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Chapter 32
Chapter 32
“This isn’t my day to be the center of attention, so why dress so eye–catchingly Athens picked up the gold hairpin Margaret had given her and held it up to her hal, besting it.
Wearing the entire set would be too much, but one pin would be enough. It would satisfy Margaret’s feelings without making her look too flashy. As for everyone else’s feelings, she wondered, ‘Why should I care?”
Siena and Aliza were about to try to comince her again when Athena called for Trina. “Go and bring me the blue dress from the wardrobe
Trina nodded, opened the wardrobe, and brought the dress, placing it beside Athens.
Siena shot Trina a sharp glare. Trins remained unfared, calmly going back to her cleaning.
Siena felt her frustration building, like she’d punched the air. She was seething inside.
Athena noticed this and gave it some thought.
Just as she was about to
out to change, she heard Joseph’s voice from outside. “Athena”
His carefree laugh rang out from a distance
Athena furrowed her brow, but before she could respond, Joseph had already entered.
He casually sat down in front of her, grinning. “Today is Willow’s birthday. What gift did you get her?”
“A gift?” Athena shered inwardly. She hadn’t prepared anything at all.
But before she could speak, Joseph’s eyes landed on the dress on the tray. “What a beautiful dress! I knew you wouldn’t show up empty–handed, Athena. We grew up together, and you’ve never missed one of Willow’s birthdays.”
Athena smiled faintly. She thought, “Well, the dress has found its purpose. But no one would have things go exactly as they hope)
Siena and Aliza widened their eyes in surprise, ready to explain that the dress had been given by Eloise.
But before Athena could speak, they fell silent, knowing it was better not to say anything. After all, such a lovely dress was only right for Willow.
Meanwhile, Joseph, still not satisfied with just the dress, turned his attention to the gilded hairpin on the vanity. This hairpin is so delicate as well…..
As he reached for it, Athena swiftly jabbed the hairpin into the gap between his fingers, causing him to recoil in shock.
He looked at her, wide–eyed with fear, and complained, “What are you doing? I was just looking! You nearly ruled my hand!”
This was a gift from Grandmother,” Athena said coldly, her voice soft but carrying a sharp edge. “No one is allowed to touch it.”
Joseph realized that she had changed. No longer the soft, obedient sister, she had become someone ruthless, indifferent, and cold.
He scoffed, rolling his eyes. “What’s the big deal? It’s just a few old hairpins. Since when did you become so petty?”
The old Athena wouldn’t have acted this way. Back then, whatever he wanted, she would give to him without question. But now, she was selfish and
All the family’s guilt toward her had been drained. She truly didn’t know how to appreciate anything.
Grumbling, he snatched up the dress and leḥ with a flourish.
As he stepped outside, his servant couldn’t help but speak up. “Lord Joseph, that dress was a gift from Lady Eloise to Lady Athena, n’t it wrong to
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Chapter 32
Joseph ficked the servant’s head with his fan. “Do you think I don’t know it was from Mother to Athena? That’s exactly why I’m takinglu
Thinking of Athena’s icy expression and then remembering how gentle and sweet Willow was, Joseph muttered, “How can someone to vi such a precious dress! it belongs to Willow. She’s beautiful, and she’s the one who truly deservesit
Lula touched his head, too scared to say anything else.
The two of them made their way to Willow’s courtyard
Willow’s courtyard was much grander than Athena’s, with vibrant flowers and willow trees creating an impressive, spacious atmosphere. Thanks to har birthday, and with Eloise’s recent additions, it looked even more husurious.
The c
courtyard was filled with people, bustling with excitement.
As soon as Joseph entered, he called out loudly. “Willow, I’m here to see you!”
Inside, several people were already gathered.
Nicolas and Matthew were there as well. Their injuries had healed, and both turned to look at Joseph.
When Joseph caught the stern gaze of Nicolas, his steps faltered, and he sheepishly grinned. “Oh, Nicolas’s here too.”
Matthew rolled his eyes at him, annoyed. He’d been trying to get Joseph’s attention with subtle glances since he entered, but the fool hadn’t noticed.
Though Nicolas hadn’t said a word, his presence was enough to keep both brothers in check. They were so used to his authority that neither of them dared act out in front of him.
Willow quickly stepped in to ease the tension. “Joseph, what’s that you’re holding?”
“Willow, for your birthday today, I’ve brought you a new dress,” Joseph grinned as he signaled Lula to step forward and place the dress in front of her.
The luxurious dress immediately caught Willow’s eye, and she couldn’t help but stare.
She recognized it at once. It was the dress Eloise had prepared for Athena.
At first, Willow had thought it was for her, but upon a closer look, she realized it had been sent to Athena’s courtyard instead.
Her hand, which had been reaching for the dress, hesitated before pulling back. She felt a flicker of uncertainty.
Joseph noticed her hesitation and quickly asked, “What’s wrong? Don’t you like it?”
“I love it,” Willow smiled at him, her lips curving up. “I love everything you give me, Joseph”
Joseph breathed a sigh of relief. “Well, I’m glad my efforts weren’t wasted.”
“What [was]
that?” Nicolas asked, not catching his words.
Joseph quickly waved his hand. “Nothing”
Nicolas shot him an exasperated look. “Just make sure you don’t mess this up today. Be careful, or Father might punish you again.”
“Got it, Nicolas,” Joseph mumbled, sounding deflated.
After Willow changed into the dress, everyone’s eyes lit up when she emerged.
“Willow, I knew this dress would look perfect on you,” Joseph said enthusiastically, eager to compliment her.
Willow smiled shyly. “Thank you, Joseph;
Chapter 32
Matthew, smiling warmh, added, “With
Everyone praned W.
adroning her beauty. But Nicetas remained ne
Willow noticed his senitiny and quietly asked, “Nicolas, to you not think it loo
Nicolas shook his head absently. “It’s beautiful, very hi
Though the dress was lovely, Nicolas couldn’t shake the
that something wasn’t quite cale
“Let’s go, the party is about to start.”
The group moyed toward the door, and Nicolas fell a few steps behind. As they
(the courtyard, the cool bre
He realized what felt off the sleeves. The dress wasn’t quite the right fit for Willow, it was a bit right, and the semes
ite
What confused him was how Joseph could have made such a mistake. Nicolas thought, He knows the dress is meant for Willow’s bday, why yum
her one that don‘
The party was held in the flower hall, surrounded by lush plants and flowers, creating an elegant atmosphere
i
The men and women were seated together, separated by a screen in the middle, maintaining a lively yet respectful environment
The garden was filled with noble ladies and young misses, either admiting the flowers or strolling around.
However, some people’s eyes lingered on Joseph. Whether they were admiring the flowers or studying him was unclear
When Eloise saw Willow in the dress, her brows furrowed slightly.
Willow, sensing her unease, approached her and softly said, “Mother.”
“This dress. Eloise began, but before she could finish, Joseph quickly chimed in.
“Well, Mother, what do you think? Doesn’t Willow look perfect in it? It would be such a waste to give it to someone else.
Eloise immediately understood–once again, Joseph had taken something meant for Athena and was using it to flatter Willow She gave Joseph i disapproving glance, but he just smiled nonchalantly
As he saw their exchange, Nicolas’s suspicion grew. “Wasn’t this for Willow?”
Nicolas, known for his faimess, wasn’t about to let this slip by without question. Sensing there might be more to this, Eloise hesitated before waying, “Or course, it’s for Willow”
Willow lowered her head and smiled gently, pretending to know nothing. “Thank you, Mother”
Eloise then took her hand and led her to meet the guests, introducing her to everyone in the flower hall. She carefully avoided me
When Athena appeared with Trina, all eyes turned to her.
The women gave her a faint smile before turning to whisper among themselves.
Their gazes were filled with either mockery or pity, and Athena could hear the faint sound of laughter floating i
Chapter 33
