Happened 212

Chapter 212 

Before she knew it, over half a month had flown by. As the month drew to a close, Athena received an unexpected invitation. 

As Trina handed the invitation to Athena, she wore a worried frown. “Miss Moonson, we’ve never had any dealings with Miss Janice Beckham, daughter 

of the Justice from the Federal Bureau. Why would she send you an invitation? Do you think she might have some ulterior motive?” 

Perhaps because Athena had suffered so much, Trina’s guard would instantly rise whenever anyone approached fier, and now, she saw everyone as a potential threat. 

Athena took the invitation and opened it, only to find it was for a polo match. 

After the New Year, the young noble ladies found themselves with little to do, having grown bored with the usual garden parties. 

Polo matches, on the other hand, were a perfect way to mingle and maybe even win a prize or two. 

As a result, many of them enjoyed participating in this activity. 

“I’ve waited so long for this moment, and it’s finally here!” Athena beamed with delight. She turned to Trina and instructed, “Go and send a reply to Miss Beckham to let her know that we’ll be attending.” 

Trina gasped in surprise, “Miss Monson, aren’t you worried at all?” 

“Worried about what?” Athena curved her lips into a playful smile at Trina. “Should I stay cooped up at home just because I’m scared someone might harm me? If I thought like you, wouldn’t I be a coward hiding in my shell?” 

Trina chuckled sheepishly, “Who would describe that, Miss Monson? I only said that because I was worried about you. Since you’ve agreed, I’ll go send our reply then.” 

Ives se 

With that, she turned and instructed a footman to deliver their response 

to the Beckham family. 

Athena sat in her chamber, her lips curved into a faint smile as she mused, “These ointments had finally served their purpose. 

‘If I want to investigate Grandfather’s case, I’ll have to deal with the Justice of the Federal Bureau. Starting with the Beckham heiress seems like a smart approach. 

‘Besides that, Justice Beckham of the Federal Bureau is renowned for his uprightness and incorruptibility. He commands immense authority both in court and among the common folks. 

‘With his help, Grandfather’s case might be resolved much sooner, and we will be able to clear his name of false charges. 

Two days later, Athena set out for the polo match with Trina in tow. 

She had expected a small gathering, but to her surprise, there were far more guests than she’d anticipated. 

Everywhere she looked, the courtyard was teeming with people. 

Suddenly, Athena’s gaze froze in astonishment. 

She couldn’t believe her eyes. Right in the Beckham family’s estate was Willow, who was surrounded by a lively crowd. Athena couldn’t quite make out what they were saying, but it had Willow giggling incessantly; clearly, she was the center of attention. 

Trina gasped in shock, “What’s she doing here?? 

Trina stole a glance at Athena and found her expression calm, seemingly unfazed by Willow’s presence. 

Yet, after just a fleeting look, Athena quickly shifted her gaze away. 

Chapter 212 

Athena knew exactly why Willow was the center of attention. in just a few days, she would be marrying into the Osborne family. 

As the future Lady of the Osborne family, it was only natural that people would try to curry favor with her. 

A soft voice called out, “Viscountess,” drawing Athena’s attention. 

She looked up to see an elegantly attired young woman approaching, escorted by her maid. 

The young woman was about the same age as Athena, and her jewelry was understated rather than lavish. 

Yet even in a crowd, she stood apart with effortless grace. 

Though her demeanor was gentle, there was sharpness in her eyes. She was no ordinary sheltered noble lady raised in comfort. 

Janice stepped forward with a graceful curtsey and said, “I, Janice Beckham, pay my respects to the Viscountess.” 

‘So this is Janice, the daughter of Justice Beckham of the Federal Bureau, Athena mused. 

She quickly raised her hand in a gentle gesture, a smile gracing her lips. “Miss Beckham, please rise,” Athena said as she gracefully returned the courtesy. 

Janice looked at Athena with a hint of gratitude in her eyes. She said, “Thanks to the ointment you sent me a few days ago, Viscountess, my face wouldn’t have healed so quickly otherwise.” 

As she spoke, Janice guided Athena toward the flower hall. 

Unable to discern the true purpose behind Janice’s invitation, Athena thought, ‘What does she want?‘ Despite that, Athena followed her inside gracefully. 

Athena gave a faint smile in response, “It was nothing, Miss Beckham. Please don’t give it another thought.” 

As she spoke, her eyes swept over the Beckham estate. The courtyard was spacious yet unpretentious, and there were fewer servants than in other noble households. 

However, each moved with disciplined efficiency, a clear testament to the mistress’s excellent management. 

Janice blushed slightly and said, “A woman’s beauty is her greatest treasure. If it were ruined, her whole life would be over.” 

Athena picked up on the hidden meaning in Janice’s words and gave her a puzzled look. 

Seeing Janice too embarrassed to speak, a young lady nearby interjected, “The imperial princes have all come of marriageable age. Naturally, the Beckham family is among those being considered. The only question is, which prince’s favor will Miss Beckham win?” 

For noble ladies, marriage had never been theirs to 

Janice had been taught since childhood that her match would be arranged by the royal family. 

As such, she harbored no resistance. 

Athena couldn’t help but feel it was such a pity. ‘To spend a lifetime trapped in a gilded cage like that, how is it any different from being a bird with clipped wings? There’s no real freedom at all,‘ she thought. 

But such thoughts were hers alone, and it was left unspoken. 

Just then, the guests began drifting toward the back garden in twos and threes. 

A figure flashed before Athena’s eyes, followed by a whiff of that all–too–familiar perfume. 

Willow hurried over, her eyes brimming with syrupy sweetness as she simpered, “Athena…” 

Surrounded by distinguished guests, Willow cornered Athena under everyone’s watchful gaze, banking on her unwillingness to cause a public scene. 

 

From the moment Athena spotted Willow, her mood soured. 

With Willow blocking her way, Athena felt a suffocating tightness in her chest, and she fixed Willow with an icy stare before stating, “I don’t know you. Step aside.” 

Athena’s words clearly put Willow on the spot. With her smile freezing awkwardly on her face, Willow’s eyes brimmed with tears. 

Before Willow could respond, Janice’s voice suddenly rang out, “Lady Willow, I just saw Lord Osborne looking for you. He treats you so well, and even accompanies you to such parties.” 

With just those words, Willow instantly swallowed back her tears and flashed a demure smile, “Janice, please don’t tease me.” 

Athena couldn’t hide her surprise when she found out that Michael was here. He’d always despised these kinds of gatherings and had constantly complained about the noise and the crowds. Who would’ve thought he’d set aside his usual disdain and show up this time? 

However, Athena wasn’t jealous; she was simply curious. 

As they talked, the group reached the venue, where many noble ladies and young lords had already gathered. 

Athena glanced around but saw no sign of Justice Beckham. 

Realizing that Justice Beckham would not be present, disappointment crept into her heart, and she became rather unenthusiastic. 

Willow kept edging closer to Athena, feigning sisterly affection. “Athena,” she simpered, “could you come see me off on my wedding day?” 

“You want me to see you off?” Athena snapped as she turned sharply to Willow, irritation flashing in her eyes. “Don’t you find that request utterly ridiculous?” 

Athena couldn’t care less about saving Willow’s face. She shot back mercilessly, “For starters, I’ve already left the Duke’s Estate, and we’re practically strangers now. And with our difference in status, you shouldn’t even ask me to see you off.” 

After a brief pause, Athena’s lips curled into a chilling smile as she added, “If that day ever comes, the only place I’ll be sending you is to your grave.” 

Her icy glare in her eyes froze Willow in place, robbing her of even the courage to breathe. 

Willow stared at Athena, her face as white as a sheet, utterly speechless. 

The noble ladies around stared in shock, never imagining Athena would utter such chilling words. 

Just then, a woman’s voice rang out, “You squatter! You stole someone else’s place and got them thrown out of the manor, yet you still have the nerve to show up pretending to be all kind and pitiful? It’s only because the Viscountess has a good temper that she doesn’t stoop to your level. If it were anyone else, you’d have lost your life by now.“– 

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