The Rise Of The Unwanted Girl (Athena) novel Chapter 37

Chapter 37

Doise, ever adept at reading the room, inmediately picked up on Gale’s displeasure toward Athena.

She quickly stepped in to smooth things over. “Your Highness, it’s truly an honor that you’ve made time in your busy schedule to visit. I’m overwhelmed For Athena to have caught your attention–it’s a blessing for our family”

As she spoke, she gave Athena’s sleeve a subtle tug. Athena lowered her head and replied quietly, “Your Highness, I’m deeply humbled”

Gale’s gaze lingered on Athena’s respectful posture. Something seemed to stir in her expression–perhaps a memory or a thought and a trace of resignation flickered across her face

She lifted her hand slightly. “You may both rise.”

When Athena lifted her head, the coldness in Gale’s eyes had vanished. There was a faint smile on her lips now, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes

Still, Gale played the part well. She even beckoned Athena closer, to

took her hand warmly, looked her over from head to toe, and offered generous praise

“You really are a lovely young woman.”

Athena smiled, polite but distant. Her expression was perfectly composed–pleasant, yet emotionally detached.

At least, on the surface, everything looked picture–perfect. To an outsider, the meeting seemed warm and amicable.

“You and Pay have known each other since childhood, haven’t you? I’m sure you’ll get along well. He’s two years older, but boys can be thoughtless and rough around the edges.

“He’ll need your patience your guidance, Gale said, her words carefully chosen. “But with how well Eloise has raised you, I’m sure you’re more than capable

Athena caught the subtext instantly.

This wasn’t a friendly reminder–it ›

place and know when to keep quiet.

thinly veiled directive Look after my son. indulge his flaws. Be a proper wife. Handle the household. Mind your

Athena lowered her gaze and offered a quiet acknowledgment. She had long since stopped believing in romantic fantasies, and certainly wasn’t about to place her hopes on Ray. Gale’s so–called advice was unnecessary–nothing she hadn’t heard before.

Still, her modest demeanor seemed to please Gale, who looked at her with faint approval

With Eloise playing the warm, supportive mother–in–law, the whole scene radiated a surprising sense of harmony–as if Athena were already the future Lady of the Mcgee family and both sides were thrilled with the arrangement

But Athena knew better. This was all just a performance.

After a bit more polite conversation, Gale finally said, “Before you go, take this handkerchief to Ray. He’s caught a chill recently–he mustn’t be out in the

wind

Athena’s heart skipped. “Ray is here too?” she wondered

She instinctively turned to Eloise. Eloise smiled taiptly, but her eyes shifted away–guilty, evasive.

Today was supposed to be Willow’s birthday party. And yet somehow, everything had revolved around Athena. One moment she was dealing with Kelsey, the next she was summoned by dale

Yes, Elore clearly y wanted her married off Bul Athena thought, ‘Isn’t this all a bit too rushed?

And Gale–someone as shrewd and well–connected as her–there was no way she didn’t know the full story.

Chapter 37

She had to be aware that Athena’s previous engagement hadn’t been properly resolved. Yet the moved forward wit

Athena wondered, ‘What are they all in such a hurry for?

Athena made her way to

way toward the garden to find Ray–but before the could even get there, trouble found her first

Matthew and Joseph–her two older brothers–stepped into her path, both wearing expressions of thunderous disapprov unforgivable crime

Sure, they didn’t have proof. But if Willow ended up in tears, Athena had to be the reason. That was enough for him. As her older brother, he felt obligated to stand up for her.

Joseph sneered, “You just don’t know when to quit Willow was crying her eyes out and you’re still pretending to be innocent?”

“Oh?” Athena let out a low, amused hum. She looked at the two of them with pity, as if they were children who hadn’t figured out how the world worked “So, let me get this straight. She can’t keep her own fiancé in line, and instead of holding him accountable, you two come after me? If Michael takes a concubine in the future and she can’t handle it, will you come throw mud at her too!”

She gave a cold laugh. “What kind of proper young lady cries day in, day out? Crying her way through life like that–no wonder her luck’s running out it’s pathetic

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