Chapter 339
Michael was surprised by Athena’s reaction. Just because of a casual remark he made, she actually took Xander’s side.
He thought, “There was a time when those eager, caring eyes were only for me p>
The Osborne family wielded considerable power at court, inevitably making numerous enemies.
He still remembered how people used to sneer at him, mocking that the Osborne family thought they were above everyone else.
Athena immediately stepped forward, confronting the man and tearing him apart with her words.
But back then, Michael didn’t appreciate Athena’s kindness at all.
He told Athena she was being too aggressive, that her actions were just making more enemies for the Osborne family.
In contrast, Willow would timidly hide behind him, giving him that gratifying sense of being truly needed.
He even accused Athena of always meddling in his affairs. He believed that he could have handled it perfectly well without
her.
It just seemed so laughable now.
He was the one who trampled Athena’s kindness into the mud.
Now Athena had abandoned him. Those eyes that once protected him now rested on another man.
Only now did Michael truly realize what he had lost, and the weight of that loss struck him harder than he ever imagined.
“Athena, must you say things like that just to upset me?” Even knowing he was at fault, Michael’s pride wouldn’t let him apologize.
His status and pride wouldn’t let him yield.
Athena felt utterly drained. ‘I’ve spelled it out so clearly, does he really not get it, or is he just pretending?‘ she thought bitterly.
“Leave now. I ceased being a Monson long ago. Today, I am Viscountess Athena p>
Athena bit out the title, each word laced with deliberate force.
She made it crystal clear to Eloise and Willow that they shouldn’t even dream of claiming any connection to her.
But Willow, who never learned from past humiliations, actually stepped forward to defend Eloise. With a pleading look in her eyes, she said, “Sister, even if you refuse to acknowledge me, how can you deny the mother who gave you life and raised you? Whatever happened between you two, it’s been so long. Surely it’s time to let it go p>
Willow dropped to her knees in her usual theatrics and pleaded dramatically, “Athena, please don’t treat Mother like this. If you have any demands, just say the word. Whatever it takes to ease your resentment, I’ll do whatever you ask p>
Willow’s devoted defense of Eloise was so moving it could soften even the hardest heart.
Compared to Willow, a mere adopted daughter who went to such lengths, Athena appeared downright heartless.
Willow’s trick was truly disgusting. Back in the day, it would’ve made Athena so angry she couldn’t even eat.
1/2
But now, stie similed.
“ Are you truly willing to do anything?” Athena asked, her voice calm but edged with challenge.
Her face remained calm, but her eyes held a chilling, unnerving sharpness.
Athena’s fleeting glance sent a bone–chilling shiver down Willow’s spine.
She remembered that the last time Athena tried to kill her, she had looked at her with the same look in her eyes.
‘Even months later, the memory still sends chills down my spine,‘ Willow thought.
Panic surged through Willow as she felt things spiraling out of control. She couldn’t help but think, ‘Logically, shouldn’t Athena be flying into a rage and hurling insults at me right now?
‘Only then would Eloise pity me even more, defend me, and finally give up on Athena for good p>
But Athena remained perfectly composed, in fact, she even gave Willow a faint, almost mocking smile.
Willow felt a chill run down her spine, but since the words were already out, she could only brace herself and nod. “Yes, I’m willing to do anything,” she said, forcing herself to sound resolute.
“Fine. Then kill yourself.” Athena’s words cut like a knife straight to Willow’s heart. “Only with your death will we be square p>
She thought, ‘Only then would my suffering and the deaths of Thalia and Macy truly be avenged p>
Willow’s face turned deathly pale. She stared up at Athena, her entire body trembling with fear.
Willow never expected Athena would dare to publicly demand her death right in front of everyone.
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.