Chapter 128

Fenis gave Michael a taunting smile, then let down the carriage curtain.

As the carriage began to move, Michael made to stop it again, but Willow clung tightly to him.

She said, “Michael, don’t chase after her anymore. Athena has already found her happiness. You should be happy for her.”

Michael’s reddened eyes followed the carriage as it rolled farther and farther away until it disappeared. It was as if all the strength had drained from his body. He staggered slightly.

Turning back, he glared at Willow, his gaze full of accusation. “Just now…why did you say all that?”

A flash of fear appeared in Willow’s eyes. Tears welled up instantly as she bit her lip and looked at Michael in confusion.

She said, “Michael, are you blaming me? But Athena and Prince Ferris…you saw it too. They’re getting engaged?”

Michael’s eyes blazed with fury. Upon hearing her words, he suddenly raised his voice. “Willow, you’d better truly be as innocent as you pretend to be!”

Even if he had been blind before, he could see clearly now. Willow had planned everything.

She was afraid Athena would entangle with him again, so she deliberately provoked Ferris and Athena into publicly declaring their relationship.

Now that they had openly admitted it, Ferris would have to take responsibility.

Willow’s heart trembled under his sharp gaze. She shook her head desperately. “No, Michael, I only wanted Athena to find happiness. Besides, Queen Gale had long planned to have a marriage alliance with the duke’s estate. Didn’t you see the hair ornament Athena wore last time?”

She sobbed as she spoke, tears pouring down. “We’re about to get married, Michael. Do you not want to marry me anymore?”

Her crying agitated Michael. After all, they had grown up together. He knew her temperament. He softened his tone slightly.

"Our wedding won’t change. You’re overthinking it.”

Willow continued to sob, and he had no choice but to say, “I’ll escort you back. You sneaked out today because of Athena. Your governess will surely be furious. If I go with you, she might ease up a little.”

Only then did Willow nod gently, her face finally showing a trace of relief.

Ferris personally escorted Athena to the rear gate of the duke’s estate.

Before leaving, he lightly held her hand. “Wait for me, Athena.”

The joy on his face hadn’t faded for even a moment. It was the first time Athena had ever seen him smile like that.

Ferris had always been handsome, though usually aloof. Now, with his bright smile, he was like warm winter sunshine, dazzling to look at.

Especially the small mole on the tip of his nose. It made him look even more endearing.

Athena smiled faintly. “But what about…”

“I’ll speak to my mother. You don’t need to worry.” Afraid she might back out, Ferris quickly tossed her a gold pendant through the window and left.

Athena held the gold pendant, standing by the gate with a wry smile.

Gale had always disliked her, and she had once promised the princess she wouldn’t get involved with Ferris.

Now, she had gone back on that promise.

Athena rubbed her temples. “How did things end up like this? Forget it. One step at a time.”

She entered through the back without alarming anyone.

After catching a chill, she felt feverish. Trina prepared a hot bath, and Athena soaked in it before falling into a deep sleep.

But she had only slept for half an hour before someone woke her.

Opening her eyes, she saw Trina by her bed. “Lady Athena, Lady Eloise is here.”

Athena forced her eyes open, exhaustion written all over her. “Tell her I’m not well. If there’s something important, it can wait.”

Apart from the matter with Matthew, she couldn’t imagine anything urgent enough to bring Eloise here.

But Trina didn’t leave. Athena frowned. “What is it?”

“She has already waited outside for half an hour.” Trina looked troubled. “As soon as you fell asleep, she arrived. I said you weren’t feeling well, but she insisted on waiting.”

Trina must have known Eloise wasn’t someone to dismiss easily, which was why she’d come in to wake Athena.

Left with no choice, Athena got up to meet her.

Sure enough, as soon as she reached the main hall, she saw Eloise pacing anxiously.

Eloise had clearly been standing for a while. Her face was pale, and her legs were trembling. No wonder Trina had insisted.

Seeing her like this, Athena felt a sharp pang in her chest.

Eloise was willing to give everything for her children, except for her.

Footsteps echoed. Eloise looked up, and her face lit up when she saw Athena.

She tried to take a step forward but almost fell from weakness.

Dorothea quickly supported her. “Lady Eloise, you’ve already exhausted yourself for three days, and now you’ve stood here for so long. Your body can’t–“

There was a note of reproach toward Athena in her tone.

Athena looked at her coldly. “What a heavy accusation. Did I ask Lady Eloise to stand here?”

Eloise shook her head weakly. “Dorothea, enough nonsense.”

“Yes,” Dorothea replied respectfully.

“Athena, I just want to ask what happened today?” Eloise looked genuinely worried. She bit her lip. “Matthew has been missing for hours. Willow said he took you out for a trip. Is that true?”

Athena’s heart turned cold.

Eloise clearly knew Matthew had kidnapped her, yet pretended ignorance.

She hadn’t asked even once about what Athena had been through. All her concern was for her son.

Yet she always claimed to love her, to treat her well. Athena didn’t want that kind of love.

Suppressing the hatred in her heart, she gave Eloise a faint smile, “Yes, Lord Matthew took me on an outing. But midway, he said he had things to do and left. Why? Hasn’t he come back yet?”

“He left? Where did he go?” Eloise asked Ingridly.

Athena shrugged, looking helpless. “He didn’t say. Maybe you should ask someone else.”

“But Willow said you were the last one to see him,” Eloise pleaded, growing more desperate but still cautious, afraid to anger her.

Trying to placate her, she added, “He can be reckless sometimes, but he means no harm. If he offended you, please don’t hold it against him. Athena, you must know where he is. Please tell me!”

Eloise was nearly crying. Athena slowly unwrapped the bandages on her wrist.

She revealed the torn flesh, rope burns deep and red. “He had no ill intent? Then how did I end up like this? If he didn’t plan harm, would I end up like this?”

She sighed. “Lady Eloise, one shouldn’t be so blind to right and wrong. You say you care for me, but this is how you show it?”