Chapter 12 Dion's Betrayal This was the first time Athena had seen Dion since she learned the truth. For eight years, she had raised him as her son, believing he was her flesh and blood. But eventually, he was Nina's child. Dion's face twisted with disgust as he glared down at her. He grumbled, "I was sick in the hospital. Why didn't you come see me?" Athena's voice was cold. "Isn't Nina your mom? You have her; that should be enough." Nina's eyes narrowed. For a moment, she thought Athena had already discovered that Dion was her son. But no-it must have been coincidence. If Athena had really known, she would have found out long ago. 68 Finished Dion's anger exploded at her answer. He shouted, "Because you didn't come, Nina stayed with me the whole time! She told me you were too strict before. You never let me eat spicy food, and now I'm allergic to peppers. This is all your fault!" His little fists clenched, and his voice grew harsher. "And you bad-mouthed Nina in front of Grandma, making her yell at her. You're nothing but a mean old witch!" Athena stared at Dion, stunned by the disgust written all over his face. Her eyes grew red. For eight years she had cared for him. Eight years of feeding him, teaching him, and comforting him through tantrums. And yet, Nina's words alone were enough to turn him against her. He believed everything Nina said. People always claimed the love of raising a child was greater than the love of giving birth. Now Athena finally understood how false that could be. What she saw in front of her was nothing but an ungrateful child. Her chest tightened. A metallic taste rose in her throat. Dion sneered, "Since you hurt Nina, then I'll take revenge for her!" He pulled a folded letter from his pocket and flicked open a lighter. Athena's pupils shrank sharply. It felt as if the blood in her veins froze in that instant. 1/3 14:36 Sat, Oct 18 Chapter 12 Dion's Betrayal "No... don't..." 68 Finished Ignoring the pain in her injured leg, she grabbed her crutch and stumbled up the stairs in a desperate rush. A sharp pain shot through Athena's leg, but she didn't care. All she wanted was to make sure her father's letter was still safe. By the time she reached the second floor, the letter was already burning down to its last corner. Without thinking, she slapped at the flames, ignoring the sting of the heat. She managed to put it out, but only scraps were left. Dion stood with his hands on his hips, cold and smug as he watched her frantic efforts. He snorted, "See? Now you know you were mistaken. Hurry up and apologize to Nina!" He looked proud, certain that he had her cornered. Nina told him this letter mattered most to Athena. If he destroyed it, she would do whatever he wanted. Athena's eyes burned red. She held the torn, blackened paper as if it were treasure. Only a few scattered words were still clear, written by her father's own hand. It was the blessing he had written for her eighteenth birthday-a letter she had kept as her last piece of warmth from him. Now, Dion had turned it to ashes. "Didn't you hear me? I said, "Apologize to Nina!" Dion's voice was cold. His face twisted with annoyance that Athena didn't seem to care about his demand. What's going on? Nina told me this letter was everything to Mom. If I burned it, she's supposed to listen. She was supposed to give in... even say sorry for not visiting me at the hospital. "Dion Belmont!" Athena looked up at him with reddened eyes. Her voice was sharp. "Didn't I teach you to respect other people? You never destroy what belongs to someone else!" Dion flinched at her anger, fear flashing across his face. He shrank a little. Still, he refused to admit fault. It was only a piece of old paper. Why should she be mad? She had always spoiled me no matter what I had done. 14:36 Sat, Oct 18 Chapter 12 Dion's Betrayal She didn't even come see me when I was sick, and I didn't make a big deal about it. So why does she get to be mad at me now? 68 Finished Dion lifted his chin and gave a cold snort. "It's just a piece of trash. Who cares if it burned? And now you dare yell at me? I'm telling Dad!" That was no trash. It was her father's memory. Athena snapped. Her hand came down across Dion's cheek with a sharp slap. The sound froze the air. Dion's eyes went wide in shock. He couldn't believe she had actually hit him. Slowly, he touched his cheek, then broke into loud, bitter sobs. "You hit me! I hate you! You're not my mom anymore-I don't want you to be my mom!" "Athena! How dare you lay a hand on him!" Nina's voice rang out as she rushed upstairs. Her heart ached as she pulled Dion into her arms, holding him close. Dion buried his face against her, crying harder, his words jagged and raw. "Nina, she hit me! She's never hit me before! I don't want her as my mom anymore. She's a cruel witch! She's not my mom!" Send Gifts 150 合 க W 14:36 Sat, Oct 18 From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life