The Rise Of The Unwanted Girl (Athena) novel Chapter 96

On the round table, wisps of steam curled up from the purple clay teapot. The rising steam veiled the complicated expression on Henry’s face

He said, “The Monson family is no longer what it used to be. Over these years, the imperial favor has steadily declined don’t pick the right side soon, Mother, do you think our family will still have a place in court”

Henry spoke bitterly, full of unwillingness. “I cannot allow a century–old noble house to fall into ruin in my hands. The Osborne family is currently in imperial favor, Only through a marriage alliance with them can we preserve the glory and wealth of the Monson family”

Margaret’s expression was equally grave. She slowly exhaled several breaths, her face filled with helplessness and somow

Margaret said, “You wish to protect the Monson family. That’s understandable. But why must you sacrifice Achen? She is your own flesh and blood

She continued, “Whether she bears the Monson name or not, everyone must make sacrifices for the family’s honor. If a small sacrifice can exchange for glory and wealth, what’s so wrong about that?”

Henry’s expression darkened. “Because she bears the Monson name, she should understand my painstaking efforts, not act so agresively and petty if all Monson children were as narrow–minded as she, how could we speak of a future?”

At the mention of Athena, Henry was filled with anger. That child was simply too troublesome.

Margaret listened to his long–winded reasoning, her brows furrowed tightly, a coldness settling in her heart.

She said, “You speak of family honor at every turn, wanting everyone to contribute to the family’s glory. But don’t forget, only when she truly feels loved by this family can she empathize with it.”

She added, “You brought her back only to cast her aside, showing her no care, all the while defending your adopted daughter at every turn. How could Athena ever acknowledge you as her father with such treatment?”

Henry’s body froze. His breath halted for a moment.

Margaret’s words hit his heart squarely.

When Athena was brought back, she was timid and fearful. Her body was so thin she looked like a bean rout

At the time, he had wept at the sight of his own daughter.

He had resolved to treat her well. But the child lacked talent. Sho was inferior to Willow in every way.

Even the outside world began to gossip, calling the Monson family’s legitimate daughter a crude Country girl raised in the wild.

The proud and haughty Duke of Suffield simply couldn’t stand such disgrace.

So every time Athena tried to approach him cautiously and please him, all she received in return was cold indifference.

But Willow was different. She was born sweet and clever, raised with great care and effort by the Manson family, a talented lady.

She also possessed extraordinary talents that completely overshadowed Athena.

From that point on, Henry’s heart had tilted. But everything he did was for the duke’s estate.

They needed a talented daughter to forge a marriage alliance and save their declining stabus,

His action was not entirely wrong

Thinking this, Henry’s tone hardened again. “Though I may have handled some things poorly, she carries my blood kaa child of the is obligated to dedicate everything for the family. That is her duty.”

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Chapter 96

Margaret hadn’Lexpected him to be so obstinate. She sighed heavily and said, “You have your responsibilities, and have my principles reach an agreement, let’s say no more. Thave only one request. Mhena’s dowry must not be touched”

“Mother Henry drew out his tone, his voice full of pleading, His brows twisted like knots, his face filled with dissatisfaction. “You favor Abo much.”

“Favor?” Margaret snected. “In your eyes, there is only gain and benefit. You’ve already forgotten what true family affection means. You chase your glory and wealth. All I ask is for Athena to live peacefully and safely. She’s already suffered enough.”

Seeing Margaret’s stubborn look, Henry knew there was no room for negotiation. He also stated his own stance. “Willow most not leave the manor

I she had refused to eat over this and something had happened, it would’ve been a disgrace,

“I want you to give tenshops and two estates under your name to Athena,” Margaret said firmly.

Henry’s brows twitched. “Mother, why go this far? The manor only has so many shops and estates. You’re asking for nearly half of them for Athena. How

could that be acceptable?”

Margaret said firmly, “I don’t care about any of that. Sell land or property if you must. That’s your problem. But not a single shop or estate can be withheld from Athena”

After a long time, he suddenly stopped and looked at Margaret, He said with frustration, “Is this the only way?”

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