Chapter 518

Nelson reprimanded Bruce, causing him to feel embarrassed. But he was just a commoner, and Nelson was the butler of Xander Manor. Even if he was reprimanded, he had to endure it.

He smiled obsequiously at Nelson and said, “Nelson, you are right. How could I not love my daughter? It’s just that my family is really struggling. As you know, I still have two sons to raise, and we recently experienced a disaster: all the crops in the field were destroyed. If I can’t raise any more money, I’m afraid we won’t survive the winter.”

As he spoke, he subtly raised his eyes to observe Nelson’s expression.

Seeing that Nelson wasn’t making any concessions, he continued, “Trina has always been sensible, even as a child, and she understands that our family is facing difficulties. She replied earlier, stating that the Princess Consort treated her very well and that she received a generous monthly salary while working here. I was considering the idea of finding her a good family, especially since the family is willing to offer generous betrothal gifts. This way, Trina can enjoy a good life, and my family can overcome their challenges. It’s a win–win situation.”

“A win–win situation?” Nelson sneered, his voice rising. “The family you refer to is Kim Robeson, the butcher from the neighboring village, who is fifty years old, unmarried, a gambler, and has a history of domestic abuse, correct? Do you think we are fools who can’t even investigate this?”

Bruce’s face drained of color, his eyes widened with panic, and he stammered. “You, how did you know? I just thought Kim’s family was well–off and could ensure Trina wouldn’t suffer.”

“Wouldn’t suffer?” Nelson was so furious that his hands shook. “Kim broke his niece’s leg last month. How can you say that Trina won’t suffer if she marries him? You are not doing this for Trina’s benefit at all. It’s clear that you only want betrothal gifts and are pushing her into a dangerous situation.”

Trina, behind the screen, trembled all over, and her tears fell uncontrollably. She never anticipated that her parents would arrange her marriage to someone like that. They sacrificed her entire life for minor gains.

She couldn’t bear it any longer and was about to rush out again, but Athena gently patted her shoulder, signaling her to be calm. Athena lifted the screen and walked out slowly.

Seeing Athena come out, Bruce and Flora hurriedly knelt to the ground and offered a formal salute. Athena walked to the main seat and sat down, her gaze briefly sweeping over Bruce, “If you say your family is in trouble, I can help you. But if you intend to sell Trina for money and marry her off to Kim, the butcher, I will never permit it.”

Bruce bowed his head repeatedly and pleaded, “Princess Consort, please spare me. I was momentarily confused and didn’t intend to harm my daughter. I am begging for another chance.”

Athena disregarded his pleas for mercy and turned to Nelson, saying, “Bring thirty-five thousand dollars and give it to Bruce. Tell him that this money is from me to assist him during his hardships. However, from this point forward, he must end his father–daughter relationship with Trina and is not permitted to visit her, nor is he allowed to scheme against her again.”

Nelson said okay and turned to get the silver.

Bruce stood there, stunned. If he provoked the Princess Consort, he might not only lose his life but also his chance to save thirty-five thousand dollars. He looked behind the screen and saw nothing but a shadowy figure.

“Trina, Trina?” Bruce called out. “No matter what happens, I am still your father. Do you really want to cut ties with me?”

Flora added, “Yes, Trina, we are the ones who gave you life and raised you. Are you truly so heartless?”

They sought to buy out their biological family for thirty-five thousand dollars. The two of them weren’t that stupid.

Trina stepped out from behind the screen, gazing at them with a chilling stare. She said, “Since I was sold, you have never come to see me or shown any concern for my well–being. Now that you’ve come to my door, you just want to get money from me. Listen, if you take the money, it would mean cutting ties with me, and we will never see each other again.”

Trina handed the decision–making choice back to Bruce. Bruce and Flora exchanged glances, and he winked at her.

Trina suddenly widened her eyes, her face turned gray with anger. Even her lips were trembling as she said, “Why don’t you just rob someone? Twenty thousand dollars is enough to help you through your difficulties, and you could even buy something for your younger brother. But instead, you’re greedy and want three hundred and fifty thousand dollars. I earn only fourteen hundred dollars a month here, which means that three hundred and fifty thousand dollars is nearly twenty years' worth of my salary. How could you possibly want it?”

She pointed to the door, her voice breaking with a sob. “I initially thought there was a hint of blood connection between us, and I considered giving you three hundred and fifty thousand dollars so you could have a better life and also feel better about myself. But you are so greedy! Listen, don’t think about getting thirty-five thousand dollars, let alone three hundred and fifty thousand dollars.”

Seeing that she wouldn’t budge, Flora began to act unabashedly, sitting on the ground, slapping her thighs, and wailing, “Why is my life so painful? I raised a cold–hearted daughter who revels in the comforts of Xander Manor, yet fails to recognize her parents! Princess Consort, look at this devoted servant you’ve raised, who seems to disregard her own parents!”

Athena’s face turned cold, and she gave Nelson a look. Nelson immediately stepped forward, his voice stern. “How dare you! With the Princess Consort present, how can we overlook your recklessness? If you speak nonsense again, don’t be surprised if we’re forced to be impolite and ask you to leave Xander Manor.”

Flora paused her crying but still defiantly held her head high. “I just want the Princess Consort to be the judge. We raised Trina, and now that she has a bright future, shouldn’t she help her family? Three hundred and fifty thousand dollars is nothing to Xander Manor, but it’s life–saving money for us.”

Athena slowly stood up, walked to Trina’s side, gently patted her back, and reassured her troubled emotions. She then turned to Flora and said coldly, “Flora, I gave you thirty-five thousand dollars out of consideration for Trina and because I understand that life isn’t easy for you. But you are insatiable and want three hundred and fifty thousand dollars, and even want to make a scene and threaten me, so don’t hold it against me if I appear unkind.”

She paused and added in a cold voice, “Trina is from Xander Manor, and I will never let her be wronged. If you know what’s good for you, take the thirty-five thousand dollars and leave, severing all ties with Trina from now on, and never disturb her again. Otherwise, not only will you not get the money, but you will also face the consequences of offending us.”

Gazing into Athena’s icy eyes and observing Trina’s unwavering demeanor, Bruce felt a surge of panic. Athena meant what she said: if they continued to harass her, not only would they miss out on three hundred and fifty thousand dollars, but they might even receive only thirty-five thousand dollars, or worse, face trouble.

He quickly tugged at Flora’s arm and whispered, “Stop it. Thirty-five thousand dollars is more than enough. Let’s just take the money and leave.”

Flora wanted to respond, but Bruce glared at her fiercely. Reluctantly, she got up from the ground. The two took the silver and were about to leave. But Nelson stopped them again.