"Come in!"Crystal’s face twisted with fury, but before she could respond, Athena turned to the door and let in some employees and cleaners as well."Pack up everything that belongs to Mr. Leon," Athena instructed them with a faint smile adorning her beautiful face. "Move it to one of the smaller offices on the lower floors because this is my space now!""Wait, you can't—""Ssshh! Just like what I said earlier, my dear husband. I've already gotten the green signal from some of the board of directors. So before you're forcibly evicted by them, I'd better get you out of here first!""You’ll regret this, Athena!" Leon stepped forward, grabbing his wife's arm roughly."Do your worst, Leon. I’ve already survived your betrayal, your lies, and your schemes. There’s nothing left you can take from me!""You’re playing a dangerous game!""And I’m winning!" Athena’s lips curled into a sneer as she stepped forward. Seeing this, Crystal then pulled Leon away. She certainly didn't want to let Leon
"Leon, where are you?"Athena's voice trembled as she pressed the redial button on her phone. Her fifth call in the past hour had been met only with the cold sound of a waiting tone. Worry gnawed at her, making her bite her lower lip, especially after her mother had called from the hospital, weakly repeating her husband's name."Mrs. Athena? Excuse me, but shall we leave now? Perhaps Mr. Leon is still stuck on the city’s connecting road?" Edward, her assistant, suddenly approached, nearly causing the wine glass in her tightly gripped hand to slip."I can't calm down until I see my husband, Ed. He promised to be with me, and my mother's call earlier... What if he's in some kind of trouble right now?" Athena sighed heavily, the finest goose feathers adorning her wide-brimmed hat shifting slightly with her breath."But, ma'am—""The businessman hosting this event is one of Leon's new associates, Ed. It would be better for me to arrive with him to avoid questions from the reporters that w
"How? Did you make sure everything was safe before the police and the hospital staff started the evacuation?"A faint voice gradually pulled Athena out of her long unconsciousness. She winced in pain, realizing that parts of her body couldn’t move freely. Athena tried to identify the voice she had just heard, but she heard nothing further until the sound of a creaking door made her instinctively close her eyes again."Is she still unconscious?" Athena tried to calm her pounding heart as she recognized Leon's voice. Her breathing became shallow as she gripped the thin blanket that partially covered her body."The doctor said Mrs. Athena will wake up soon, Sir. She didn’t suffer severe injuries thanks to the immediate help she received, but….""But she has some minor wounds and a broken right arm? Tsk, how disappointing! Why couldn’t it be more serious?"Startled again, Athena found it increasingly difficult to swallow. Her husband's cold tone echoed clearly in her ears. Her eyes began
Gazing sorrowfully at the grand house she once considered her palace of happiness, Athena could only cry silently. After spending several days in the hospital, her heart grew increasingly restless. Her return home meant that Leon could freely do anything to her, including mistreating her."Mrs. Athena, please come with me!" Edward’s voice suddenly broke the silence, causing Athena to turn her head. She immediately brushed off the hand of her assistant, who had now become Leon’s accomplice, and struggled to walk on her own, despite her unsteady steps."Well, well... So you’ve been allowed to leave the hospital?"To her surprise, Athena encountered Crystal there. Her wide eyes narrowed sharply, a gesture that was met with only a faint smile from the woman in front of her."How are you, Athena? I’m so sorry about the accident you had. Leon told me that your hand is paralyzed and you’ve lost your voice. How does it feel, Athena? It must be painful, right?" Crystal continued, taking a sma
"What?"Athena froze, staring at the man in front of her. Her mouth made no sound. She was only speaking in her mind. But Arthur, who seemed to read her thoughts, shook his head as if answering her question.With an unreadable expression, the man casually closed the door behind him. There was something peculiar about him. His gaze was sharp but not entirely threatening. Every movement he made was deliberate as if he were playing a role."He’s talking about revenge plans?" Athena murmured anxiously in her mind. "Who is he? And why did he say he was happy to see me again earlier?"Feeling his presence being observed, Arthur pretended to be busy with the dusty items around him. Especially after he increasingly felt as if Athena’s hazel eyes were dissecting him."Who are you?" Athena finally asked, her voice barely audible. Arthur turned to her coldly. Within seconds, he covered her mouth and pinned her onto the bed."Shh… Don’t be reckless!" he hissed sharply, causing Athena’s hazel eyes
"Damn it! So this disabled woman dares to defy me?!"Leon screamed internally. His face turned red as he prepared to snatch the small notebook Athena was holding, but Crystal moved first, gently stroking his thigh."Calm down, babe. Let that disabled woman do whatever she wants. She’ll never be able to beat us!" Crystal whispered, casting a disdainful glance at Athena.Turning his attention back to his wife, Leon suddenly smirked. Athena had no idea what was going through his mind, but one thing was clear—she was determined not to remain under the control of this cunning man."Ah, I’m relieved to hear that rumor wasn’t true. Honestly, I was worried it might affect your new project, Mr. Leon. As far as I know, Mrs. Athena still plays a significant role in the company you manage," said one of Leon’s business partners, prompting Athena to nod gracefully."Oh, so Mrs. Athena still has a significant role in the company?""Yes, Mr. Mayor," Leon interjected, trying to regain control of the c
Athena froze, trying to hold back her tears. She fought to endure the pain in her heart and body. Arthur's words felt like a shot of encouragement, almost pulling her back into the mysterious gray eyes before her."This is your phone. You can use it to contact me in emergencies." Arthur suddenly pulled something from his pocket leaving Athena stunned."Impossible! How is this phone still intact?""When I first found it, the screen and casing were quite damaged. Luckily, the data—""So, you were the one who found it? How long have you known me, Arthur? Are you the one who first found me after the accident?"Silent for a moment, Arthur then reached for the medicine box. He immediately treated the wound on the tip of Athena's lip with great care, letting the woman in front of him continue to wonder inwardly."Arthur...""May I remove the bandage on your hand? The doctor was supposed to change it and check your condition yesterday, but—""Leon canceled everything?" Athena sighed in resign
"Ahh! I love your touch, babe!"Leon smiled as he adjusted his shirt buttons. He was truly proud of his ability to seduce women, especially this time, as Crystal had moaned his name repeatedly after successfully forcing Athena out of the room.His idea to get rid of Athena had worked, hadn't it? It wasn't just successful, it was downright insane! No one would have suspected Leon's audacity to flirt with another woman in front of his wife. And no one could endure being in Athena's position."I think that woman won't dare to bother us anymore, babe," Crystal said as she rose from the desk where she had been lying moments ago. She walked toward the window, straightening her tight dress to ensure no one had been spying on her and Leon's activities."Hmm, we'll see. I doubt a woman like her will give up so easily," Leon replied coolly, causing Crystal to turn back toward him immediately."What do you mean? Do you think Athena plans to get back at us?"Nodding, Leon looked over the wealth tr
"Come in!"Crystal’s face twisted with fury, but before she could respond, Athena turned to the door and let in some employees and cleaners as well."Pack up everything that belongs to Mr. Leon," Athena instructed them with a faint smile adorning her beautiful face. "Move it to one of the smaller offices on the lower floors because this is my space now!""Wait, you can't—""Ssshh! Just like what I said earlier, my dear husband. I've already gotten the green signal from some of the board of directors. So before you're forcibly evicted by them, I'd better get you out of here first!""You’ll regret this, Athena!" Leon stepped forward, grabbing his wife's arm roughly."Do your worst, Leon. I’ve already survived your betrayal, your lies, and your schemes. There’s nothing left you can take from me!""You’re playing a dangerous game!""And I’m winning!" Athena’s lips curled into a sneer as she stepped forward. Seeing this, Crystal then pulled Leon away. She certainly didn't want to let Leon
"These are some of the pieces of evidence I mentioned to you last night, sir."The police officer across from her nodded, his expression unreadable as he accepted the stack of documents from Athena's lawyer. He flipped through the pages, and a flicker of something curiosity crossed his face before he glanced toward the growing crowd of reporters gathering outside the station."So," the officer began, leaning back slightly in his chair, "behind the perfection you always present in front of the cameras, it seems there’s a different story—a messy one. Why are you only reporting this now?"Athena’s lips curved into a faint, practiced smile, but her eyes remained cold. "I was waiting for the right time, sir. But unfortunately, he crossed the line. My patience for him has completely run out.""And where are you staying now?" The officer raised a brow, clearly intrigued. "Are you no longer living under the same roof as your husband?""Not since I was trapped in the elevator, sir. But I inten
Athena's hands instinctively reached out, her arms wrapping around Arthur's neck before he could pull away. Her sudden action caught him off guard, his eyes widening slightly as he gazed down at her."How do you expect your wounds to heal if you keep ignoring them like this?" she began, her voice soft but firm.Gently brushing against the damp skin before her, Athena began at Arthur's broad chest, still marked with several small scratches. Every so often, she glanced back at his face as if waiting for a reaction, her delicate fingers continuing their exploration until they reached the sculpted muscles adorning the surface of his abdomen."Swimming isn’t exactly the best way to recover," she whispered making the man in front of her laugh slightly and restrain her hand movements."So you are my doctor now? Heum?""I’m serious, Arthur!" Athena's brows furrowed, and her lips pressed into a thin line. "You can’t keep acting like you’re invincible. What if something worse happens?" "Oh, ar
"Ssshh!"Athena's words were cut short as a hand clamped over her mouth from behind. Her heart pounded wildly, fear coursing through her veins. Struggling instinctively, she attempted to elbow her attacker, only to hear a familiar voice chuckle softly."Easy, Athena. It's me!"Her movements halted instantly. She twisted her head, and her wide, terrified eyes met the familiar, calming gaze of Arthur. "You scared me half to death!" she hissed, smacking his chest lightly, though her voice carried no anger. "Sorry about that. I didn’t want to startle you." Arthur offered her a small, apologetic smile. "But I had to make sure no one was following you. Are you alright?""Yeah, I’m fine." Her fear melted into a strange warmth that she couldn’t quite name. "But what happened back there? Why didn’t you come out when I was talking to the police?""I couldn’t risk Leon knowing I was there, Athena. If he suspects me, it’ll complicate everything. I almost caught him tonight, but....""But what?"
Athena’s breath hitched as she heard the serious threat from the man beside her. She immediately slapped his hand away as he reached for her face again and moved back while scanning her surroundings warily."How? Are you willing?" he asked, settling back into his throne."What guarantee do I have that you won’t break your promise?""That weak woman will be left here. Anyone can find her and help her escape, but after that, you’ll have to come with us to another place!""To where?"Shaking his head briefly, the man, who still hadn’t revealed his full face, shot her a sharp glance. "You’re asking too many questions, Athena. You’ll find out where it is once you’re with us!"Feeling hands grip her shoulders, Athena immediately struggled. It seemed she was already too late to escape. The masked people around her were closing in, leaving her cornered."Let go of me! I haven’t agreed to anything!" Athena shouted, prompting a few of those around her to chuckle."Unfortunately, you’re out of t
"Ah, come on. Don't joke around, Arthur. I don't have time for that."Smiling slightly, Arthur then returned his gaze to the woman beside him. "I'm not joking at all, Athena. I like that nickname!"Athena’s cheeks flushed even deeper as she clenched her fists in her lap. She tries to avoid his gaze. She couldn’t let Arthur see how flustered she truly was. Forcing herself to maintain composure, she straightened her posture and cleared her throat."Arthur, focus! We’re not here to discuss… pet names. We need to figure out how to turn this situation against Leon. That’s the priority!""Pet names?" Another crisp laugh came from the man's mouth. "You're much more than that, Athena. But... Yes, you have a point too. We should refocus on Leon because by utilizing his ridiculous ways, we will be able to pressure him even more!"Taking a shallow breath, Athena felt slightly relieved as Arthur's attention was no longer focused on her. At least she didn’t have to deal with the captivating gaze o
"Wait! Why did she stop here?"Seeing Athena walk toward a different hospital, Arthur's brow furrowed slightly. His eyes narrowed as he observed the woman, who appeared to be in a hurry."Perhaps she wants to get herself checked?""If that’s the case, why not at the previous hospital?""I'm sorry, Sir. I don’t know. Or would you like me to go down and check what’s going on with her directly?"Shaking his head briefly, Arthur glanced down at his phone. "Just wait here. She should be coming out soon, and then we’ll pick her up!"Inside the hospital, Athena appeared increasingly anxious as a receptionist began searching for records of her mother’s whereabouts. Her breath grew heavier when she heard a soft sigh that made her even more tense."I'm sorry, Ma'am. There’s no record of a patient named Evelyn G. Waverly being admitted today. May I see the transfer documents?"Handed them over, Athena's hands slightly trembling. The receptionist scrutinized them before shaking her head. "These l
"Apologies, Mrs. Athena. If I may ask, where is Arthur right now? Wasn’t he last seen with you when you were trapped in the elevator?"Hearing the whisper, Athena chuckled softly. She quickly made a gesture of apology as Leon’s business associate’s gaze returned to her, then stepped out of the room once Crystal exited ahead of her."It's a pity you’re asking about Arthur first, Ed. Aren’t you even the slightest bit worried about me after working for me all these years?" she quipped gently, aware of the footsteps behind her."Apologies, ma’am. Seeing how healthy you look, I assumed—""Have you not noticed these scars of mine? Ah, I guess no one in this world truly pays attention to me."Spotting the small scratches along his mistress’s elegant neck, Edward's eyes widened slightly. He seemed momentarily lost for words until Athena hastily covered the marks with the edge of her clothing."Forget it. Deep down, you all want to get rid of me anyway, right? So what’s the point of hoping for
"No, no! Tell me this annoying woman is just dreaming, Leon! Those letters… they’re all fake, right?""Unfortunately, everything I’ve said is true, Crystal. Now that you know all this, what are you going to do? Stick with a man who only has good looks, or run off to find another rich man? Hmm?"With confident strides, Athena approached her former best friend. The sound of her high heels echoed like a war drum to Leon. He exhaled sharply, loosening his collar as his wife turned to him with a thin smile and tilted her chin slightly toward Crystal."It seems I’m starting to like this new version of myself! It feels… What does it feel like? Look at all your expressions—they’re so entertaining I can’t help but laugh!""Damn it! You think we’re all clowns, huh?!" Crystal moved to swat Athena’s hand away from her face, but before she could retaliate, Athena stopped her."Shh! I’m not finished speaking, Crystal. Do you know how most villains in fairy tales begin? Most of them were good people