Chapter 154 Improper Relationship
Lola was seething with disbelief as she left Byron’s office. Her pride had been trampled before everyone in the office—her own son had humiliated her in front of all those people. It was like a slap to her ego that she couldn’t ignore, no matter how much she tried to hold her composure.
“Very good!” she spat, her voice dripping with venom as she glanced back at Athena. She was still standing there, protected by Byron, the very man who should’ve been her ally, her son. Lola turned on her heel, knowing she could no longer stand the sight of the scene unfolding before her.
As she walked out, she caught the curious eyes of the employees who had witnessed everything. Her high self-esteem, which had once been her greatest weapon, now lay in the dust, crushed by the weight of the moment.
Lola gritted her teeth in frustration, her mind whirling. If I had known things would turn out like this, I might as well have kept Freya!
She and Alivia had fought tooth and nail to drive Freya out, and now, after all their efforts, Lola had to face the humiliation of being replaced by her own son’s “substitute.”
But Lola wasn’t the type to give up. She was vindictive. And Athena would pay for this—she was certain of it.
We’ll see who’s laughing in the end, Athena.
After Lola left, Byron turned to Athena, his gaze softening just a little.
“Come to my office,” he said with a quiet, commanding tone.
“Okay,” Athena replied, not missing a beat.
They walked into the Office of the President together, and Athena closed the door behind them. Byron settled onto the couch, his posture relaxed. He motioned for her to come closer.
Athena walked over and stopped in front of him.
“It was a justifiable defense just now,” she said, confirming with him what had already been evident.
Byron nodded, his expression thoughtful. “Okay. Well done. And in the future, if anyone dares to fight you, you should fight back directly.”
Athena raised an eyebrow in surprise. That was unexpected praise, but she felt a surge of something warm. It was rare for Byron to give such open support, especially after everything.
Then, Byron said something that made her heart skip a beat.
“I have nothing to do tonight. Let’s go to the movies,” he said with a teasing glint in his eyes, reaching out to take her hand and giving it a gentle squeeze.
“A movie?” Athena blinked, a little caught off guard.
Byron nodded, giving her a soft smile. “Yeah. We’ve been together for so long, and we’ve never seen a movie in the cinema together.”
Athena tried to withdraw her hand, but Byron’s grip tightened, keeping it firmly in his.
“You choose what movie to watch,” he added, almost like a challenge.
“No,” Athena immediately shook her head. “I have an appointment tonight.”
Byron’s face faltered for just a moment. “Cancel it,” he said, his voice firm but with a playful edge.
“It’s with Madam Stella. We made the appointment days ago!” Athena protested, frowning slightly.
“Rose?” Byron’s face turned a little darker.
“Why do you still keep in contact with her?” Byron tugged on her hand, pulling her gently into his lap, his voice taking on a teasing but possessive tone. “Do you want to use her as an escape?”
Athena rolled her eyes, unable to suppress the smile that tugged at her lips. “Exactly. I’m going to fly away tonight!” She struggled lightly in his grasp, but his hold on her waist tightened.
Byron smirked, knowing she was joking, though he had been enjoying their playful exchange. Over the past few days, she had become more relaxed, less cold, and more willing to share moments with him like this—though she still maintained her independence.
Byron hugged her tighter, pretending to give her a stern warning. “How dare you!” “Let’s reschedule the movie for another day,” Athena murmured, almost apologetic. “I can’t cancel the appointment with Madam Stella.” Byron chuckled at her coquettish tone. He could tell she was only half-serious. “Dinner, then?” Athena nodded, the smile playing on her lips. “Yes, dinner sounds good.” “Tell me the address, and I’ll take you there later,” Byron replied, his hand still holding hers gently. “As for your mother, she gave you a hard time. What gift do you want? I’ll buy it for you.”
Byron couldn’t just ignore his mother’s behavior—no matter the circumstances, she was still his mother. But he wanted to make it up to Athena in his own way, even if that meant using another method entirely.
“I want to go to Evie’s home tonight,” Athena said after a brief pause. “Recently, you’ve been taking me with you wherever you go, and I haven’t had a chance to meet with her. I miss spending time with her.”
Byron’s face darkened slightly. “Will she take you to a bar?”
Athena laughed lightly. “Of course not! I already told her about my… relationship with you.”
Byron’s frown deepened for a moment, but then he sighed. It wasn’t as if he could stop Athena from seeing her friend, and it was clear she valued that connection.
“Fine. Go to Evie’s, then,” Byron relented. “But don’t think you’re getting out of that movie date with me.”
Athena smiled, knowing she had won this round.