Chapter 13 The Last Piece of Advice Nina patted Dion's back gently, her voice soft and sweet. "Don't be afraid, Dion. From now on, I'll be your mom." 68 Finished Athena watched the scene and almost laughed. She had never been Dion's real mother, but she had never doubted him either. From the very beginning, she treated him as her son. She nursed him, taught him to talk, fed him at the table, and held his hands as he learned to walk. Athena watched him grow from babbling his first words to calling her "Mom." Day after day, night after night, she never slacked, not even once. No matter how stubborn or wild Dion got, she had never raised a hand against him. But today was different. Today, when Dion burned the only thing her father had left her- calling it nothing but trash-she lost control. She finally struck him. "How could you lay a hand on a child?" Nina scolded, standing tall as if she held the moral high ground. "He was just being a little naughty, and you hit him. If Lewis finds out you struck his son, he'll be furious!" Athena's expression stayed cold. Her voice, rough and worn, cut through the room. "I raised my hand because he acted after you instructed him to." Nina didn't flinch. She stood tall, not the least bit guilty, as if she had done nothing wrong. Athena's voice stayed calm and flat, like water with no ripples. "You don't have to go through all this trouble," she said quietly. "I was never fighting you for Lewis." Then she gave a small, bitter smile. "I don't want him." At that moment, Nina's eyes flicked past Athena's shoulder. The arrogance on her face shifted instantly. She rushed forward, her voice trembling into a pitiful cry. "Lewis, you're finally home!" She cried, her voice breaking into sobs. "Athena barged in today and started trouble. She hit Dion for no reason!" She threw herself into Lewis's arms, tears spilling down her cheeks. She lifted her hand, pitiful and trembling, to show him her palm. There, lying in the center, were pieces of a shattered jewel. Nina wiped her tears. "And that's not all. S-she saw the necklace around my neck, got jealous, C 14:36 Sat, Oct 18 Chapter 13 The Last Piece of Advice : and snatched it away. Then she threw it down and broke it." 68 Finished Athena looked at the necklace Nina had been flaunting just moments ago, now turned into evidence for her little act. She almost laughed. Nina really spared no expense to play the victim. Lewis's face darkened in anger as he listened. Rage burned across his features. What was Athena thinking? Has she lost her mind? He gently patted Nina's back to calm her, then glared at Athena. His voice was cold. "Athena, what are you trying to pull? Yesterday I gave in and agreed to let you live outside. Now you show up here making a scene again?" Just then, Dion ran up behind Lewis. He tilted his head, showing his cheek pitifully. "Dad, she hit me right here. My face is numb. It hurts so much!" With mother and son accusing her and Lewis already condemning her without asking a single question, Athena felt strangely calm. Maybe it was because all her emotions and anger had already been spent. She had nothing left for Lewis-no hope, no expectations. Her voice came out cold, sharper than ice. "Why don't you ask what they did to me?" Lewis frowned. He had lived with Athena for eight years. He knew her well enough. She was direct, yes, but always steady and calm. It wasn't like her to strike first. Athena tucked the last torn piece of paper into her pocket. Then she picked up her crutch and slowly headed downstairs. When she reached Lewis, she stopped and looked up at him. Their eyes met. Hers were cold and distant, with no trace of the feelings she once held for him. She looked at him the way a stranger would. A strange unease crept into Lewis's chest. Had I misunderstood her? He opened his mouth to speak, but Athena was quicker. "If you want Dion to inherit your property, don't let him stay close to Nina. Otherwise, he'll be ruined for life." 2/3 14:36 Sat, Oct 18 Chapter 13 The Last Piece of Advice : Dion's cruel words were his own, but Nina's influence couldn't be ignored. Athena still believed the boy could change. 68 Finished That was the last bit of motherly feeling she had left for him. It was also her final warning to Lewis. She said no more. She brushed past him and walked away. Lewis felt panic rise inside him as she left. Was there really some mistake? He wanted to stop her and find out what was happening. But before he could move, Nina let out a soft cry. Her body went limp. She fainted. Lewis panicked the moment he saw her faint. He quickly scooped her up in his arms and rushed downstairs in a hurry. "Athena, wait. When Nina wakes up, we'll clear this up." Send Gifts 150 1 3/3 14:36 Sat, Oct 18 From Betrayal to Brilliance: Her Rise to a New Life