Chapter 89
Athena froze at the doorway, panic flashing across her face before she quickly composed herself.
‘No matter what, I have to stop Michael,‘ she told herself.
She took several deep breaths to steady her nerves.
Then, turning to Trina behind her, Athena ordered firmly, “Go now, send a letter to Lady Osborne. Tell her she must stop Michael at all costs.
Meanwhile, Athena went to find Nicolas.
He was the only one who could enter the imperial palace, and every second he could buy them mattered.
The rest depended on Kelsey.
Athena hurried back to the main hall, where she found Nicolas already there.
It was clear he had heard the news as well.
His usually handsome features were now drawn with worry, his brows tightly knit in visible distress.
Willow remained curled up in Eloise’s arms, sobbing uncontrollably with tears streaming down her face, her grief so profound it seemed as if her entire world had collapsed.
Upon seeing Athena, Nicolas shot her a frosty glare.
He demanded sharply, “What on earth did you say to Michael? Why has he suddenly changed his mind?”
Athena was long accustomed to Nicolas’s accusations.
She leisurely took a seat, her expression calm as she sipped her tea before’speaking.
In a measured, crystal–clear voice laced with mock sentiment, Athena remarked, “Who would have thought Lord Osborne is so devoted to me that he’d trade his military medals for an imperial marriage decree? Such profound affection is truly… touching.”
Nicolas, Eloise, and Willow all cried out at once, their faces filled with shock and disbelief. “What?”
Willow, who had been sobbing softly, suddenly let out a shrill, desperate wail. “Mother! What am I supposed to do? How can I possibly handle this?”
Eloise panicked instantly, anxiously wringing the handkerchief in her hands.
She shot a frantic look at Nicolas and urged, “Hurry, go stop Michael! You two grew up together, he’ll listen to you, at least a little.”
“Yes.” Nicolas stood, face darkening. He shot Athena a venomous glare before storming out.
Athena maintained a composed facade, but her hand trembled slightly within her sleeve.
She thought anxiously, ‘I just hope Nicolas can stop Michael and buy Kelsey some time.‘
Athena stood up and walked out. Eloise glanced at her but remained silent.
But Willow also stood up to follow.
“Willow…” Eloise called out nervously, afraid Athena might hurt her again.
Willow forced a smile at her mother, her eyes still red. “I just want to have a word with my sister. I’ll be fine.”
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Chapter 89
Eloise hesitated, recalling how close the sisters had once been. Maybe they could finally resolve things.
She stayed behind, but said anxiously, “Athena has a bit of a temper. Please try to be patient with her.”
Willow nodded, then hurried after Athena.
Michael’s sudden move caught Athena completely off guard, leaving her in a daze all day.
It wasn’t until Trina tugged at her sleeve that Athena finally snapped out of it.
Trina called out, “Miss, Lady Willow is calling for you.” Her eyes brimmed with disdain, even as just a maid, she could see Athena couldn’t stand Willow. So she wondered why Willow kept throwing herself at her like some desperate fool.
While Athena was lost in thought, Willow had already come up to her.
Willow stopped right in front of Athena, her eyes red and puffy, looking at her like a frightened little rabbit.
The sight only made Athena more irritated. She frowned and snapped, “What is it?”
“Sister…” Willow choked out, her voice barely recognizable through her sobs.
Athena had no patience for Willow’s act. She turned to leave, but Willow stubbornly pursued her, refusing to give up.
Summoning all her courage, Willow demanded, “Can’t you just stop stealing Michael from me?”
Athena snapped out of her daze at Willow’s words, her mind suddenly clear.
Her voice was icy as she glared at Willow, eyes blazing with anger. “Willow, watch your tongue,” Athena hissed. “He’s your lawfully wedded husband. Have you lost your mind saying something like that?”
Normally, Willow would never have dared to speak like this.
Before, Willow was always under such tight security that Athena never had a chance.
12:41 Fri, 27 Jun J
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