Chapter 128: Christmas Dinner II

Ewan inhaled softly, attempting to calm the rising palpitations of his heart as Athena stepped closer to him, after shutting the door behind her.

What is she doing? He wondered, taking in the cold glint in her eyes that only intensified his growing unease. His gaze darted to the door for a second, and he could almost hear the hushed whispers of his friends inside, their curiosity spilling into the hallway like an uninvited guest.

For an hour, he had stood outside, torn between wanting to be part of the merriment and feeling like an outsider.

With every burst of laughter that floated through the door, his heart constricted tighter and his head pounded harder. Each chuckle from inside felt like a stab to his gut, a reminder of what he was missing.

It was only when the ache threatened to overwhelm him that he had decided to knock, seeking answers—answers he feared might only lead to more questions.

*How could his friends trust this woman despite all the proof he had shown them?

Earlier that day, he had even contacted a hacker to dig up more information on Athena’s shady dealings. The hacker had delivered more incriminating evidence than he had anticipated, articles detailing her suspected ties to the Russian mafia.

How could he let such a woman train his children?

Yet, beneath the swirling anger was a nagging desire to understand her—to reason with her about the missteps she had taken on her dark path to fame.

"You will never let me in, will you?" He muttered finally, his voice low as Athena closed the distance, standing only a couple of feet away.

Up close, he noticed her flushed complexion, a telltale sign of her wine indulgence from the evening’s festivities. Her rosy lips, stained deeper with red, looked enticing and made him yearn for a moment he had long since buried.

Focus! He banished the thought, shaking his head internally. He was here for the kids, for his friends—not for memories that

you speak?" He pressed,

Athena finally broke her silence, stepping back just

how you’ll make all of us feel if I let you in," She continued, her voice steady. "You’ll make the atmosphere uncomfortable, and I don’t

as exhaustion draped

the center of a sinister research that has led to the deaths of many, and now it’s the Russian mafia? Where

his tone laced with bitterness. "Somehow, he trusts you

voice was firm, commanding even. "Sandro just stands for the truth, just like Zane. They’re not on your side in this

fire igniting in his eyes. "You’re the one living a lie, Athena. And I’m going

curious smile curved her lips, amusement glinting in her eyes.

determination lining his words. "I can’t wait to have the

demanding full rights, considering you

him like a punch, and he paused, pondering the sting of her accusation. "I would have talked this over with you if not for the truth I discovered about you. If I let you have the children, I would live to regret it

slightly, contemplating. "That’s okay then.

of their conversation came to an end. He stood tall,

the floor, jolting Athena into action. "What’s

weakening as

after her, panic threading through his voice. "Don’t let Sandro and Zane see me like this. I

darting back into the apartment and locking the

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