Chapter 101

Xander's words left both Nelson and Athena momentarily stunned.

Nelson wondered, "Is Prince Xander standing up for Athena Manson?"

Daughters of prestigious families usually traveled with an entourage. They would have no less than five or six maids and older female attendants. But Athena only had Trina by her side.

Nelson cautiously glanced at Xander. His face remained dark, but when his gaze landed on Athena, there was an almost imperceptible softening in his eyes.

And besides, Xander wasn't someone who showed concern for just anyone.

The more Nelson thought about it, the more shocked he felt. After 22 years, Xander was finally awakened to love.

The more Nelson looked at Athena, the more he felt she resembled Xander's future wife. She wasn’t delicate or pretentious. She was a perfect match for Xander.

Without realizing it, Nelson actually let out a chuckle.

“Lord Bates? Lord Bates?” Athena called out several times before Nelson snapped out of it and realized he had lost his composure.

When he met the prince's cold, expressionless eyes, he quickly straightened his face and echoed, “What Your Highness said is true. The duke's estate is indeed so poor that they can barely make ends meet. I heard they were even fighting over your dowry not long ago.”

There were no secrets in the world, and certainly not in Xander Manor. Even the slightest stirrings would quickly reach their ears.

Athena felt awkward. She didn’t want to be seen as some pitiful figure.

Fortunately, Xander didn’t dwell on the matter. He turned to Athena and said, “Your medicine is indeed effective. I feel much better already."

As he spoke, he extended his arm. Athena quickly stepped forward and took his pulse.

She could tell the toxins in his body were nearly purged, but he still needed some time to fully recover.

She withdrew her hand and said, “Continue taking the decoction for another half-month and you’ll be completely cured.”

Hearing that, Nelson’s eyes went wide with joy.

He exclaimed, “Lady Athena, you truly are a miracle healer! So many doctors were at their wits' end, yet you cured His Highness with a single treatment.”

The more Nelson looked at Athena, the more he felt her family was ignorant. She was a renowned miracle doctor, and they treated her like garbage.

If the truth ever came to light, they’d regret it.

It was just a pity that Xander had forbidden him from saying anything. Otherwise, he'd be beating drums in the streets announcing it by name.

Athena smiled gently. “Nelson, don’t praise me like that.”

“I’m speaking nothing but the truth,” Nelson said with a grin. He genuinely felt sorry for Athena. As the legitimate daughter of the duke's estate, she was suppressed by a foster daughter. He didn't know what they were thinking.

Seeing that the hour was getting late, Athena got up to take her leave. “Now that Your Highness’s condition is stable, I’ll return and come again in a few days.”

But just then, Xander suddenly spoke. “Next time you come, arrive two hours earlier.”

“Why?” Athena blurted out in surprise before realizing her outburst was improper.

Fortunately, Xander didn’t mind. His gaze lingered on her briefly before he said calmly, “You’ll find out then.”

With that, he waved Nelson over to escort Athena out.

Still full of confusion, Athena wanted to ask more, but didn’t dare.

At the gates, Nelson saw her nervous expression and reassured her, “Don’t worry. His Highness must have his reasons. He won’t make things difficult for you.”

Others might not understand, but having served Xander for years, Nelson could read his moods well.

If Xander truly wanted to be difficult, he wouldn’t be this accommodating.

In the past, officials had tried sending beautiful women to curry favor. But those women met terrible fates. They were killed on arrival and their bloodied corpses sent back to their families' beds.

After that, no one dared make such attempts again.

On the way back, Athena rode in Xander’s carriage as usual.

But just before reaching the duke’s estate, the carriage came to a halt.

Trina replied sharply, “Then drive him off. Don’t delay Lady Athena’s journey!”

The coachman was just about to do so when Athena spoke up.

“My lady?” Trina looked at her in confusion. Athena lifted the carriage curtain and looked outside.

A drunken man sat in the middle of the road, cursing nonstop. “You heartless thing! Don’t even recognize your own father... If I’d known you were so ungrateful, I never would’ve let you into the duke’s estate. Now I’ve got nothing, not my daughter, not my money. You left your parents behind. It’s a sin…”

He wept and pounded his chest in grief.

Watching the scene, Athena smiled.

It turned out to be Willow's real father. Judging by his sorry state, he had probably lost a bet again and was now here to ask Willow for money.

But he couldn't get through the gates of the high-walled duke's estate and had likely been thrown out.

“Trina, take him in through the back gate, and let the folks at Ivory Grove know when you are instructed."

Trina’s eyes widened in shock. But after a moment, she understood. It was time for Willow to taste a bit of her own medicine.

With a cheerful “Yes, my lady,” Trina hopped down from the carriage.

Whatever she said to Daniel, he leapt three feet high with excitement and followed her eagerly.

From afar, Athena watched as Trina led the man into the manor. Only then did she step out of the carriage and follow.

She deliberately dawdled at the gate, waiting for the chaos to erupt inside before strolling into the main hall.

Willow arrived in a flurry, her hairpiece askew.

The moment she saw Daniel sipping water at ease, her face fell.

Disgust flashed in her eyes, and she hesitated to approach.

But upon seeing her, Daniel beamed with greed like he was looking at a treasure chest. “Willow, it’s been so long! I missed you. I just had to come see you.”

All color drained from Willow’s face. She backed away in horror and snapped, “No! You’re not my father. The Duke is my father! Didn’t we give you money before? Why are you still bothering me?”

She was trembling with fury. Having Daniel claim to be her father was the ultimate shame.

She couldn’t accept a penniless, gambling-addicted deadbeat claiming to be her father.

“Get out. Leave! I never want to see you again!” Willow screamed as tears welled up in her eyes.

“Willow…” Daniel’s smile vanished. His tone hardened. “You’re really heartless. I brought you into this world. Even if you die, you’re still my daughter. You think you can just disown me?”

He snorted coldly and added, “If you won’t acknowledge me, I’ll go to the authorities. Let your whole family suffer the shame!"

Willow turned pale with fright, disbelief in her eyes. “You… you’re nothing but a scoundrel!”

Daniel gave a sly grin and sat back down. “Am I the scoundrel, or are you? You’re just clinging to a mighty duke’s estate for wealth. Don’t act too high and mighty.”