Chapter 331
Chapter 331
After leaving the palace, Ferris stood at the foot of the grand steps, watching the drifting clouds in the distance.
A faint sneer played on his lips.
Ferris thought to himself, ‘Only now have I truly tasted power. Those who once humiliated and trampled upon me have all been reduced to dust beneath my feet.
With each step down the stairs, Ferris silently counted in his mind.
Ferris thought, “There are only a few thousand paces between Athena and me. Yet those imposing palace walls stand between us, turning her into Mrs. Cavendish, and me into nothing more than a pawn in Arthur’s game.
‘Even so, I’ll keep moving forward, as long as it brings me closer to Athena.
‘If my current status can’t protect her, then I’ll become a shadow in the dark, watching over her from afar.
‘One day, I’ll find my chance. Athena will return to my side p>
In just a several days, great changes swept through the imperial court.
The Mcgee family crumbled overnight. Percival was stripped of his title, and his entire family was exiled a thousand miles
away.
From the attic, Ferris watched as the disgraced Percival and his mistresses scurried below like rats. At last, a smile crept onto his face.
Ferris thought coldly, ‘He perished, I survived. But the price is losing Athena p>
This outcome left Ferris far from satisfied.
He clenched his fists, watching the departing procession, murderous intent flashing in his eyes.
He slowly raised his hand, his long fingers curling in a beckoning gesture.
Almost instantly, a shadow guard appeared at his side, kneeling respectfully.
“Kill them all. Leave no one alive,” Ferris commanded coldly.
The guard bowed and was about to leave.
But Ferris added, “Don’t let Ruth die too easily p>
The guard paused, and Ferris uttered, “Make her suffer p>
Ferris thought bitterly, ‘All my misfortunes stem from Ruth. She gave birth to Wade, and because of him, my life was ruined. She drove a wedge between my parents. How could I possibly let her off so easily p>
As the setting sun slanted westward, the light was devoured by encroaching darkness.
Ferris walked against the fading light, step by step disappearing into the shadows.
1/2
Chapter 331
At the Xander Manor.
After several days confined to bed, Athena was finally able to get up and move around.
Xander made no attempt to block news, allowing the maids to bring all updates to Athena.
Athena knew that Percival had been exiled, and that Ferris was now the Chief Inspector of the Treasury Bureau.
Athena gazed absently out the window, lost in thought. Trina stood nearby, not daring to disturb her.
Trina wanted to offer some comfort, but couldn’t find the right words.
Athena turned around and headed for the door.
Trina hurried after her with a cloak. “Miss, it’s freezing outside. Please wear this p>
Athena donned the cloak and strode out of the courtyard.
As Athena walked through the manor, every servant bowed to her with deep respect.
Soon, she arrived at the Ink Garden.
Nelson spotted Athena and hurried forward to greet her. “Miss Monson, what brings you here p>
With a smile, Athena replied, “I came to see Prince Xander p>
Nelson nodded and was about to announce her.
But before he could enter, Xander emerged from the room.
Dressed in a black cloak, Xander looked calmly at Athena.
With a slight wave of his hand, all the maids withdrew.
Nelson followed, dragging the still–bewildered Trina with him.
“Hey, Mr. Bates, what are you pulling me for…” Trina protested.
The courtyard fell silent. Athena and Xander locked eyes in a wordless standoff.
The icy wind whipped through, turning Athena’s nose pink and staining her beautiful eyes a deep crimson, as if brushed with rouge.
Her silent reproach pierced Xander’s heart.
‘She‘
Fin.
2
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.