The Rise Of The Unwanted Girl (Athena) novel Chapter 195

Chapter 195

As Christmas drew near, a heavy snowfall began to fall.

The Monson family had been meticulously cleaned inside and out, with bright lights hanging from the eaves to create a festive atmosphere. Yet within the walls, not a trace of laughter or cheer could be heard.

The rosewood round table was laden with delicacies, yet Eloise wore a gloomy face, showing no desire to even lift her fork.

“Mother, try this duck,” Willow coaxed, carefully placing a piece into Eloise’s bowl.

Eloise’s brows knitted tightly as she gently shook her head. “I just can’t eat,” she murmured.

The entire family was gathered around the dining table, except for Joseph Monson.

He hadn’t returned home since being sent to the military camp as punishment many months ago.

Just days earlier, Eloise had begged Henry to inquire about him, only to learn that Joseph was required to remain on duty through the holiday.

Henry’s expression was stern, yet there was a hint of relief in his tone. “Though Joseph was sent to the military camp for discipline, it’s not necessarily a bad thing. Just look at him now. He’s well–disciplined, and all those bad habits are gone. Isn’t this for the best?”

“My lord, he’s your own son!” Eloise protested, tears streaming down her face. “He’s been pampered since childhood, how could he possibly endure such hardship? Out there, he can’t get proper meals or decent sleep. Watching him suffer like this is tearing my heart apart.”

Eloise broke into sobs, her grief casting a pall over what should have been a joyous celebration.

Henry, irritated by her sobbing, snapped sharply, “Why are you crying during the celebrations? Must you bring such ill fortune upon us? Now you weep for your youngest son, yet when Athena was sent away, I didn’t see you making such a scene.”

As soon as the words fell, the atmosphere at the table turned to ice.

Eloise’s face went ashen as she stared at Henry in disbelief, her eyes overflowing with anguish.

With her voice trembling, she cried out, “Athena is the light of my life, the daughter I carried and gave birth to! How could you say such things to me, my

lord?”

Knowing he was in the wrong, Henry gave a derisive snort and deliberately ignored her.

Ever since Athena left, her name had become taboo, a topic no one dared to bring up.

But today, Henry deliberately invoked Athena’s name in front of everyone to humiliate Eloise. Naturally, Eloise couldn’t stand such public shaming.

Nicolas and Matthew both looked completely at a loss, while Fiona lowered her head in silence, even setting down her fork.

Fiona cautiously glanced at Nicolas, only to see him subtly signaling Willow with his eyes.

Willow nodded gently, eager to smooth things over. In a flattering tone, she said, “It’s Christmas Eve, let’s not dwell on this. Mother, I have some good news. Our artillery department has already started turning a profit…”

With Christmas approaching, fireworks were in such high demand that the Monson family made a fortune.

This dinner was not only a family reunion feast, but also Willow’s victory celebration.

Willow smugly thought to herself, ‘I’m the most valuable in this family. How dare that outcast Athena try to steal my thunder?‘

Eloise seemed utterly heartbroken. She forced a weak smile. “Is that so?”

Chapter 195

Then silence fell.

Willow froze in place. I was hoping to use this opportunity to coax Mother into finally bringing up my marriage, she thought bitterly.

She and Michael had been engaged for so long, yet he still hadn’t married her.

The gossip had been swirling for ages.

Even among the other noble ladies, she couldn’t hold her head up anymore.

Eloise had no appetite and merely picked at her food before setting down her fork.

As soon as Eloise set down her fork, Henry’s expression darkened even further.

In previous years, the house would be bustling with warmth and laughter.

But this year, an eerie silence hung in the air.

Margaret had secluded herself in her courtyard, cutting off all contact with the rest of the family.

Joseph remained stuck at the military camp. Without Xander’s order, no one would dare release him.

Athena was gone, too.

Gazing at the vast expanse of the house, Henry heaved a heavy sigh and thought, ‘Is this family really about to fall apart?‘

She slipped her arm through Eloise’s, walking slowly by her side in a show of affection.

“What’s there to be afraid of saying? You’re my daughter, why would I ever blame you?”

Willow gave a tentative smile, glancing cautiously at Eloise before whispering, “You’re right, Mother. I was just overthinking. Actually… if anyone can help Joseph, it’s Athena.”

Athena’s name alone sent a pang through Eloise’s heart.

20 EL

Since leaving home, Athena had never once returned.

Sometimes, Eloise wondered, if they met on the street, with Athena’s stubbornness, she probably wouldn’t even spare her a glances

Eloise’s eyes grew moist as she sniffled, holding back tears. “You know how stubborn Athena is. It was because of her that Joseph was sent to the military camp in the first place. She won’t even see us. Why would she ever help Joseph?”

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify