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

Chapter 364: Disrupted Dinner II

Pleasantries were exchanged with the exact politeness expected at formal dinners.

Jonathan and Marianne— Cedric’s parents — stepped forward with plastered smiles, but their eyes said something else entirely.

Athena could feel them scan her boldly from head to toe, eyes flicking over her gown, her makeup, the way she sat. It wasn’t admiration. It was an audit.

"So," Mrs. Thorne started, her smile so tight it barely touched her eyes. "Still practicing medicine, dear?"

Athena nodded once, not betraying an inch of emotion. "Yes. I still see patients during the week."

Jonathan interjected, adjusting the edge of his silk cuff as a waiter placed a plate before him. "And you plan to keep doing that... while handling business?" His tone made it sound ridiculous, like asking if she planned to juggle knives and solve algebra equations at the same time.

"I believe I can do both," Athena replied, raising her glass for a slow sip. "But ultimately, it’s up to Grandfather. If he wills me the legacy, I’ll run it."

The table froze for a second. The moment had the weight of a prophecy.

A practiced chorus of congratulations followed, but the flatness of their voices gave them away. Cedric’s father blinked slowly, drawing in a controlled breath. His mind was elsewhere — she could feel it.

If it were up to me, she’d still be on the street, forgotten like a clerical error.

She talks about running an empire like it’s scheduling a manicure.

Doesn’t even know the sacrifices Cedric made. Or the way we shaped him for this...

Mrs. Thorne’s thoughts were no better.

She’ll ruin it all. A stranger, parading in as if she belongs...

What does she know of company politics? Of legacy? Of hosting foreign dignitaries?

She’s... capable, maybe, but she’s not one of us.

"We’d love for you to visit," Mrs. Thorne added, voice dripping sweet poison. "During the week, before the party to be exact. Just to catch up properly. It would be nice."

"I’ll think about it," Athena said with a smile so calm it cut.

Their silence, thick with disapproval, didn’t daunt her. She continued eating with perfect poise as another waiter swept in with wine and fresh bread.

Then came the stories — Cedric’s childhood, how old Mr. Thorne had taken him to board meetings as a boy, how he gave his first speech at sixteen. Jonathan spoke with forced humility, but there was a pointed gleam in his eye every time he said "groomed for leadership" or "naturally gifted."

Athena smiled at intervals. Calm, passive. Like a lioness sunbathing, watching monkeys chatter.

Antonio remained polite, quiet, his hand occasionally brushing hers under the table in silent encouragement. But Athena didn’t need encouragement. She needed restraint. Her every smile was measured.

Then came the dagger.

Mrs. Thorne leaned forward, tone light as whipped cream. "And your college years? I do remember the news that circled the socials a few months ago. You were called..." She gave a soft, pitying chuckle. "An illiterate street girl, was it?"

Antonio’s fork paused mid-air.

Athena didn’t blink. "You’re a bit too old, madam, to believe rumors."

The pause after her words was icy. Mrs. Thorne’s smile faltered just slightly — not enough for scandal, but enough to mark the wound.

to revive it, tossing in remarks about inflation, global markets, the recent merge

the air. She focused on the sugar crust cracking under her

father cleared his throat. "We have to leave," he said stiffly.

all teeth. "It was so nice

left with stiff nods and careful glances

Antonio was not pleased.

were alone, voice low but firm. "You didn’t have to be

blunt," Athena replied, rising and smoothing her dress. "I

could’ve pretended to be happy to see them," he said, watching her. "You’ll be working

clutch. "Pretending would’ve been a waste of my energy. I’m

rubbing

She stopped, waiting.

just enough. "I’m sorry. You were right. They were out of line. I just... I don’t want this to be harder than it has to

for a moment. Then,

them home in silence, but it

in, Antonio barely waited for the door to close before he began kissing her — soft at first, then deeper. His hands on her waist, his mouth near her

was elsewhere. The kids. Her stomach

gently, breath catching. "I need to call

didn’t protest. "I’ll go

bed, pulling out her phone. She shouldn’t be calling this late — she’d told Nathaniel to always be in bed before

The phone rang twice.

but smiling. "Hey, Mom. You are calling

sweetheart. Just had to hear your voice. Where’s Kathleen?

switched the camera.

breath caught. Kate lay curled like a kitten; her tiny arm flung

shirt half-buttoned, her daughter’s

He stayed the night? The image froze her. Ewan, asleep with her daughter on his

will know that body shape anywhere,

wouldn’t sleep till he read

couldn’t speak for a

want me

quietly. "It’s fine." A pause. "Go to bed, Nate. I will see

goodnight. Send my regards to

And

The call ended.

stared at the dark screen. Her heart — tugged in two directions again. She could feel the

back to the

a towel wrapped around his waist. "Finally," he murmured, walking

moment was

tired," Athena said softly.

face dropped, the energy draining from him.

Just went to the bed, slid

moment, then sighed and

— tight with disappointment — lingered until the lights

even in the darkness, Athena could see the image burned behind her eyes: Ewan’s sleeping

*****

for him when he

his cell groaned open, letting in a shaft of dim, flickering light. Alfonso blinked against it, shielding his eyes with trembling fingers. It had been so long since

mask — blank, unreadable — and said