The Rise Of The Unwanted Girl (Athena) novel Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Athena shot out of bed in an instant. As she threw on her clothes, she asked sharply, “What happened?”

Aliza rushed over, flustered. “The gatekeeper just reported that Lady Willow left the estate by herself. She took a carriage and made it clear that no one was to alert her parents. She’s just a girl–what if something happens to her?”

‘She made it clear to the gatekeeper?‘ Athena chewed on those words, a faint, ironic smile tugging at her lips. ‘If she really meant to leave quietly, would she have let herself be seen?‘

Willow had left only after stopping by Athena’s courtyard. If something happened to her now, no one in the household would let Athena off the

hook.

But Athena thought, ‘If I am forced to leave… how can I still take care of Grandmother? How will I give her the medicine?‘

Athena went out in haste.

Siena and Aliza followed close behind Athena, umbrellas in hand. “My lady, please slow down! If you catch cold in this rain, it’ll be serious.”

By the time Athena reached the front courtyard, Eloise was sobbing so hard she could barely breathe, nearly collapsing from grief.

Her sister–in–law, Fiona Monson, was beside her, trying to comfort her.

Having just given birth, Fiona looked pale and worn. She had been resting and recovering these past weeks, which was why Athena hadn’t seen her.

Nicolas sat off to the side, his face stormy. The moment he saw Athena, he stood and strode toward her.

Fiona, afraid he’d start a fight, rushed to intercept him–but he shoved her aside so forcefully she nearly fell. A maid caught her just in time.

Nicolas stopped in front of Athena, radiating anger. “What exactly did

Athena’s expression didn’t so much as flicker. She had stopped You say to Willow? Why would she leave so suddenly without telling anyone?”

20. He had never trusted her–not once./

Eloise stepped forward and hit Nicolas, her fists trembling with furyt

birth–do you think she can take that kind of shove?”

Then, noticing the slight mockery in Athena’s eyes, she added sharply, “A Athena like a decent person? She’s your sister!”

you speak properly? Why would you push Fiona like that? She just gave

when

are

you going to fix that temper of yours? Can’t you speak to

At those words, something stirred faintly in Athena’s chest–but she quickly pushed the feeling down.

Eloise turned to her. “Athena, if Willow has done something wrong, I’m asking you–please, for my sake, don’t be too hard on her. Will you?”

Tears streamed down Eloise’s face as she beat her chest in anguish. “It’s all my fault–it’s me to blame. You know where Willow went, don’t you? Please, just tell us. She’s not strong. In this kind of downpour, her body won’t hold up.”

She sounded like she was defending Athena–but in the very next breath, she was already pointing the finger.

Everyone had already decided it was Athena who drove Willow away. But the truth was, she hadn’t done a thing.

Athena’s tone stayed even, but her words were laced with thorns. “Aren’t you overestimating me, Lady Eloise? If I really had that kind of power, she would’ve been gone ten years ago. Why wait until now?

“Or are you just afraid I’m jealous of the attention you’ve always given her?”

Eloise’s gaze flickered, avoiding hers.

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