Chapter 121 Affected by Progestational Hormones
Inside the private room, the atmosphere was surprisingly cozy, yet there was a strange tension beneath the surface. Rose, ever the confident and charismatic figure, quickly ordered the food she and Jaxson preferred. Athena, sitting across from her, ordered two dishes, both light, and made sure to specify that no green onion, coriander, or nuts be added.
As she handed the menu back to the waiter, she noticed the puzzled look on Rose’s face.
“Mr. Crawford, don’t you order?” Rose asked, her curiosity piqued.
Byron, without missing a beat, responded with an air of pride, “What she ordered is what I like.”
Athena’s fingers tightened for a brief moment, an unexpected stiffness running through her. Every time they went out to eat, she was always the one to order, tailoring the dishes to Byron’s preferences, ensuring his dislikes were avoided. It had become second nature to her over the five years they’d spent together.
But now, there was a subtle shift in the dynamic, and Athena couldn’t ignore the discomfort creeping in.
Rose, perceptive as always, seemed to pick up on Athena’s unease. She took a moment, observing Athena’s response before speaking again.
“Why do you only order what he wants? What about you? Don’t you have any dishes you like?” Rose’s question cut through the air, and Athena felt a pang of something unfamiliar—perhaps guilt, or frustration. It was a small thing, but it stirred something inside her.
Athena quickly masked the emotion, forcing a smile. “How could that be? I think the dishes you ordered will be tasty,” she replied, trying to smooth over the sudden shift in the conversation.
Rose, ever the warm and gentle presence, smiled back with affection. “Athena, it seems that we are destined to meet. We have similar tastes!”
Byron’s gaze sharpened. He had noticed the growing closeness between the two women, and the casual way Rose had praised Athena didn’t sit well with him. He hadn’t taken Rose’s earlier offer to have Athena work for her seriously, but now… something didn’t feel right.
Rose was known for her sharp business acumen and the rumors that had followed her for years—she was seeking a capable heir outside her family. The wealthy families, eager to win her favor, sent their children to her, hoping to secure her mentorship. But Rose had only just met Athena. What could possibly be driving her interest in Athena? And why did it seem so… personal?
Byron’s thoughts turned inward as he watched Rose’s gaze linger on Athena, her affection for the younger woman almost too obvious. There was something more beneath the surface. Byron couldn’t put his finger on it, but he felt an unease he couldn’t shake.
Despite his growing suspicion, Athena enjoyed the evening. Rose’s erudition, her gentle demeanor, and her engaging conversation left Athena feeling physically and mentally comfortable. For a moment, the tension from earlier melted away, and Athena found herself laughing and chatting freely.
After the meal, Athena, as always, took the initiative to pay the bill, much to Byron and Rose’s surprise. Jaxson, however, remained focused on his food, oblivious to the dynamics at play.
As they settled into a more casual moment, Rose leaned back in her chair, sipping on lemonade to cleanse her palate. Her tone shifted, becoming more pointed as she observed Athena once again.
“Mr. Crawford,” Rose began, her voice smooth and unwavering, “Athena is so excellent and well-bred.” She paused, letting the words linger. “Men always have the idea of flirting with different women at the same time in their nature. In my opinion, with your status and identity, you can find any woman you want. Why don’t you just give Athena to me? Maybe she can make some achievements in other places?”
Her bluntness hit Athena like a cold splash of water. Rose was no longer beating around the bush. She had already made her conclusions—Athena and Byron were more than just secretary and president. Athena, though she hadn’t said it out loud, was aware of the unspoken bond between them. And Rose, it seemed, had caught on.
Byron’s response was immediate, resolute. “I’m sorry, Madam Stella. She will be the president of the new energy subsidiary of Imbe Group soon.”
Rose’s eyes never wavered as she looked at Byron, unperturbed by his rejection. “And then?” she asked, her gaze intense, as if she could see right through him. “Mr. Crawford, you’re going to get married soon. Most people in this world are superficial. Even if she becomes president, no matter how competent she is, people will always curse her if she is by your side. I don’t know how many people would call her a third party on moral grounds. What’s worse, all her achievements, in others’ eyes, will be due to you.”
Athena’s chest tightened at Rose’s words. The sting of truth hung in the air, leaving a bitter aftertaste. She had always known that being close to Byron could bring unwanted attention, but hearing it spoken so plainly by Rose made it feel more real, more suffocating.
Byron’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t respond immediately. His mind was racing as he processed Rose’s statement. There was no denying that what Rose said held a certain amount of weight. The public perception of Athena—and their relationship—wasn’t something he had fully considered in the past.
But that didn’t mean he would allow Rose to interfere. Not like this.