Chapter 213 Don’t Flatter Yourself!
Baxter, who had been following Athena and Evie, shared the same dark suspicion. Athena, tired from the shopping trip, was ready to head back. They had just reached the car when Baxter suddenly rushed forward and grabbed Athena’s wrist.
“My God!” Evie gasped, sprinting from the driver’s side to intervene, grabbing Baxter’s hand. “Let her go! What do you think you’re doing?”
“I just want to ask you, Evie,” Baxter spat, his voice dripping with venom. “What are you doing? I thought you cared about Athena, but now I see you’ve been bought by Byron’s money, haven’t you?”
“What?” Evie snapped, her temper flaring. “Look at my car, my clothes—I’m not short of money.”
Athena couldn’t help but smile a little, amused by Evie’s defense.
“That’s right,” Baxter sneered, “You’re not short of money. So why are you helping him harm Athena?”
Evie, bristling with anger, retorted, “What does it matter to you what Byron is? Just let go of her!”
Athena, feeling the painful grip of Baxter’s hand, tried to pull away but was trapped.
“Are you pregnant, Athena?” Baxter asked suddenly, his voice low but sharp.
“What does it have to do with you?” Evie demanded, her tone fierce. “Baxter, you’ve changed. You’ve become someone else. We were friends once. Do you really want me to call the police?”
Baxter didn’t seem to hear her. His focus remained solely on Athena. “Athena,” he said urgently, “While the baby’s still young, I’ll help you get an abortion. And then, we can leave together. I’ll support your studies. You don’t have to stay trapped with him. You deserve better. You’re meant to be a highly educated woman, not his toy.”
Evie stepped forward, shielding Athena. “Stop this, Baxter! You have no right to say that! Athena and Byron are fine, and they love each other. They’re going to get married soon.”
“Married?” Baxter looked shocked, as if the idea was completely alien to him. “How is that possible? How could Byron marry you?”
Athena sneered, stepping forward with calm defiance. “That’s the difference between you and him. You think I’m not worthy of Byron, but he thinks I am.”
Baxter’s face twisted, disbelief and anger mixing in his expression. “Are you really going through with this? Is this what you want?”
“Yes,” Athena replied firmly, her voice steady. “I am.”
Baxter’s hand, still gripping her wrist, slowly loosened. He turned away, taking a few steps, but then abruptly stopped and turned back.
Evie was ready, her body tensed as she moved protectively in front of Athena. “If you don’t leave now, I’ll make sure you regret it.”
“Five years…” Baxter muttered, his eyes glazed with bitter memory. “Five years ago, you were forced to follow him. Now, you can leave, but you’re choosing to stay with him? Athena, you’re making a mistake. I’ll be here waiting to see how he abandons you when the time comes. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
“She doesn’t need saving,” Evie shot back, pushing Athena gently toward the car. “And you’re not going to be the one to help her.”
With that, Evie opened the car door and ushered Athena inside, quickly getting in herself. The engine roared to life as the car sped away.
Baxter stood frozen, staring at the retreating vehicle. His chest tightened with regret. He slapped himself hard on the face, a painful reminder of his impulsiveness.
“Why can’t I learn?” Baxter muttered, his voice cracking with frustration. “Why do I keep saying things I shouldn’t? It’s not her fault. It’s Byron! Byron’s the one who’s trapped her!”
His eyes followed the car for a moment, then, desperate, he took off running after them, ignoring the pain in his chest. But, as fate would have it, he tripped over a speed bump, stumbling forward and landing hard. He barely avoided smashing his head into the bumper of a red sports car parked nearby.
From inside the car, Gideon watched the entire scene unfold, gnawing on his fingernails. His face was a picture of helplessness as he observed Baxter’s antics.