Chapter 355
Xander studied the tiny vial in his palm, raising an eyebrow. He asked in confusion, “And what might this be p>
“This is an elixir I refined,” Athena explained. “It helps fortify the body and enhance vitality p>
Xander hummed softly, a knowing glint in his eyes as he wondered, ‘Does Athena think I’m weak p>
“Prince Xander?” Athena called softly, noticing his pensive expression.
Xander accepted the medicine, a slight frown crossing his face at her formal address. “You can just call me Xander,” he said, his tone tinged with dissatisfaction.
‘Being called ‘Prince Xander‘ all the time makes me feel ancient.
‘I’m only four years older than Athena,‘ Xander grumbled inwardly.
Athena looked a little uneasy. “But… that wouldn’t be proper,” she stammered.
Noticing Athena’s obvious discomfort, Xander decided not to press the matter further as he thought, ‘I won’t force Athena. I shall let her do as she pleases!
Meanwhile, chaos reigned in the Duke’s Estate.
The Duke of Suffield had barely stepped out of the Palace when Fermin gave him a scathing tongue–lashing.
Upon his return to the Duke’s Estate, the first thing the Duke of Suffield did was to summon Willow for an interrogation.
“Didn’t you swear this was foolproof?” The Duke of Suffield bellowed, his face darkened with fury. His usual paternal gentleness was gone, and it was replaced by a terrifying wrath. “How could things end up like this p>
His rage reaching its peak, the Duke of Suffield suddenly struck Willow across the face.
Willow shrieked in pain, clutching her stinging face, while Eloise stood rooted to the ground, too afraid to step forward and plead for mercy.
Had Fermin not single–handedly shouldered the blame for this incident, the entire Duke’s Estate would have faced execution that night.
Sprawled to the ground, Willow’s cheek swelled, turning crimson from the blow.
With tears streaming down her face, Willow pleaded with the Duke of Suffield, “Please, Father, calm your anger! I truly has no idea how this happened. It must have been the people who made the fireworks. Perhaps, they had cut corners, and as a result, this happened. I have always thought of you, and will always have your best interests at heart p>
Willow’s tear–stained face and swollen, red cheeks made her look all the more pitiful and vulnerable.
Eloise hesitated to intervene, fearing she might anger the Duke of Suffield. All she could do was watch Willow with a helpless gaze, her eyes brimming with heartache.
“Father… Father…” Willow sobbed, her face streaked with tears.
Just then, Nicolas strode in through the doorway.
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Chapter 315
He eashed over to Willow, who was crumpled on the floor with a red, swollen cheek. Feeling a surge of concern, he quickly helped her to her fees.
“Nicolas…” Willow whimpered, gazing up at him with wounded eyes.
Seeing her so pitiful tugged at Nicolas’s heartstrings.
Nicolas gently wiped the tears from Willow’s face, then turned back to the Duke of Suffield. He stated. “Father, can’t you talk things out nicely? Why did you have to hit her? You’re aware of how fragile Willow’s health is. What if you seriously hurt her? How is she supposed to get married then?
His remarks, however, brought to mind the Duke of Suffield: the union between the Duke’s Estate and the Osborne family had already been arranged, with the wedding ceremony scheduled for just after the new year.
Through his words, Nicolas was subtly hinting to the Duke of Suffield that Fermin’s scheme to marry Athena into the Osbome family as their matriarch was now impossible.
Now, only Willow could save the Duke’s Estate from this crisis.
The Duke of Suffield’s expression softened considerably as he explained, “I was blinded by rage. Fermin gave me a thorough dressing–down today. If we don’t handle this properly, I fear the entire Duke’s Estate may face dire consequences p>
Nicolas helped Willow to her seat before turning to the Duke of Suffield. He reasoned, “Father, why don’t you think about it? All the previous fireworks went off without a hitch. So why did only the very last one go wrong p>
Nicolas was subtly steering the Duke of Suffield toward a deeper understanding.
The Duke of Suffield caught the underlying meaning in his words and demanded, “Are you suggesting someone sabotaged this p>
“Father, it’s just my guess, and I have no proof.” Nicolas sighed. “But today, Fermin was reprimanded, and Lizzie suffered public humiliation. Isn’t that too much of a coincidence p>
The Duke of Suffield’s heart lurched, his expression darkening.
‘Both Fermin and Lizzie have unresolved grievances with Athena.
‘Athena must be behind this, the Duke of Suffield concluded, his suspicion hardening into certainty.
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.