Chapter 143
hapter 143
Chapter 143
When lunchtime came, Margaret insisted Athena stay to eat with her.
Margaret had prepared Athena’s favorite dishes.
Athena ate with relish. Seeing how much she enjoyed her meal, Margaret found herself eating more than usual.
Gwen teased with a warm smile, “Miss Monson, you should come keep Mrs. Monson at meals more often. She’s had such a better appetite today with you here p>
“Alright, Grandma. I’ll come eat with you whenever I’m free, as long as you don’t mind my big appetite!” Athena said with a grin.
Margaret laughed heartily and said, “Even if you came every single day, I’d still be more than happy to feed you p>
After chatting with Margaret for a while longer, Athena finally took her leave.
After leaving, Athena had just reached the front garden when she spotted Fiona sitting alone in the gazebo, lost in thought.
Athena never really felt anything in particular toward Fiona.
Fiona was nearly invisible in the household, as if she barely existed.
The only thing Athena really remembered about Fiona was how quiet and reserved she was. She hardly ever spoke and was rarely seen around the house.
But today, Fiona unexpectedly stepped up to her, forcing a stiff, ingratiating smile onto her face. “Miss Monson,” she greeted awkwardly.
Her expression was uneasy, and when she looked at Athena, a flicker of fear flashed in her eyes.
She looked as if standing there in front of Athena took every ounce of her courage.
Athena remained composed, a faint smile touching her lips as she greeted, “Mrs. Monson p>
Fiona didn’t care about Athena’s form of address. She extended a small box toward Athena with a tentative smile. “This is just a token of my regard. I do hope you will accept it p>
When the box was opened, a stunning pair of exquisitely crafted hairpins was revealed inside.
The kingfisher feather hairpins gleamed with vibrant hues, their meticulously arranged feathers revealing exquisite craftsmanship, clearly worth a fortune at first glance.
Athena looked at her, puzzled. “Mrs. Monson, why are you giving me something so valuable p>
There was no real conflict between her and Fiona, if anything, their only connection was the superficial in–law relationship.
‘But why would Fiona give me such an extravagant gift?‘ Athena wondered.
Athena pushed the box back, unwilling to accept an unearned gift. “I can’t take this,” she said firmly.
Fiona’s eyes reddened slightly in distress as she shook her head. “I mean no offense, Miss Monson,” she said urgently, “Please don’t misunderstand, you really must accept this p>
Flustered and barely coherent, Fiona was so afraid Athena would refuse that she thrust the box into her hands.
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Then, forcing an apologetic smile at Athena, she hastily retreated with her maid.
Athena watched Fiona’s flustered departure, confusion flickering across her face. After thinking it over, it suddenly clicked.
Athena thought, ‘Fiona must have overheard Nicolas that day. She’s afraid he’ll have her son adopted by me. That’s why she’s trying to curry favor p>
Fiona feared that one day her son might end up under Athena’s care, and that Athena would treat him poorly.
Athena gave a wry smile, her eyes turning icy cold.
‘Does Nicolas really think everyone should just dance to his tune?‘ Athena thought to herself, full of disdain.
The box in Athena’s hands felt like an unwanted burden. She called Trina over. “Take this back to her,” Athena instructed, “Tell her. What’s hers will always be hers, no one can take it, and I wouldn’t accept it even if she offered p>
Trina nodded and left with the box.
The garden was bursting with vibrant blooms, yet Athena had no mind to appreciate the view.
Nicolas strode over, his face dark and stormy.
His target was clearly Athena.
His men had blocked off the roads ahead and behind her. Clearly, he had something to say.
Athena stood her ground, watching as Nicolas stormed toward her. “Athena!” he barked.
Athena shot Nicolas a cold, disdainful look. Fiona’s pitiful expression only deepened her disgust toward him.
‘He’s a complete and utter scumbag,‘ Athena thought to herself.
Everyone around him was just a stepping stone for his ambition.
Athena thought bitterly, ‘He’d even exploit his own flesh and blood.
‘Such an irresponsible husband, such a heartless scum, how is he even qualified to serve in court p>
“Lord Nicolas, you’re positively fuming today.” Athena paused, feigning sudden realization. “Let me guess, could it be that your precious little brother’s promotion just went up in smoke p>
“Shut your mouth!” Nicolas glowered at her, his face dark with fury.
Athena let out a mocking laugh. “Looks like I hit the nail on the head p>
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.