Chapter 115 Despicable Actions
After Rose’s departure, Athena stood still, her gaze cold as she swept over the Crawford family members. Her voice, steady and unflinching, broke the oppressive silence.
“Since the video captured those two children, it will be much easier to investigate and locate them,” Athena said. Her tone turned sharp, a quiet threat hanging in the air. “Regardless of how long it takes, Mr. Crawford will find out the truth. It’s better for you to come forward and confess. Let’s save each other’s time.”
Karen, still fuming from the earlier tension, sneered at Athena. Her voice dripped with disdain as she lashed out, “Athena, who do you think you are, meddling in the Crawford family’s business? To put it bluntly, you’re just a dog to the Crawford family. Everyone here is your master, and you’re barking recklessly in front of your masters…”
Athena’s expression remained stoic as Karen’s insults grew sharper. The anger within Karen surged uncontrollably, and she began venting her frustrations on Athena. But before Karen could utter more venomous words, a piercing gaze fell upon her, sharp and unforgiving.
Karen’s words faltered, and she turned toward Byron, who stood across the room, his eyes like icy daggers.
Byron’s voice was low and cold, cutting through the tension like a blade. “I’ve indeed been too indulgent.”
Athena’s chest tightened at his words. He was siding with the Crawford family, making it clear where his loyalty lay.
Karen, emboldened by Byron’s response, suddenly perked up, a manic energy rushing through her. “Yeah, that’s right! She shouldn’t be so arrogant!”
But Byron’s reply sent a shiver down her spine. His voice turned frigid, each word carrying weight. “I’m talking about you.”
Karen’s smug smile faltered instantly, her face draining of color. “W-What do you mean?” she stammered, her confidence slipping away.
Byron took a step forward, his tone deliberate and unyielding. “From now on, the Crawford family and Imbe Group will terminate all cooperation with your husband and son. They can forget about any future collaborations with the Crawford family and Imbe Group.”
Karen froze. Her mind struggled to process what she had just heard. “No, this can’t be! Byron, we’re family!” she pleaded, her voice rising in panic.
Byron’s gaze didn’t soften. “I warned you to be kinder to Athena in the future. If you don’t listen, you’re asking for trouble.”
Athena’s heart sank. A wave of emotion rushed over her, mixing with confusion and bitterness. She had known Byron’s ties to the Crawford family, but this was the first time she felt so distant, so secondary in his eyes.
Karen, on the verge of tears, turned to Lola for support. “Lola, say something!” she begged, her voice raw with desperation.
Lola, however, remained eerily silent, her face pale as she processed the turn of events. Right now, it seemed she couldn’t even protect herself, let alone Karen.
Seeing Lola’s silence, Karen’s eyes darted desperately toward Athena, her mind racing. Without warning, she lunged at Athena, grabbing her arm. “Miss Newton, I shouldn’t have said such things. Sometimes I speak without thinking. Can you help me talk to Byron? If we lose the business, my husband will kill me!”
Byron, having observed the whole scene, reached out and pulled Athena closer to him, his hand possessively around her waist. “Miss Newton,” he said, his voice colder than before. “You’re not the one at fault here. Let me handle this.”
Before Athena could respond, Heather walked into the room, her gaze sharp as she took in the unfolding drama.
“What’s going on here?” Heather asked, her eyes flicking from one person to the next, confusion and curiosity evident on her face.
Karen, as though seeing a lifeline, rushed toward Heather. Her face twisted with false distress as she latched onto Heather’s arm. “Miss Ross! Just now, Miss Newton disrespected her elders, so I scolded her. Now Mr. Crawford wants to sever all cooperation with our family, and we won’t have any future business! Can you speak on my behalf?”
Athena, visibly tired of the charade, interrupted with a chilling calmness. “So, is anyone ready to confess now?” Her words rang out in the tense air.
Karen’s crying abruptly stopped. The weight of Athena’s question hung heavily in the room, her eyes sharp and unyielding.
“If not, I will report it to the police,” Athena added, her voice unwavering.
Lola’s face twisted in disbelief. “Report it?” she echoed, her voice incredulous. “Are you trying to tarnish the reputation of the Crawford family?”
Athena’s gaze sharpened, a flash of coldness in her eyes. “Do you also consider it a scandal?” she asked, turning her attention to Karen. “I think so too. The person behind this is despicable. If they have a problem with me, they should confront me directly. Targeting the elderly is truly despicable.”
Karen’s face blanched. The accusation hung in the air like an unspoken truth.
The Crawford family, for all their wealth and power, were not immune to the reckoning Athena had brought them. The truth was inching closer, and there was no escaping the consequences.