Chapter 9 Lewis's Charity : Athena let out a small laugh, feeling sorry for the foolish girl she once had been. 68 Finished She moved her wheelchair, ready to turn away, when Lewis's voice came from behind. "Athena." He stepped forward slowly, tall and imposing, blocking her path. Athena looked up at him, her eyes calm and empty. "I know you regret it," Lewis said with confidence. "You don't need to keep making a scene. What I told you yesterday still stands. Move into the villa. Don't stay in that rundown house." With those words, the last bit of feeling Athena had for him vanished completely. That house had belonged to her parents. No matter how old it was, it was still her home. There was nothing left for them to say. "And if I refuse?" Athena asked, her voice steady. Lewis frowned, frustrated. He thought he had already compromised enough, yet she still wouldn't give in. He drew in a breath, like he was making another concession. "Fine. If you won't move in, I'll come to your place two days a week." Athena stayed silent. Since she disagreed, he took another step back. "Three days. That's my final offer." This was his final offer. If she doesn't accept now, then she truly doesn't know her place. Athena almost laughed at the absurdity. She almost laughed at how ridiculous it all was. So Lewis thought he could have it both ways? Did he really see himself as some kind of king, free to drift between two homes as if they were palaces, showing up wherever he pleased? Too bad she wasn't one of his concubines waiting for him to favor her. Her voice turned cold. "Lewis, your arrogance is sickening. We're getting divorced. Go spend your time with Nina." 1/5 14:35 Sat, Oct 18 Chapter 9 Lewis's Charity Let Lewis, Nina, and their child stay locked together. That was where he belonged. "Lewis... "A soft, trembling voice came from behind him. A a 68 Finished Nina stepped out, her eyes shining with tears, her face pale and pitiful. Lewis spun around at once. "Nina, why'd you come out? Didn't I tell you to wait for me in the house?" Athena's lips curled into a mocking smile. She didn't waste another second and left. Nina relaxed the moment Athena was gone. She had been worried sick that Athena might win Lewis back, which was why she had come out to check. And sure enough, Athena had been clinging to him. Nina wrapped her arms around Lewis's neck. "Lewis, now that your mom knows I'm back, will she try to come after me?" His brows tightened. "Don't worry. I'll protect you." Nina leaned in and kissed his cheek. She gave a small pout. "It's all Athena's fault. If she hadn't tattled, your mom never would have found out. She probably still wants you back. She's just trying to play games so you'll give in first!" Lewis thought back to Athena's attitude moments ago. He drew his brows together and spat, "She can dream." Nina's lips curved in a quiet smile. Lewis only used Athena. He would never feel anything more for her. When Lewis finally calmed Nina and returned to find Athena, she was already gone. His face darkened. Just moments ago, she had said they should divorce. What a ridiculous idea. As long as he didn't agree, she would always remain as his wife. Athena drove her motor wheelchair slowly toward the front gate, her mind drifting. For a brief moment, she had enjoyed putting Lewis and Nina in their place. But the feeling faded quickly, leaving her empty again. 2/5 14:35 Sat, Oct 18 Chapter 9 Lewis's Charity 68 Finished This was far from enough. Compared to what Lewis had done to her, this was nothing. "Athena." The clear voice startled her. She turned and saw Teri standing a short distance away, smiling at her. Athena blinked in surprise. "Teri? What are you doing here?" "I live here with Dad!" the girl said brightly. Athena remembered this whole neighborhood was filled with big estates owned by wealthy families. The Storms and the Belmonts were about the same level. Teri ran over, her eyes sparkling. She asked excitedly, "Athena, did you come to see me?" "Oh... not really ... "Athena started, but before she could explain, a tall figure stepped into view. The man wore black dress pants and a white shirt. The simple outfit somehow made him look breathtaking. A leather belt pulled in his slim waist. His long legs carried him with a quiet confidence. He gave off an air of cool distance and high status, like someone far out of reach. It was Zaden. He stopped in front of her. "Looking for Lewis?" he asked casually. Athena felt awkward. She didn't know how to answer. "Didn't go too well, did it?" Zaden added. Athena almost vomited blood at his question. Is he someone who loved to gossip? Did it please him to see me pushed around by Lewis? Her face cooled. She was about to make an excuse to leave when Teri suddenly piped up. "Athena, do you know how to make crafts?" Athena looked at her, puzzled. "A little. Why?" Teri frowned, her little voice filled with worry. "We have a craft project at school. The teacher said we need to make it with our mom. But I don't have a mom." The words dropped like a stone, making everything quiet and awkward. 3/5 14:35 Sat, Oct 18 Chapter 9 Lewis's Charity : 68 Finished Athena glanced at Teri, who sat with her head down, looking so small and pitiful that Athena's heart tightened. Teri was still just a kid. If the teacher wanted every child to work with their mom, she couldn't very well let her dad cheat and do it for her. Now that she had seen Athena, Teri had no one else to ask. Athena lifted her eyes toward Zaden, her look carrying a hint of blame-wasn't this something a father should know? Zaden's deep voice broke the silence. "Teri never told me." Teri looked at Athena, her eyes eager and shining with hope. "Athena, can you help me?" Without thinking, Athena nodded. "Sure." Ten minutes later, Athena was inside Storm Villa. The place was so quiet it almost felt empty. No housekeepers bustled around-just Zaden and his daughter living here. Zaden handed Athena a glass of water himself. He must have seen her puzzlement, because he explained, "I let the staff go. I'm still looking for someone new to help with Teri." Athena thought of the times Teri had gotten sick. Probably triggered by outside causes. In wealthy families, these things weren't unusual. No wonder Zaden had chosen to handle things this way. Athena didn't want to get caught up in their family matters, so she simply raised the glass and took a sip. Soon Teri returned, carrying small scissors and a pile of bright-colored paper. She spread it across the table and said, "Athena, the teacher wants us to make a picture with these." It was a simple craft project, nothing challenging for Athena. Athena smiled. "Alright. I'll cut the pieces, and you can glue them on. Deal?" "Deal!" Teri's face lit up with a happy grin. Athena picked up the scissors, but then she noticed Zaden watching her. She paused and asked, "Is something wrong?" Caught staring, Zaden didn't even flinch. Instead, a faint smile tugged at his lips. "Nothing's wrong. I just thought... He stopped for a second, then said openly, "Ms. Hall, you're very patient with kids."