Chapter 11 Nina Returns the Favor Nina sent over a picture. 68 Finished It looked like it was taken quickly, almost without thought-an old, yellowed sheet of letter paper. Athena instantly called Nina. On the other end, Nina picked up right away, as if she'd been expecting the call. "Hello, Athena. Did you see what I sent you?" She didn't waste her time and barked, "Where did you get that? Give it back to me right now!" Her chest rose and fell quickly. Her knuckles turned white as she gripped the phone. That letter was handwritten by her father. It was one of the few things he left behind after he passed away. Nina chuckled softly. "Oh, so this is yours? They found it when they cleaned up your condo. It was locked in the safe." She added with a sly tone, "You should be thankful the safe protected it for you. Otherwise, it would've been destroyed in the fire." Nina's voice turned sharper. "If you want it back, there's only one way. You divorce Lewis today, and I'll return it to you. Deal?" Athena drew in a long breath and forced herself to calm down. Then she laughed coldly. "So after eight years of hiding in the shadows as his lover, you finally couldn't hold it in anymore?" "You're talking nonsense!" Nina snapped, her voice breaking with anger. "Don't try to change the subject. Show up at the villa this afternoon to sign the divorce papers." Athena's eyes narrowed. Athena narrowed her eyes. She hadn't expected Nina to make a move like this. But if she could use Nina to finally end her marriage with Lewis, that might actually work in her favor. She didn't hesitate. "Fine." Later that day, Athena arrived at the villa. 14:36 Sat, Oct 18 Chapter 11 Nina Returns the Favor : 468 68 Finished When she reached the front door, she noticed it wasn't closed. From inside, soft piano music drifted out. Her face tensed. Leaning on her crutch, she limped through the doorway. In the center of the living room stood a grand piano worth a fortune. Nina, dressed in a flowing white dress, sat at the bench. Her fingers danced lightly across the keys, fluttering like butterflies. Athena stood in silence, her expression cold, watching her play. Only when Nina finally finished did she rise, looking pleased with herself. She turned, feigning surprise at Athena's presence. A smile curved her lips. "Athena, you came." Athena's expression didn't change. She didn't bother with pleasantries. "Where's what I came for?" Nina seemed to enjoy holding the upper hand. She strolled over to the sofa and sat down with ease. "Since you're here as a guest, why don't you take a seat and have some tea?" As she spoke, her fingers brushed against the necklace at her neck, a gesture full of quiet pride. Athena's eyes narrowed when she noticed the sapphire necklace around Nina's neck. Nina smirked and asked, "Don't you think this necklace looks familiar?" Of course it did. Last year had been Athena and Lewis's seventh wedding anniversary. Lewis had gone out of his way to buy this very necklace, an extravagant gift for her birthday. She had treasured it, carefully locking it away in its case. Now, Nina was wearing the exact same one. Athena let out a sharp laugh. Lewis really was good at keeping both sides happy. Lewis was always busy with work. Every year on her birthday, he would leave halfway through the celebration because of some urgent call. She always ended up blowing out her candles alone. Maybe last year was the only time he stayed through the whole thing. That gift had felt so rare and precious because of it. She thought this year would be the same. Athena had prepared everything in advance, only to end up caught in a gas explosion. And when she looked up through the chaos, she saw Lewis 14:36 Sat, Oct 18 Chapter 11 Nina Returns the Favor rushing to hold Nina, frantic to get her into the ambulance. So that was what it looked like when he truly cared about someone. Nina's smile deepened. "But you know, your sapphire necklace is fake." 68 Finished She tilted her head in mock pity. "Lewis may have bought the real one, but he gave you the copy. This one on my neck-it's the real thing." Athena frowned at the revelation. Her body froze, her heart aching. She had thought Lewis treated her and Nina the same. But no-what mattered to him was Nina. To Athena, he gave only half-hearted gestures, tossing her scraps as if that was enough to make her happy. She had guarded that gift like it was priceless. Now it only made her feel foolish. For all she knew, Lewis and Nina had been laughing at her behind her back for a long time. Athena drifted in thought. She told herself not to care, but the sorrow kept rising inside her, wave after wave. "Athena," Nina said lightly, "last time you told Bridget I was staying here. She chewed me out because of it. Don't you think it's only fair I return the favor?" At those words, Athena's expression hardened, her guard snapping into place. "Mom!" Dion's voice came from upstairs. Athena lifted her eyes toward the boy at once. Send Gifts 名 150 14:36 Sat, Oct 18 From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life