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.

in remarks about inflation, global markets, the recent merge talks

dessert, ignoring the menace thick in the air. She focused on the sugar crust cracking under her spoon, the taste of it on her

throat. "We have to leave," he said

teeth. "It

stiff nods and

Antonio was not pleased.

alone, voice low but firm.

and smoothing

see them," he said, watching her. "You’ll be working with them.

"Pretending would’ve been a waste of my

rubbing his

She stopped, waiting.

They were out of line. I just... I don’t

for a moment. Then,

in silence, but it wasn’t hostile. Just full.

before he began kissing her — soft at first, then deeper. His

The kids. Her stomach twisted with

gently, breath catching. "I

didn’t

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

The phone rang twice.

"Hey, Mom. You are calling

to hear your voice.

switched the camera. "Sort

her tiny arm

asleep, shirt half-buttoned, her

the night? The image froze her. Ewan, asleep with her daughter on his chest, like

she whispered, even though she knew. She will know that body shape anywhere, even in

he read

couldn’t speak

do you want me to

A pause. "Go to bed, Nate. I will see you tomorrow,

Mom, goodnight. Send my regards

And she

The call ended.

Her heart — tugged in two directions again. She could feel the tension between her ribs, the

walked back

out of the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist. "Finally,"

the moment

tired," Athena

energy draining from

reply. Just went to the bed, slid under the sheets, back

stood still for a moment,

air between them — tight with disappointment —

image burned behind her eyes: Ewan’s sleeping form, and Kate

*****

came for him when he least

door to his cell groaned open, letting in a shaft of dim, flickering light. Alfonso blinked against

guard who stepped in wore a mask —