Chapter 135 Shrew
Byron’s hand froze mid-air as he saw Athena’s reaction, her body tense with discomfort. He furrowed his brow in confusion, his eyes darting between her and the commotion happening just moments ago. The security guards were still struggling to restrain Ruby, who was shouting and cursing, but the noise faded as Byron focused on Athena’s distant demeanor.
“Athena?” Byron’s voice softened, his concern palpable as he took a step closer.
Athena stood still for a moment, struggling to maintain her composure. Her heart was racing, the recent events swirling in her mind—Ruby’s accusations, her own sense of helplessness in the face of the drama. She could feel the weight of Byron’s gaze on her, and it made her feel vulnerable, exposed.
“I’m fine,” she finally said, her voice low but steady. She forced herself to meet his eyes, trying to push the tumult of emotions aside.
Byron’s expression softened. “You don’t look fine,” he replied, taking another step toward her, his concern deepening. His hand hovered again, as though he wanted to reach out but didn’t want to overstep. “Did she hurt you?”
Athena hesitated before shaking her head. “No,” she said quietly, but her voice lacked conviction. She knew Ruby’s words had stung more deeply than she let on. The way Ruby had called her a “vixen,” the accusations about her relationship with Byron, they were hard to brush off. They felt too close to truths she wasn’t ready to confront.
Byron looked at her for a moment, his sharp eyes taking in her tense posture. “Then what’s going on?” he asked, his voice gentler now.
Athena’s gaze flickered to the floor before she sighed, the weight of the situation pressing down on her. “Ruby… she just… she has a way of pushing all the wrong buttons.”
Byron clenched his jaw. “You know she’s been causing trouble, don’t you? She can’t seem to leave you alone.”
Athena nodded, her eyes briefly flickering to Ruby, who was now being escorted out by security. The woman’s hateful glare burned into her back, and for a split second, Athena felt a knot form in her stomach.
“She’s crazy,” Athena muttered, the words falling out bitterly. “But I’m tired of dealing with her. I have to focus on my own work, not her petty games.”
Byron’s eyes softened. He wanted to reach out, to comfort her, but he didn’t want to push her further. “If you ever need me to handle it, Athena, just say the word.”
Athena glanced up at him, a small flicker of gratitude in her eyes, but she quickly masked it with a practiced indifference. “I can handle it.”
Byron studied her for a moment, his brows furrowed. He didn’t like seeing her like this—so closed off, so guarded. It frustrated him, and part of him wanted to insist on taking more control over the situation. But something in her stance told him that wasn’t what she needed right now. She needed space.
The elevator dinged, and Athena stepped forward, her face set in determination. “I’ll see you later,” she said, her tone final.
Byron didn’t respond immediately, watching her go with a mixture of frustration and concern. He could see the walls she’d put up, but he couldn’t figure out how to break them down.
As the elevator doors closed, Athena leaned against the wall inside, exhaling deeply. Ruby’s words echoed in her mind, poisoning her thoughts. “You’ll destroy his marriage.”
Did Ruby really believe that? Or was she just trying to create more chaos in Athena’s life? Either way, it stung, and Athena knew she would have to face these demons sooner or later. But right now, all she wanted was to get through the day without more drama.
She let the elevator descend, the weight of everything pressing on her chest, and braced herself for what was still to come.