Chapter 34

Kelsey’s expression suddenly darkened, her face tightening with displeasure.

The marriage between the two familles had always been about mutual benefit – the Osborne family seeking the Monson family’s heritage, and the Monson family relying on the Osborne family’s military power. Who the marriage was with didn’t matter, whether it was Athena or Willow, as long as it was the daughter of the Monson family.

But then Athena had ruined everything with her vile actions. A woman with such a tarnished reputation could never become the matriarch of the Osborne family.

Kelsey was furious, but she kept her composure, forcing a polite smile. “I understand that you’re reluctant to part with my son, but this annulment can't be avoided. You’d better hand over the jewel pendant quietly, or this was going to turn into a scene that will embarrass both of our families.”

Athena’s smile remained, but her words cut right through Kelsey’s carefully maintained facade. “Why should I agreed? What’s in this for me? Why should I give up my fiancé for someone else? Besides, it was the old master of the Osborne family who personally arranged this engagement, and the jewel pendant was his gift to me. Why should I throw away such a good match and give it to Willow?”

As she spoke, her gaze casually drifted toward Michael. He was talking to some of the male guests, but as soon as he noticed her looking, he turned to meet her gaze.

Their eyes locked for a moment, but Athena quickly turned away, as if she had touched something hot. Michael stood still, his expression one of quiet regret.

Meanwhile, Willow, who had been watching Michael intently, felt a surge of frustration. She bit down on her teeth and lowered her head, red-eyed, wiping away her tears as Eloise comforted her.

Kelsey’s composed expression finally cracked, and it was clear she was struggling to maintain her poise. As for the annulment, Michael had already disagreed, and they’d fought over it not long ago. Kelsey had seen it clearly: Michael still had feelings for Athena. If she allowed their old connection to resurface, it would be disastrous.

A knot tightened in Kelsey’s chest. Athena could never marry into the Osborne family. She must be setting conditions, and it was obvious now.

With a flash of disdain, Kelsey looked Athena over and said, “Tell me what you want – whatever it is that the Osborne family can give, we’ll make sure you’re satisfied. How much money are you asking for?”

To Kelsey’s mind, Athena was simply unwilling to accept such a good match. Anyone would be reluctant to give it up. If needed, the Osborne family could pay some money and make it go away. It would be a small price to pay to settle things.

But Athena was too greedy–now, she was even threatening Kelsey. If that was the case, she’d make sure Athena paid a heavy price.

Feigning concession, Kelsey was already thinking of a thousand ways to make Athena regret this.

Athena noticed the shift in Kelsey’s expression. She smiled faintly and said, “I don’t want money.”

Kelsey was momentarily confused. “You don’t want money? Then what is it you want?” She wondered, “What could she possibly need?!”

“I want the account books from the case of General Kurtis, three years ago,” Athena said, her voice soft, but her eyes steely with resolve. She needed those account books; she would get them no matter what.

General Kurtis was Athena’s grandfather. Three years ago, he had been falsely accused and exiled to the border, with his fate still unknown. The account books contained the evidence that could clear his name.

Kelsey’s brow furrowed, and a brief flicker of panic crossed her face. She lowered her voice and said, “The case of General Kurtis was personally adjudicated by His Majesty. What can I, a mere woman, possibly do?”

Athena smiled faintly. “If you’re willing, Kelsey, there are always ways. I’m not unreasonable. For you, this should be an easy task.”

The case had already been sealed and was under the custody of the Supreme Court. For an ordinary person to retrieve the account books now would be nearly impossible.

But Kelsey was different. Her brother was the chief of the Supreme Court. If she asked, getting her hands on the books would be a simple matter.

Besides, who would care about a case from three years ago? For Kelsey, it was hardly a challenge.

The smile on Athena’s face only fueled Kelsey’s fury. She stared at Athena with such intensity, it was as if she wanted to tear her to pieces. She thought, “How dare a mere girl like her threaten me? It is an insult.”

“How dare you threaten me?” Kelsey’s voice turned icy.

Athena shook her head, her smile becoming more genuine. “Rather than a threat, I’d call it a deal. You and I are simply looking to get what we need. It’s a matter of mutual benefit.

“You want your jewel pendant, and I want the account books. We’ll both get what we want, and there will be no debt between us.”

“And if I refuse?” Kelsey’s expression darkened further, her fingers tightening around her handkerchief, turning white with tension.

Athena’s smile remained serene. “Then I’ll have no choice but to reluctantly marry your son, Lord Osborne.”

“You…” Kelsey’s voice quivered with rage, her hand shaking.

If it hadn’t been for the old master personally arranging Athena’s engagement and giving her the family jewel pendant, she wouldn’t have to endure this threat.

The pendant was an heirloom, a symbol of the Osborne family’s power in the business world. Kelsey was desperate to reclaim it.

Athena calmly picked up the coffee pot and poured Kelsey a cup of coffee. “Lady Kelsey, take your time. I have all the time in the world to wait.”

Her calmness only stoked the fire in Kelsey’s chest. If the timing were right, Athena would have been dead a thousand times over. But for now, she couldn’t act because the jewel pendant was still in Athena’s possession.

Kelsey hesitated, but then Athena stood up. “It seems Lord Osborne has something to say to me.”

“Wait,” Kelsey quickly called out.

Her gaze turned murderous as she looked at Athena. Athena could wait, but the Osborne family couldn’t.

Athena was already disgraced, but Michael was a rising star in the court, favored by the king. Kelsey couldn’t allow him to be entangled with someone like Athena at this critical time.

Kelsey gritted her teeth, swallowing her fury. She spoke through clenched teeth, “You’d better keep your word.”

“Of course.” Athena’s smile remained, but it didn’t reach her eyes. Kelsey had no interest in continuing their coffee. With a huff, she stormed out of the flower hall.

When Eloise saw Kelsey emerge, she quickly led Willow over to her. “Lady Kelsey, please wait.”

Kelsey stopped and shot her a sarcastic glance. “Lady Eloise, you really have raised a fine daughter.” She spat out the last words with venom.

Eloise immediately sensed something was wrong. She smiled politely, trying to defuse the tension. “If Athena has been disrespectful in any way, I hope you won’t take offense.”

But inside, she was puzzled. ‘What happened? Has the negotiation fallen through?’ From the look on Kelsey’s face, it seemed like the deal had gone through, though there had clearly been some unpleasantness in the process.

She was also worried–given Athena’s temper, she should have expected something like this.

Willow stood quietly by her side, trying to keep her composure. She didn’t want to appear too obvious or give the impression of being overly concerned. She stood there, smiling politely, but her ears were tuned to every word, listening closely to catch every detail.

Despite her anger toward Athena, Kelsey didn’t want to openly confront Eloise.

So when Eloise asked, her tone softened, and she replied vaguely, “Sure.”

It was an indirect admission, but just as Eloise and Willow thought the matter was settled, Kelsey’s next words made their hearts skip a beat.