Chapter 122

Athena turned her gaze to Nicolas, a chill flickering in her eyes.

She snapped, "Lord Nicolas, mind your tongue! Haven't you heard that reckless words bring trouble?"

She glanced toward the doorway Nelson had only just left through, and Nicolas dared to speak such treasonous words.

Eloise was startled too. She quickly scolded him in a hushed tone, her face full of fear. She couldn't believe he would say something like that.

Never mind the way he looked at Athena, as if she were some schemer. But to speak of someone like Xander in such a way was pure recklessness.

Nicolas took a deep breath, trying to calm the irritation in his chest.

Perhaps realizing he’d spoken out of turn, he finally said with resignation, "I wasn't thinking straight just now. I said the wrong thing. Please don't take it to heart."

He looked at Athena again, but seeing she had no intention of responding, he stormed off in frustration.

Eloise had just taken a step toward Athena, wanting to speak with her, but Athena coolly stepped back two paces and then walked off as well.

In the courtyard, only Willow and the terrified Joseph were left.

He quickly stepped forward and clutched Eloise's sleeve. "Mother, what do I do? I don't want to go to the military camp!"

"Ridiculous!" Henry strode in, face twisted with rage, and bellowed at him, "Do you think your mistake was minor? Sending you to the military camp is already an act of mercy!"

Henry had just finished weighing the matter himself. Keeping Joseph in the manor would only lead to more disasters.

Xander had suggested tempering him in the military; it might actually be for the best.

And besides, the military camp was under Michael's command. He would no doubt take care of things to some degree.

"You are to report to the military camp tomorrow," Henry issued his final order. Joseph collapsed to the ground, his face ashen.

Eloise tried to plead on his behalf but was silenced with a sharp glare. She didn’t dare say another word.

Such a major event in the manor could hardly be kept from Margaret, no matter how tightly it was concealed.

When Athena arrived, Margaret was already fuming in her chamber.

Lucky, the little dog, was affectionately nuzzling her hand, but even that couldn’t soothe her mood.

When Gwen saw Athena, her eyes lit up. "Lady Athena is here."

Hearing that, Margaret looked up at Athena, and her face finally eased a little.

"Athena," she called out, reaching her hand toward Athena.

Athena quickly stepped forward and greeted her, "Greetings, Grandmother."

"Come here, come with me," Margaret said anxiously.

Athena sat beside Margaret. The fluffy Lucky paced nervously at her feet.

Seeing the dog’s antics, Athena scooped him up. Only then did Lucky settle down.

Margaret gazed at Athena, her eyes misting. "It's my fault I couldn't protect you. I can't even hold onto my own things anymore."

As she spoke, tears slipped down her wrinkled cheeks.

Everyone in the manor was eyeing her wealth. Margaret had dedicated her whole life to the Morison family, only to be met with this kind of betrayal. It pained her deeply.

"Grandmother," Athena said softly. Margaret looked utterly defeated and shook her head. "I'm old."

Athena shook her head firmly. "You've always protected me. Now it's my turn to protect you. As long as I'm here, no one will directly lay a finger on you."

Hearing those words, warmth finally returned to Margaret's eyes. The dark clouds in her heart lifted just a bit.

She cupped Athena's face and smiled lovingly. "I believe you. You are the finest girl in the world."

"And you are the best grandmother in the world," Athena said, leaning on her shoulder, heart filled with warmth.

During the darkest days when no one cared, Margaret had always been the one who truly loved her.

From clothing to meals, she had been meticulous in her care.

What stuck in Athena's memory most was the lantern.

That night, she had cried herself to sleep, with no one coming to comfort her.

But Margaret had learned of it, made a lantern herself, and handed it to her.

Athena still remembered the shock and joy when Margaret appeared, holding that glowing lantern.

"Little one, look at this. What do you think it is?" Margaret had asked.

The lantern glowed softly in her hands, but even that light was no match for the affection in her eyes.

In that moment, Athena forgot to cry. She even forgot to react.

Margaret took her by the hand and brought her to the river, where they floated lanterns together.

Margaret said, "My precious girl is the finest lady in the world. She'll live safely and happily, and enjoy a long, blessed life!"

Years later, Athena still remembered every word.

Now that Margaret was old and frail, it was her turn to protect her.

Just then, Gwen came forward. "Lady Margaret, Duke Henry and Lady Eloise have come."

"Tell them I won't see them," Margaret said coldly, her eyes filled with grief. She knew they had come to beg forgiveness.

But if not for Athena, the entire fortune of the household might already be in the hands of those unworthy descendants.

Gwen hesitated. "They're kneeling in the courtyard, saying they won't rise unless you forgive them."

"Then let them kneel," Margaret said, face like ice. "After doing such disgraceful things, how dare they ask for forgiveness?"

As she spoke, she started coughing violently.

Gwen and Athena quickly helped calm her down. "Grandmother, please take care of your health!"

"I'm fine." She waved them off and raised her voice. "They only dare to act like this because I'm old and weak. If that's the case, why not go all the way and kick me out of the manor?"

Those words were clearly meant for the people outside.

Outside, Henry and Eloise turned beet red. Ashamed, they couldn't lift their heads.

"Mother, I've failed in raising my children. I accept any punishment you give, but please don't say such things. I can't bear it…" Henry sobbed.

Inside the room, Margaret’s face darkened further as she fought to contain her rage.

Her hands clenched into fists. She turned to Gwen, "Let them in."

Gwen acknowledged the command and left. Moments later, Henry and Eloise stepped inside.

Seeing Athena there, both of their expressions grew stiff.

It was truly embarrassing to have Athena witness such a disgraceful scene.

Athena noticed and got up, taking a seat on a lower bench.

Only then did the two step forward and kneel before Margaret.

"Mother, I've come to admit my wrongdoing."

"I also beg your forgiveness."

Margaret's gaze was filled with disappointment. "Since you've come to confess, I'd like to hear what exactly you're willing to do to make amends."

The two of them froze. They hadn't thought that far ahead.

In the past, just kneeling and crying in front of Margaret was enough to soothe things over.

But this time, her tone made it clear she had no intention of letting it go so easily.

Cold sweat broke out on their brows as they struggled to find a response.