Chapter 176 Blinded
Rose’s expression shifted from surprise to a knowing, calculating look. She wasn’t particularly fond of unnecessary violence, but she also understood the weight of betrayal and the need for retribution. The Ross family had its reputation, and Byron’s ruthless side—especially in matters involving Athena—was something she couldn’t ignore.
“You’re planning to take it further?” Rose asked, her tone laced with a slight unease.
Byron nodded, his face set in a hard expression. “Erik deserves more than a punishment. He was responsible for putting Athena in danger. It’s not just the injury—it’s the principle. No one messes with those I care about and gets away with it. The Ross family will need to answer for this, too.”
Rose’s lips curled into a slight, approving smile. Despite her reservations about Byron’s methods, she understood his need for vengeance. And she knew him well enough to recognize that once he made up his mind, nothing would deter him.
“You want me to take Athena with me to Greeli City?” Rose’s question was a bit of a formality, as she knew Byron would ensure Athena’s safety, no matter what. Still, there was something delicate in her voice when she spoke Athena’s name.
“Yes,” Byron replied, his voice softening just slightly. “She needs time away from all of this. A fresh start, at least for a little while. The Ross family won’t stop with Erik—they’ll try to manipulate any way they can. I don’t want her getting caught in the middle.”
Rose considered this for a moment. The idea of bringing Athena along wasn’t a problem; she had always seen the woman as more than just Byron’s love interest—Athena was someone deserving of kindness and care, someone who had earned her own place. And Athena needed that peace now more than ever.
“I’ll do it,” Rose said after a brief pause. “If it’ll help keep her safe and allow her some peace, then I’ll make arrangements. We’ll leave as soon as she’s ready.”
Byron’s lips twitched in a faint smile. “Thank you, Rose. You don’t know how much it means.”
As he spoke, his mind was already racing with the next steps. Erik was only a piece of the puzzle, and the real battle had only just begun. His connection with Athena wasn’t something the Ross family would let go of easily, especially Heather. He couldn’t allow anyone to tear Athena away from him. Not now, not ever.
“Byron,” Rose started again, her tone more serious now. “You know this won’t be easy. The Ross family won’t back down so quickly.”
Byron’s gaze hardened. “I’m ready for whatever comes. I won’t let them destroy what I’ve built, or what Athena and I have. I will do whatever it takes.”
Rose nodded, understanding the gravity of his words. She knew he wasn’t just talking about revenge. He was talking about protecting the future he and Athena could have, despite all the forces working against them.
As they continued to speak, the weight of what was coming—the full force of the Ross family, the danger surrounding Athena—loomed heavy in the air. But for the first time in a long while, Byron felt a sense of certainty. He wouldn’t let anything tear them apart.
Meanwhile, back at the manor, Athena sat quietly in her room, her mind swirling with thoughts of what had transpired and the people around her. She had been through so much in the last 24 hours—being kidnapped, almost killed, and then rescued by Byron in such a dramatic way. It felt like her entire world had shifted. And now, as she lay there, trying to rest, she couldn’t help but wonder about the future. Would things ever go back to normal? Would she and Byron ever be free from the weight of the Ross family’s scheming?
Her thoughts were interrupted when Evie gently entered the room, her eyes red from crying. She was still shaken, but there was a softness to her demeanor that Athena found comforting.
“How are you feeling?” Evie asked, her voice still tinged with worry.
Athena smiled weakly, her throat too sore to speak. She held up her phone and typed, I’m better now, thanks to Byron.
Evie nodded, but her eyes darkened slightly. “Byron’s changed, hasn’t he? I mean, he’s always been kind, but now… he’s different. He’s been through so much for you.”
Athena looked at her friend, unsure of how to respond. She, too, had noticed the changes in Byron. There was a hardness to him now, an edge that hadn’t been there before. But that wasn’t all she noticed. There was something deeper—something that went beyond the protectiveness, beyond the anger he felt toward those who harmed her.
He’s doing this because he cares, Athena typed slowly, her fingers trembling. But I don’t want him to hurt anyone for me. I just want peace.
Evie sighed, sitting down beside her. “You’re a good person, Athena. But sometimes, the people who care about us—like Byron—they won’t stop until they’ve made things right. Even if that means making enemies. You just have to trust him to know what’s best.”
Athena nodded, resting her head back against the pillow. She wasn’t sure what the future held, but she knew one thing for certain: with Byron by her side, she wasn’t facing it alone.