Dark Revenge Of An Unwanted Wife: The Twins Are Not Yours! - Chapter 508

Chapter 508: Motives III

It was Sunday morning. Athena stood in her room before the large mirror, fastening the last button on her soft cream blouse.

The sunlight filtered through the gauzy curtains, spilling gold across the floor and onto the white rug where her heels waited. From the adjoining room came the sounds of laughter—her twins getting ready with the help of the Gianna.

She smiled faintly, her heart swelling as she adjusted her earrings and gave herself one final once-over.

The door opened behind her, and Ewan stepped in, his presence immediately grounding her. His sleeves were rolled up, his watch gleaming. He looked as effortlessly put together as always.

“You’re up early,” he said, his voice warm, with that teasing lilt that never failed to make her smile.

“So are you,” she replied, turning to face him.

He crossed the room, hands sliding into his pockets, eyes lingering on her face. “I’m coming with you.”

Athena opened her mouth to protest but saw the look in his eyes and knew it would be useless. She smiled instead, amused, and nodded. “Alright,” she said softly. “I wouldn’t win even if I tried.”

“Good,” he said, stepping close enough to brush a kiss against her forehead. “You’ll need backup.”

She chuckled, shaking her head as he turned toward the door. “It’s just a mere… You’re impossible.”

“I take that as a compliment,” he tossed over his shoulder before leaving the room.

When she came down to the sitting room a short while later, she stopped short.

Gianna and Chelsea were there, dressed to the nines, chatting animatedly while sipping juice. Both turned when they saw her, broad smiles on their faces.

“What—” Athena started, surprised.

“We’re coming,” Gianna interrupted cheerfully. “The more the merrier, right?”

“Absolutely,” Chelsea added, looping an arm through Gianna’s. “You can’t go face that evil family alone. We’re moral support.”

Athena blinked, then burst out laughing, shaking her head. “The more the merrier indeed,” she said, her tone playful but pleased. In truth, their company would help with her plans. A full audience always added pressure—and today, she wanted her grand aunt under it.

Within the next few minutes, they were all outside. They split into two sleek cars—in addition to the three cars filled with security; Ewan drove one with Athena beside him, while Gianna and Chelsea followed in the other. The ride was quiet, the rhythmic hum of the tires filling the space.

Athena stared out the window as the city gave way to open land, tall hedges, and trees that arched over the wide road.

When they arrived, the estate rose before them—grand, stately, and sprawling like a piece of history refusing to age.

The mansion sat behind an ornate iron gate, its high walls trimmed with climbing roses and ivy. Towering oak trees framed the driveway, and the garden beyond was lush, bursting with the color of carefully tended flowers.

A fountain glittered under the sun, sending arcs of silver water into the air. The house itself was a vision of old wealth—stone walls, wide staircases, and long glass windows that caught the light.

A uniformed butler stood waiting by the gate. His surprise was palpable when he saw the convoy of cars approach. His brows lifted slightly, but he composed himself quickly, bowing as the gates opened.

Athena caught the flicker of astonishment in his eyes and smiled inwardly.

Good. Let the surprise start here.

The cars rolled down the long driveway and stopped before the wide steps of the house. Athena stepped out first, the cool breeze teasing the hem of her skirt. Her friends joined her, along with the children, who looked curious but well-behaved.

Inside, the living room was as grand as the exterior promised—high ceilings with crystal chandeliers, tall drapes, a long Persian rug that stretched almost to the far wall. Antique portraits hung in gilded frames, and the scent of polished wood lingered in the air.

Her grand aunt was seated when they entered, but the expression on her face—momentary surprise quickly smoothed into composure—was worth the entire trip.

“Athena, my dear,” she exclaimed, rising with open arms. “What a lovely sight! And such… company!”

Athena smiled, her voice soft and gracious. “You did say I should come. I brought a few people along.”

“Of course, of course,” her grand aunt said, gesturing toward the couches. “Please, sit.”

They did. And the small talk began.

Her grand aunt, all smiles and elegance, leaned toward the children, pretending to fawn over them. The twins played along beautifully, responding politely, their eyes wide with practiced innocence. Cairo, quiet as ever, sat close by, her gaze darting between the adults.

Jonathan, tall and stiff, sat beside his wife, Marianne, whose smile never quite reached her eyes. They exchanged polite words, asked about the drive, the weather, the city. Athena matched their tone perfectly—warm, amused, and utterly unreadable.

Soon, they were ushered to the dining room.

It was large, with a polished mahogany table set for twelve, gleaming silver cutlery, and crystal glasses that caught the sunlight spilling through the arched windows. The food looked exquisite—grilled meats, roasted vegetables, rich sauces, and golden pastries.

“Everything looks wonderful,” Athena said as she took her seat.

“Thank you, dear,” her grand aunt replied smoothly, though there was a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes when Athena added, “But before we begin, I’d suggest the food be tasted.”

The room went still for a moment.

Then, with a thin smile, her grand aunt nodded and gestured to the butler. A servant was summoned, and only after every dish was approved did they begin to eat.

The conversation picked up again.

Ewan answered questions about the company, his calm tone and easy confidence filling the space. Gianna and Chelsea chimed in now and then, laughing at light jokes, playing their parts perfectly.

When the meal was over, they returned to the living room. Tea was served, delicate china clinking softly.

Her grand aunt didn’t waste time.

“I suppose we should discuss Cedric,” she began carefully.

Athena set her teacup down and looked up slowly. “Of course,” she said calmly, then glanced at the children. “Why don’t you all go play outside for a bit?”

Before her grand aunt could call the butler to escort them, the children were already up and running out, their laughter trailing behind them.

Her grand aunt exhaled, shaking her head. “Wild, aren’t they?” she murmured disapprovingly.

Athena’s smile didn’t reach her eyes.

Then came the next line, just as expected. “Perhaps your friends could give us a moment?”

Athena didn’t even blink. She ignored the suggestion entirely, turning instead toward her aunt. “Let’s get to the point.”

The older woman’s lips thinned, but she nodded. Jonathan spoke next, his tone strained. “We want Cedric released,” he said. “He’s your cousin, Athena. Family. Surely—”

Athena cut him off softly. “He’s also a thief,” she said. “One that needs to pay for his crimes.”

Her voice was calm, unshakable.

They exchanged glances, trying to recalibrate, trying to manipulate the conversation back into their favor.

“What about bail?” Marianne asked quickly, her smile sharp but desperate. “Surely you can arrange that? Quietly?”

Athena arched a brow, her tone mild but edged. “It’s already on the news,” she said. “If I push for bail now, it’ll look like I’m shielding him. It wouldn’t reflect well on the company’s image too, and might cause our employees to think that we are being biased.”

A significant pause. “But I’ll… think about it.”

The silence that followed was thick and heavy.

Finally, Athena set her teacup aside and rose. “If that’s all,” she said smoothly, “I should be going.”

Jonathan was displeased with these hit and run conversations Athena made with them, including the way she always dismissed them and the topic as well.

He opened his mouth to caution her for this disrespect, but his wife held him back, her hand tightening around his wrist.

Athena smiled then, beautifully, getting to her feet. “I hope to see you all at my wedding,” she said, slipping her arm through Ewan’s. “It’ll be in the fall.”

Then she turned and walked out, Gianna and Chelsea rising to follow.

Outside, the children were waiting, their eyes bright, cheeks flushed.

As they climbed into the car, Athena glanced at them through the rearview mirror, her tone soft but knowing. “Did you perform the mission?”

The twins exchanged a mischievous look and bobbed their heads in perfect unison.

Athena smiled, satisfaction flickering behind her calm eyes.

“Good,” she said quietly as the cars pulled away. “Very good.”