Chapter 389
Athena arrived at the Duke’s Estate, accompanied by her entourage, only to be stopped at the gate by the hesitant gatekeeper.
“Viscountess, ” the gatekeeper said hesitantly, a troubled look on his face, “your attendants cannot enter, Nicolas had given strict orders that if Athena came, she must enter alone without her servants.
As Athena’s status had changed, the gatekeeper dared not offend her outright. As such, he had deliberately softened his tone when he spoke.
Gwen’s face darkened as she snapped, “How dare you block the Viscountess? Do you have a death wish?
“Lady Margaret is critically ill, and the Viscountess is here to save her life. If anything happens to Lady Margaret because of your obstruction, can you bear the consequences p>
Gwen had always avoided arguments and never flaunted her seniority, even as one of the estate’s elders.
But with Margaret’s grave conditions, she revealed her formidable side.
After all, as Margaret’s longtime attendant, she still commanded respect.
The gatekeeper was of lowly status and couldn’t afford to offend anyone.
Yet Nicolas had issued strict orders, leaving him caught between a rock and a hard place.
Just then, Matthew emerged from the courtyard.
With his hands clasped behind his back, Matthew smirked slyly. “Well, look who we have here? My dear sister, whom the family had disowned p>
He sized Athena up and down, clicking his tongue in disdain as he added, “Well, well, if it isn’t the disowned wretch. What are you doing back here p>
Athena shot Matthew a cold, piercing stare. “Grandma’s illness is suspicious,” she said, her voice icy. “ If I find out anyone’s been meddling, they’ll pay dearly p>
Under Athena’s glacial stare, Matthew felt a chill run down his spine, but what burned hotter was the rage he felt.
‘Who the hell does she think she is, looking at me like that?
‘If it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t be rotting at home, jobless!
‘It was Athena who wrecked my future, and this was all her fault, he inwardly fumed.
Matthew sneered, “Stop throwing your weight around. Do you really think the Duke’s Estate is some place you can just waltz in and out of as you please p>
He stood atop the stone steps, looking down his nose with haughty disdain. “You may enter,” he sneered, “but your entourage stays outside. Cross me on this, and I’ll see to it you don’t set one foot past this gate today p>
Matthew’s utterly shameless antics made Athena’s blood boil as her chest tightened with fury.
With tears in her eyes, Gwen pleaded, “Lord Matthew, please, have mercy and let Miss Monson in. Lady Margaret’s illness can’t wait any longer p>
1/2
Chapter 389
Matthew scoffed, entirely unmoved, “Who the hell does she think she is? Don’t think your political connections scare me p>
Just as the two were arguing, a gentle voice called out, “Athena? Is that you, Athena? Have you come home? ”
Supported by her maid, Eloise emerged from the courtyard. She marched forward and gave Matthew a couple of firm pats, scolding. “You little brat! Athena is your sister. How could you make things so difficult for her? Step aside this instant p>
Matthew still refused to budge. He jabbed his finger right in Athena’s face and sneered, “As long as I’m here today, even if Mother begs, it won’t help you. You have two choices: either enter the estate alone, or get down on your knees and beg me. What’s it going to be p>
Fed up with Matthew’s harassment, Athena wasted no more words on him.
With a swift motion, she whipped out a silver needle and jabbed it straight into Matthew’s knee.
His legs buckled instantly, sending him crashing to his knees.
Matthew’s eyes bulged in terror. He opened his mouth to curse, but Athena, repeating her trick, struck an acupoint, silencing him.
From behind, Eloise cried out in panic, “Matthew! What’s wrong, Matthew p>
Without even batting an eye, Athena marched straight in with her entourage, making a beeline for Margaret’s courtyard.
At the courtyard gate, Nicolas stood waiting with his men.
When Athena entered, he was not surprised as he’d expected it all along.
Nicolas regarded Athena with unnerving calm. “My ‘good‘ sister,” he said, his voice dripping with false admiration, “you’re so capable now. You can even barge into the Duke’s Estate as you please. It seems I’ve sorely underestimated you p>
Athena scoffed, “You’re quite the schemer yourself, Lord Nicolas. All this trouble you’ve created, wasn’t it all just to target me 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.