On the round table, wisps of steam curled up from the purple clay teapot. The rising steam veiled the complicated expression on Henry’s face.

He said, “The Monson family is no longer what it used to be. Over these years, the imperial favor has steadily declined. If we don’t pick the right side soon, Mother, do you think our family will still have a place in court?"

Henry spoke bitterly, full of unwillingness. “I cannot allow a century-old noble house to fall into ruin in my hands. The Osborne family is currently in imperial favor. Only through a marriage alliance with them can we preserve the glory and wealth of the Monson family.”

Margaret’s expression was equally grave. She slowly exhaled several breaths, her face filled with helplessness and sorrow.

Margaret said, “You wish to protect the Monson family. That’s understandable. But why must you sacrifice Athena? She is your own flesh and blood."

She continued, "Whether she bears the Monson name or not, everyone must make sacrifices for the family’s honor. If a small sacrifice can exchange for glory and wealth, what’s so wrong about that?”

Henry’s expression darkened. “Because she bears the Monson name, she should understand my painstaking efforts, not act so aggressively and petty. If all Monson children were as narrow-minded as she, how could we speak of a future?"

At the mention of Athena, Henry was filled with anger. That child was simply too troublesome.

Margaret listened to his long-winded reasoning, her brows furrowed tightly, a coldness settling in her heart.

She said, “You speak of family honor at every turn, wanting everyone to contribute to the family’s glory. But don’t forget, only when she truly feels loved by this family can she empathize with it.”

She added, “You brought her back only to cast her aside, showing her no care, all the while defending your adopted daughter at every turn. How could Athena ever acknowledge you as her father with such treatment?”

Henry’s body froze. His breath halted for a moment.

Margaret’s words hit his heart squarely.

When Athena was brought back, she was timid and fearful. Her body was so thin she looked like a bean sprout.

At the time, he had wept at the sight of his own daughter.

He had resolved to treat her well. But the child lacked talent. She was inferior to Willow in every way.

Even the outside world began to gossip, calling the Monson family’s legitimate daughter a crude country girl raised in the wild.

The proud and haughty Duke of Suffield simply couldn’t stand such disgrace.

So every time Athena tried to approach him cautiously and please him, all she received in return was cold indifference.

But Willow was different. She was born sweet and clever, raised with great care and effort by the Manson family, a talented lady.

She also possessed extraordinary talents that completely overshadowed Athena.

From that point on, Henry’s heart had tilted. But everything he did was for the duke’s estate.

They needed a talented daughter to forge a marriage alliance and save their declining status.

His action was not entirely wrong.

Thinking this, Henry’s tone hardened again. “Though I may have handled some things poorly, she carries my blood. A child of the family is obligated to dedicate everything for the family. That is her duty.”

Margaret hadn’t expected him to be so obstinate. She sighed heavily and said, “You have your responsibilities, and I have my principles. We can’t reach an agreement, let’s say no more. I have only one request. Athena’s dowry must not be touched.”

“Mother…” Henry drew out his tone, his voice full of pleading. His brows twisted like knots, his face filled with dissatisfaction. “You favor Athena too much.”

“Favor?” Margaret sneered. “In your eyes, there is only gain and benefit. You’ve already forgotten what true family affection means. You chase your glory and wealth. All I ask is for Athena to live peacefully and safely. She’s already suffered enough.”

Seeing Margaret’s stubborn look, Henry knew there was no room for negotiation. He also stated his own stance. “Willow must not leave the manor.”

Margaret replied, “I can no longer control you. But as long as I live, I will protect my granddaughter and never allow outsiders to trample over her. Willow may stay, but I have one condition.”

Hearing Margaret soften, Henry finally felt some relief.

If she had refused to eat over this and something had happened, it would’ve been a disgrace.

He nodded toward her. “Please speak, Mother.”

“I want you to give ten shops and two estates under your name to Athena,” Margaret said firmly.

Henry’s brows twitched. “Mother, why go this far? The manor only has so many shops and estates. You’re asking for nearly half of them for Athena. How could that be acceptable?”

Margaret’s face turned steel cold, her tone resolute. “This is my only condition. Otherwise, there’s nothing more to discuss.”

“Mother, you’re being unreasonable!” Henry grew anxious. “There are only twenty-eight shops and six estates in total. If we give that much to Athena, what about Willow? She already has little in her dowry. Without shops to accompany her, won’t people look down on her?"

Margaret said firmly, “I don’t care about any of that. Sell land or property if you must. That’s your problem. But not a single shop or estate can be withheld from Athena.”

Margaret sighed lightly. “I’ve lived my life upright and honorable. I’ve never done anything so despicable. Call me shameless or unreasonable if you like, but I must have this.”

Henry’s face twisted in anguish, his jaw clenched so tightly his teeth ached, the veins at his temples throbbing with barely contained rage.

He paced back and forth, the wooden floor creaking beneath his feet.

After a long time, he suddenly stopped and looked at Margaret. He said with frustration, “Is this the only way?”

“It is the only way.” Margaret sat tall in the carved grand chair. Her gaze was firm and sharp.

Her face showed signs of age, but her spirit was proud and unyielding. On this matter, she would not yield an inch.

In the end, Henry admitted defeat. He exhaled heavily and agreed to her demand. “Very well, I promise you.”

Margaret nodded slowly. “I hope you keep your word.”

Henry respectfully bowed to her, then exited the room.

As soon as he stepped out, all eyes turned toward him.

He had been inside for half an hour. No one outside knew what he had discussed with Margaret.

They only saw that when he entered, his back was straight, but when he came out, he looked utterly defeated.

“Father,” Nicolas called to him worriedly.

Willow also looked at him nervously, tears quietly falling as she softly said, “Father, it’s all my fault for upsetting Grandmother. I don’t want to bear a bad reputation. Just let me leave.”

With that, she bowed deeply to Henry.

Looking at the sensible Willow, Henry’s heart ached like needles piercing it.

But before he could say a word, a mocking voice rang out, “You know the marriage between the Monson family and the Osborne family is imminent, yet you want to leave. If you wanted to leave, you should have done so ten years ago. Why wait until now! You can abandon even your parents. Stop pretending to be innocent.”