The Rise Of The Unwanted Girl (Athena) novel Chapter 23

Chapter 23

Athena’s are flicked over him coldly. “What’s there to be satisfied about? It wasn’t Willow who was punished. You book her punishment, so why would I be the one moved?” Her tone was frigid, leed with sarcasm.

Nicolas felt like he’d be struck by a needle. Even though he, as her older brother, had made a mistake, Athena was still his sister–and yet, she could be so heartless.

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“You” Nicolas couldn’t find the words to respond, his threat lightening with a strange, metallic taste. He tried to suppress the rising blood, but his body couldn’t hold up anymore. Slowly, he staggered backward.

Eloise screamed, shoving Athena aside, and rushed toward Nicolas.

Athena’s legs were already weak, barely keeping her upright. When Elise knocked into her, she lost her balance and began to fall backward.

Behind her, the sharp edge of a table loomed.

Just as Athena seemed poised to crash into the table, a strong hand caught her waist and pulled her back.

In the dizzying whirl of motion, Athena looked up to see Michael’s handsome face up close. Her heart skipped a beat, and as soon as she realized who it was, she quickly stepped back, putting distance between them.

Her eyes lowered, not daring to meet his. But deep insida, a long dormant part of her stirred at the brief touch

Michael’s eyes darkened with a tinge of disappointment. Aher all this time, Athena still remained so distant from him. He wondered, “hs her heart really made of stone?

“Nicolas “Willow’s weak voice cut through the tension. She stumbled toward Nicolas, barely able to keep her footing

But as she passed Michael, she grasped his sleeve with surprising accuracy. “Michael, please check on Nicolas, he…. ba’s hurt.……..

She was cut off by another fit of coughing, almost choking

Michael quickly caught her, carefully helping her back into a chair.

Then, he moved to assist Nicolas. Upon seeing the whip marks on his back, his eyes widened in shock Glancing at Athena, he immediately surmised that today’s events were somehow connected to her.

His brows furrowed deeply. He thought, ‘Why is it that whenever Athena is involved, someone always gets hurt–whether it is her or those around her?”

Before he could think any further, Nicolas’s weak voice interrupted. “After today, I hope you’ll stop causing trouble for Willow.”

Athena smiled faintly. “As long as she doesn’t bother me, I won’t make trouble for her. I can manage myself–can you handle her?”

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Nicolas glanced at Willow, who was crying pitifully with red, swollen eyes. His expression softened with concern. “Nicolas, it’s all my fault it’s all willow’s

fault

rremained as cold as stone

The more she cried, the more Nicolas’s heart ached. One sister cried over his injuries, while the other n

He scoffed bitterly, his words sharp. “Do you really think she’s as malicious as you?”

Athena met his gaze with a cold smile. “Since you think I’m so malicious, then stay away from me from now on.” Without another word, she turned and walked out of the courtyard.

Behind her, more sobs echoed.

Nicolas seemed to collapse under the weight of it all, either from the anger or from everything that had transpired

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Chapter 23

As Athena lett, Gwen followed her out.

“Thank you, Gwen,” Athena paused, then asked, “Does Grandmother know about what happened here!”

Gwen sighed. “How could I tell her? I wouldn’t dare.”

“Then why?” Athena asked, confused.

Gwen smiled softly. “When you first returned to the manor, Lady Margaret asked me to keep an eye on you.”

She didn’t say more, but Athena understood. She had no reliable allies by her side. Margaret had tasked Gwen with looking out for her, knowing she might be taken advantage of

Gwen had sensed something was wrong today and brought Siena over to investigate. She hadn’t expected it to prove so useful, but it did,

A warm feeling spread through Athena’s chest, and her eyes welled up slightly. It was as though the armor around her heart had been lifted, and for the first time in a long while, she felt a bit lighter.

Gwen noticed Athena’s vulnerability but found comfort in it. Three years of pressure hadn’t broken her; it had only made her stronger. This, in the end, was a good thing.

They continued walking and talking, moving through the garden.

As they reached a thicket, Gwen paused. “Where did the flower I planted here go?”

“The weeds have pro

grown so thick that the flower got covered up,” Athena said, stepping forward to clear the weeds, revealing a young flower sprout

Gwenchuckled “See? Once you clear the weeds, the flower shows itself Weeds steal the nutrients from the flower, so it’s best to get rid of them sooner

rather than later.”

As she reached down to pull the weeds, Athena gently stopped her. “Even if we need to pull them, we should wait for the right time.

“The weeds may be taking the flower’s nutrients, but they also hide its sharpness, Once the flower is stronger, we can remove the weeds all at once, which would be better.”

Geven smiled with approval. “You have a sharp mind, Lady Athena. As long as you understand what needs to be done, that’s what matters most.”

“Thank you for your guidance, Gwen,” Athena said with a polite smile

“Lady Margaret should be waking up soon, so I must return to look after her,” Gwen nodded slightly to Athena before turning to leave.

Athena watched her walk away and was about to head back to her courtyard when someone suddenly blocked her way

“What right do you have to question me?” Athena’s gaze was filled with impatience. “If you hadn’t said those things to hurt Willow, how cothe have run away from the manor?”

“Are you saying I should be punished?” Michael’s eyes widened in surprise. “I didn’t mean to push Willow away.

11:33 Fri, 27 Jun 01

“it was a stormy night, and as a man, how could ask you, a fragile woman, to see me off? thought you would understand that.”

“Whether it was a real misunderstanding or not, only you know in your heart.” Athena’s voice was dripping with sarcasm. “If you truly wanted to leave, would you have done so so obviously through the main gate?

Athena stepped forward, locking eyes with Willow, her words slow and deliberate, “You’re so clever, manipulating everyone around you. This time, Nicolas took the lashes for you. Next time, you won’t be so lucky.”

“Athena, it’s not like that. It’s just a misunderstanding,” Willow cried, her tears flowing freely. She reached out to grab Athena’s hand, but Athena quickly pulled away.

Athena gave a contemptuous smile, her eyes filled with disgust. “Don’t touch me. I find you repulsive.

Michael, clearly troubled, stood in front of Willow, his mind racing. There were pieces falling into place, but he didn’t want to believe them.

Athena shot him a cold look. “Whether it ends or not is for me to decide. You, an outsider, have no say in this.”

With that, she pushed past Willow and walked off

Behind her, Willow’s sobs echoed. Seeing her in such distress, Michael couldn’t help but feel sympathy. “Let me walk you back.”

Willow nodded quietly, and they walked in silence. Michael didn’t say a word.

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