Chapter 572
Chapter 572
‘I just feel it is my duty to see her through her final moments p>
Eloise slowly set down her silverware, wiped her mouth with her sleeve, and said coldly, “Leave. I don’t want to see you anymore p>
“Alright.” Athena slowly rose to her feet and walked out.
Just then, Eloise’s desperate voice called after her, “Willow. I want to see Willow p>
Athena shot Eloise a startled look, only to see her eyes bloodshot and welling with tears, desperate hope etched on her face.
It was surprising that the one she wanted to see was Willow.
When Athena came to visit, Eloise lashed out at her with vicious words.
Yet even in death, the one she cared about most was still Willow.
Athena gave a bitter, self–deprecating smile and strode out of the cell.
Eloise lunged at the bars, her voice raw with desperation as she screamed after her, “I want to see Willow! I want to see my daughter…
Even as Athena walked out of the cell, she could still hear Eloise’s anguished cries echoing behind her.
Trina huffed indignantly, “Lady Athena, you really shouldn’t have come to see her. Why subject yourself to such torment p>
Athena looked lost in thought and mused softly, “Trina, tell me. Why would a mother not love her own child? ”
Trina thought for a moment and replied, “Maybe she didn’t like the child’s father, so she didn’t like the child either p>
But then Trina shook her head. “No, that doesn’t add up. Lady Eloise truly loved Lord Henry. I heard that when she married him, she did so quite willingly p>
Athena glanced at Trina, a fleeting insight flashing through her mind. However, it was gone before she could catch it.
Her gut told her there must be a secret she didn’t know about.
Athena thought, ‘If it’s a well–kept secret, then it must be something none of us would know about p>
A sudden thought struck Athena. Perhaps sing should ask Margaret.
“Back to the manor, now!” Athena urged anxiously.
The carriage sped up, swiftly reaching Athena’s manor.
Athena got off the carriage and made a beeline for Margaret’s quarters.
To Athena’s surprise, Margaret seemed to have anticipated her visit, Gwen was already waiting at the entrance on her orders.
“ Lady Athena, Gwen said with a warm emile, “Her Ladyship asked me to wait here for you
Athena looked surprised, “ Grandmother actually knew I was coming?
Gwen chuckled as the led Athena inside. Indeed,” she said warmly
Once they
ered the chamber, Gwent withsh
Inside the chamber, Margaret sat quietly in her ante fair,
Today, she seemed a little out of place. She had unexpectedly changed into full ceremonial robes, with the official headdress of a noble woman on her
head.
Athena stared at her in surprise. Margaret simply smiled and beckoned her closer. “Come here, Athena,” she said.
Perhaps it was the lighting, but Athena noticed Margaret’s face looked slightly ashen.
Preoccupied with her own thoughts, Athena didn’t dwell on it and took the seat to Margaret’s right.
Athena looked at Margaret, and said softly in puzzlement, “Grandmother, is there something you want to tell me? ”
Margaret nodded, her expression complicated as she gazed at Athena, as if trying to etch her face permanently into her memory.
Athena obediently took her seat. Margaret, noticing her tense expression, forced a faint, strained smile and said softly, “Athena, you must be wondering how I knew you were coming p>
“Yes,” Athena replied with a gentle nod.
“Athena, have you also wondered why Eloise has always treated you so cruelly p>
“Grandmother, please enlighten me p>
Margaret gazed at Athena for a long moment, her expression unreadable, before finally saying, “Actually, you have an aunt p>
Athena’s eyes widened in astonishment. “But why has Grandfather never mentioned her p>
Margaret raised her hand slightly, signaling Athena to remain silent. Swallowing down all her burning questions, Athena could only listen patiently as Margaret spoke.
Margaret said, “General Perkins has two daughters. Your aunt, Vania Perkins, was Eloise’s twin sister. She and my son grew up together, and after they married, they were blissfully happy. At that time, your father was merely an unfavored son in the family, sent away to be raised in Nexalasia.
As Athena listened, she felt everything in her mind suddenly click into place.
All those scattered images clicked together, forming a coherent picture, The truth was now within reach.
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.