The Rise Of The Unwanted Girl (Athena) novel Chapter 172

A tall figure stood silently outside the police station.

His navy blue robe stood in stark contrast against the white snow, accentuating his stern, aristocratic features.

However, the moment his frosty, star–like eyes landed on Athena, all the coldness in them melted away.

A gentle smile spread across Michael’s face.

He walked up to Athena and called out warmly, “Atheny.”

The moment Athena saw Michael, her good mood vanished. But then, remembering something, she kept her composure and didn’t let it show.

Athena stopped in front of Michael and curled her lips. “So, Lord Osborne, are you here to apologize for your

fiancée?”

Michael looked embarrassed. Only then did he notice Willow and Nicolas behind Athena.

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Willow’s face turned pale as she looked at Michael, her eyes red–rimmed and full of grievance. “Michael, I had nothing to do with this case. Osbert has already cleared my name. I swear, I never tried to frame Athena.”

As Willow spoke, tears began to stream down her cheeks.

Willow’s pitiful sight made Nicolas’s heart ache.

Nicolas steadied Willow and said pointedly, “Willow, if you’re innocent, you don’t owe her any explanation.”

“Innocent until proven guilty, or instigation? While Lord Nicolas may feign ignorance, surely Lord Osborne isn’t that clueless.” An icy smile curled at the corners of Athena’s lips as she took two deliberate steps forward, stopping squarely in front of Michael.

Athena’s radiant smile left Michael momentarily dazed. ‘She’s forgiven me,‘ he thought, hope flickering in his chest.

Overflowing with joy, Michael instinctively reached for Athena’s hand.

Just then, Willow suddenly rushed out and threw herself into Michael’s arms.

She trembled like a delicate flower battered by the winter wind.

Willow clung desperately to Michael, refusing to let go. Her voice was shattered with sobs as she pleaded, “Michael, please… you have to believe me. It wasn’t me, I swear, it really wasn’t… really…“.

Willow’s hysterical display was a far cry from the dignified composure expected of a noble lady.

Michael took two steps back, putting distance between them.

Though he didn’t say he doubted her, the warmth in his eyes was gone.

“Michael, do you really believe someone who would even frame her own brother?” Athena’s quiet voice cut through Willow’s facade like a sharp blade.

“No, it’s not like that! It’s really not!” Willow cried, shaking her head wildly, tears streaming down her face. “Michael, please, you have to believe me!”

Athéna sneered, “The only person Blake could’ve contacted was you. If it weren’t for your instigation, why would that fool have come after me? Sure, he took the fall for you. Your double–crossing scheme is truly vicious, Willow.”

As Athena spoke, the color drained from Willow’s face.

Willow opened her mouth to plead her case, yet under Michael’s withering stare, her voice died in her thigat

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23:43 Mon, 30 Jun

Chapter 172

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Athena cut in sharply, not giving Willow a chance to speak. “Blake confessed it was you who told him about the treasure in my possession. That’s what sparked his ill intentions. How much longer will you keep lying, Willow?”

“No, it’s not like that at all!” Willow burst into theatrical sobs, casting a desperate, pleading look at Nicolas.

Unable to bear seeing Willow bullied like this, Nicolas stepped in sharply. “Athena, that’s enough!”

Nicolas’s fists clenched tightly, his eyes blazing with fury.

Nicolas thought bitterly, ‘The police has already cleared Willow’s name, so why is Athena still hounding her?

‘Can’t she stand to see Willow happy?‘

Facing Nicolas’s anger, Athena curled her lips in a faint smile and shot back, “I am being unreasonable. So what? What are you going to do about it?”

‘Claiming justice as the victim, how is that wrong?‘ Athena thought.

Nicolas, seeing how unrepentant Athena was, turned to Michael and said sharply, “Don’t listen to her nonsense. She’s just trying to drive a wedge between you and Willow. Others may not understand Willow, but surely you know her true nature.”

Michael lowered his gaze, lost in thought.

To Michael, Willow had always seemed too fragile to take care of herself.

She had never even raised her voice before.

He had always known her to be kind to those around her.

Still, nothing about today made sense. He felt that something really didn’t add up.

He thought, ‘Blake’s a gambler. Where did he get all that cash?

Willow’s first reaction upon seeing Loretta wasn’t happiness, but obvious disdain.

Loretta yanked Willow’s hair violently, her face contorted with rage as she shrieked, “Why would you harm your brother? He’s the only family you’ve got left!”

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