Chapter 109 She Wishes She Can Beat Byron Up
“You’re so shameless,” Athena said through gritted teeth, her voice shaking with anger.
Byron, unbothered, calmly helped her button up her shirt. “You’re the only one who knows just how shameless I can be.”
The red mark on her skin slowly disappeared beneath the fabric of her green shirt—but Byron wasn’t satisfied. His gaze lingered.
He leaned in, brushing her hair aside, and placed a lingering kiss just below her ear, right on another faint mark.
Athena stiffened, her expression filled with fury. In that moment, she genuinely wished she could claw at his throat.
“Enough,” she snapped.
“Now I’m satisfied,” he said, finally pulling back with a smug expression.
“Get out,” Athena hissed, lifting her leg to push him away.
Byron easily caught it, and with a smooth motion, guided it around his waist. Her face flushed deep red.
Athena had always been quick-witted and composed in business, but when it came to Byron’s relentless audacity—especially in moments like this—she found herself outmatched. He was simply too brazen, too domineering.
“Be good,” he murmured, pressing a soft kiss to the cheek she had bruised earlier. A dull ache followed, but there was also unexpected tenderness in his touch.
“No matter what happens,” he said gently, “I’ll protect you.”
Something about the way he said it pierced through her walls. When someone carried a deep injustice, knowing there was at least one person who would take their side—no matter what—was powerful.
She found herself asking quietly, “If something really had happened to Mrs. Alivia Crawford… what would you have done?”
Byron didn’t hesitate. “I don’t know.”
Then his voice dropped an octave, more serious.
“But I know I wouldn’t have let you go.”
Athena swallowed hard.
“What happened today… it could’ve been Mrs. Lola Crawford’s doing. If I stay by your side, things like that will keep happening. Have you thought about that?”
Byron pulled her closer and held her hand firmly.
“She won’t get another chance,” he said. “I promise you that.”
Athena didn’t answer. She rested her chin on his shoulder. Her body was still, her eyes half-closed. She wasn’t crying—but she looked so, so tired.
She was willing to face any challenge in her career. But drama like this… schemes, suspicions, heartbreaks—these were exhausting. Pointless. Fruitless.
Byron gently stroked her back in a rare, comforting gesture. For a fleeting moment, they shared a calm.
But it didn’t last.
A knock sounded at the door.
Athena instinctively pushed him away.
Byron said nothing, but his expression turned dark again.
“Who is it?” he asked coldly.
“Byron, Grandma is awake… and she wants to see Miss Newton,” came Heather’s voice from the other side.
Athena immediately recalled Byron’s earlier words: Are we more inappropriate now?
She sighed. “I’ll go.”
She made a move to get down from the table, but Byron’s arm curled around her waist, holding her still.
“What are you doing?” she asked under her breath.
He didn’t reply. He just stood there, blocking her path with his silent, overbearing presence.
Athena clenched her fists. She wanted to punch him.
Heather was right outside, yet he wouldn’t let her go. What did he think she was—his prisoner?
So she made a decision.
She leaned forward and kissed him—just a light peck on the lips.
Then she tried to pull back.
But Byron caught her, deepening the kiss, stealing a few seconds more with reckless desire.
Athena shoved at his chest, hitting him hard until he finally let her go.
She jumped down, straightened her clothes, and walked to the door with firm strides. Her face was still flushed when she opened it.
Heather was waiting, her expression calm and courteous. “How’s your cheek? Does it still hurt?”
Athena managed a faint smile. “It’s fine. I’ll go see Mrs. Alivia Crawford now.”
With that, she walked off without another word.
A moment later, Byron stepped out of the room as well, his shirt slightly rumpled but his expression unreadable.