Chapter 245
Chapter 245
Ever since Nicolas became the heir, he had called the shots in the household.
Sometimes, even Henry had to consult him before making a decision.
All that reluctance and grief he’d shown earlier was only for show.
He just wanted to make Margaret stay.
But when he realized her resolve was unshakable, his mask slipped, revealing his true nature.
Athena let out a cold laugh. “How nauseating, pretending your greed is noble righteousness. ”
Nicolas shot Athena a cold glare. “You’re the root cause of all this trouble. Even if you keep clinging on, the duke’s estate has no place for you anymore p>
His words left no doubt. He meant to cast Athena out.
Margaret’s face flushed with rage. “How dare you p>
To her surprise, Nicolas wasn’t intimidated at all. He bowed deeply and said calmly, “Grandmother, if we continue to let her have her way, this family will be doomed. Everything I do is for the sake of the duke’s estate p>
He then turned to Henry. “Father, what do you think? ”
Henry seemed to have aged years instantly, his brow furrowing in silence, which was tacit approval of Nicolas’s decision.
As for Eloise, she was stunned and utterly speechless.
Even she hadn’t expected things would come to this.
After a long silence, Eloise could only manage this weak, ineffectual plea, “Nicolas… She’s your sister p>
Nicolas sneered. “You treat her like your own daughter, but has she ever regarded you as a mother, or me as a brother p>
His words left Eloise speechless.
By my authority as heir to the Monson family,” Nicolas said, “I hereby banish Athena from the family p>
Margaret’s face turned deathly pale, her whole body trembling with rage. “You… How dare you treat Athena like this? Do you have no respect for me as your grandmother?” she asked.
Nicolas took a deep breath and bowed to Margaret. “I wouldn’t dare,” he said, yet his actions were nothing short of outright defiance.
The room fell into heavy silence.
Athena’s gaze swept over Henry, who was feigning ignorance, and Eloise, whose expression was utterly helpless.
Beside Eloise, Willow buried her head, weeping with exaggerated fragility.
Suddenly, Athena sneered.
Whether it’s being disowned or banished, Athena thought, ‘it makes no difference now. At least I’m finally leaving this place
1/2
2/2
for good.
She looked up and said firmly, “Fine. I agree p>
Margaret burst into tears, her voice trembling with anguish as she cried, “Athena, how could you consent to this p>
This is your home, Margaret thought with a pang of grief.
Athena gave Margaret a gentle, relieved smile. “Grandmother, I know well how much you love me, and how hard you’ve tried to protect this family and me. That’s all I could ever ask for p>
“Fine. From this day forward, Athena is no longer the legitimate daughter of the Monson family,” Nicolas pronounced, his expression dark and cold. He thought, I’ve already gone above and beyond for Athena. My patience is at its end.
“We did everything for her sake, but not only did she not appreciate it, but she even wanted to cut ties with us. Since that’s what she wants, I’ll let her have it.
“Bring forth the family register,” Nicolas commanded in a low, authoritative tone.
The butler glanced at Henry cautiously, who sat with a dark expression, eyes slightly closed in tacit approval.
He then looked at Eloise, who was sobbing uncontrollably, and at Margaret, her face etched with helplessness. He knew Nicolas’s decision was now irrevocable.
Soon after, the family register was brought forth.
Nicolas looked at Athena with feigned sorrow and said solemnly, “You’ve brought this upon yourself. What else do you have to say p>
He was giving her one final chance. ‘If she shows some remorse,‘ he thought, ‘I will let the matter drop p>
However, Athena suddenly bowed to Margaret and said, “Grandmother, I have failed you. Thank you for raising me p>
She bowed to Margaret three times.
Then, turning to Eloise and Henry, she bowed three more times.
But she said nothing to them.
Nicolas’s eyes burned crimson with fury. Gritting his teeth, he hissed, “Fine. You’re something p>
With a sullen glare, Nicolas snatched up the pen, found Athena’s name in the family register, and cast her one last glance.
Then, with a single, decisive stroke, he crossed her name out of it.
T
AD
Comment
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.