If Xander were to intervene, Joseph probably wouldn’t survive.
He swallowed hard and cautiously asked, “May I ask what I must do to appease Prince Xander? ”
Nelson chuckled.“Three years ago, Lady Athena was punished and sent to the army. When she returned, she was like a whole new person. Why not use the same method and send your son to the army for training p>
Nelson added, “Young people are impetuous. Some suffering will help temper their character p>
Upon hearing this, Eloise’s legs went weak. “Your lord, you can’t! Athena spent three years in the army and came back with injuries all over. If Joseph goes, how will he survive p>
She sobbed loudly, which annoyed Henry immensely.
Athena stood quietly on the side, listening without a ripple on her face.
This was her so –called mother. Both were her children, yet she could go to the army, but Joseph could not. How ironic.
But what warmed her heart slightly was the actions of Xander.
‘ Is he… really standing up for me?‘ she wondered.
The thought had barely formed before Athena quickly dismissed it. She was being ridiculous.
Xander was such a powerful figure. He wouldn’t waste energy on someone insignificant like her.
It was merely a coincidence.
Still, it saved her the trouble of asking Toby to come and expel Joseph from the household.
Henry’s body swayed. He could not defy Xander’s orders.
But…
He looked at Joseph with pain in his eyes.
Joseph was terrified beyond measure. He had never imagined that disaster would still strike.
“I obey,” Henry said through clenched teeth after a long pause.
And with that, Joseph fainted from fear with a loud thud.
Eloise screamed and rushed to his side, cradling him as she wept bitterly, “Joseph, my child… It’s all my fault. Let me go in his place! ”
Henry closed his eyes and sighed.
He thought the matter was over, but then Nelson continued, “Lord Joseph’s matter is settled. Now it’s time to address Lady
Willow p>
Willow felt a chill spread over her scalp, her whole body trembling.
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She was terrified, her eyes red with tears.
“The tavern incident has been fully investigated. The mastermind behind it all was Lady Willow,” Nelson said, looking at Willow with a hint of disdain.
He continued, “As a noble lady, how could she be so malicious? To help her reflect and mend her ways, she will now be placed under strict supervision by a governess from the palace. She must correct her behavior as a warning to others p>
With a thud, Willow collapsed to her knees.
This kind of punishment was a public slap to the face.
Eloise tried to defend her again, “Please have mercy. Willow is still young and ignorant p>
“If she is ignorant, she must learn to become wise.” Nelson’s expression turned cold. “Or does Lady Eloise find Prince Xander’s arrangements unsatisfactory? Or perhaps you’d prefer Lady Willow serve three years in the army as well p>
With that accusation hanging over her head, Eloise dared not speak another word. She frantically shook her head, “No. I’m very satisfied p>
Nelson smiled faintly. “Since there is no objection, then I shall take my leave p>
He bowed toward Henry. Henry finally snapped out of it and stumbled over himself to escort Nelson out.
Willow sobbed in Eloise’s arms. “Mother, what is going on? Didn’t Prince Fermin promise to protect us p>
She didn’t know why Xander suddenly targeted the duke’s estate. Even Eloise was clueless.
She turned to Nicolas in confusion.“Have we offended Prince Xander recently p>
Nicolas shook his head wearily, “No p>
“Then why is he doing this?” Eloise was devastated.
Joseph was forced into military service, and Willow was disciplined harshly.
The governesses from the palace were notoriously strict. Only scandalous noble girls were placed under their watch.
Once this spread, Willow’s reputation would be ruined.
Nicolas slowly turned his eyes toward Athena.
She stood there coldly, watching them, her gaze utterly indifferent.
As if Joseph’s disgrace and Willow’s humiliation had nothing to do with her.
Yet it was this heartless girl who had somehow earned Xander’s favor.
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Nicolas held it in for a long time before finally blurting out what was in his heart. “Athena, what kind of spell did you cast on Prince Xander? Why is he standing up for 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.