Chapter 25 You Have Been Lying to
“Go in!” Byron said, pushing Athena on the shoulder.
Athena staggered back, taking two steps before trying to approach him. But Byron had already entered the room and slammed the door shut behind him. The loud bang made Athena’s heart skip a beat.
“Mr. Crawford, if you have something to say, let’s talk outside,” Athena said in a calm but firm voice. She couldn’t shake the memory of Byron’s frustrating behavior on the cruise.
“Go outside?” Byron’s steps were heavy as he walked toward her. Athena instinctively stepped back, her brow furrowing.
“If I go out now, are you afraid your new lover might see us?” Byron’s voice was cold, sending a chill through her. “When did you and that guy from the Chambers family start meeting? What have you been doing behind my back?”
“Byron, can you stop talking nonsense?” Athena’s voice tightened. “I have nothing to do with Gabe. I’m here on a business trip in Salin City.”
With no way to retreat, Athena found herself backed against the wall. In the next instant, Byron’s icy hand gripped her neck.
“All the intimate photos of you have been sent to me. Are you still going to lie to me?” Byron’s voice was harsh.
Athena’s heart raced as she felt the pressure on her neck. She instinctively tried to free herself from his grasp.
“I don’t—” “You’ve been lying to me all along,” Byron interrupted. “Since five years ago, you’ve been wearing a mask in front of me! You’ve been lying the whole time!”
“Mr. Crawford, isn’t that mask what you wanted?” Athena managed to say, her hand clutching his fingers. “You asked me to play Miss Bates, and I did my best to make you happy. Now you blame me for that?”
Byron’s eyes widened in shock. He had always liked her wearing that mask, hadn’t he?
“Byron, you’re pressing on my hand. It hurts…” Athena winced, the pain intensifying in her left hand.
Realization hit Byron, and he quickly loosened his grip. He stepped back, his gaze flicking to Athena’s hand, where blood had started to seep through the bandage.
“Why did you struggle?” he asked, his voice softer now, as he helped her sit down on the sofa.
“Have you brought any medicine?” Athena muttered, trying to pull her hand away.
Byron refused to let go, and Athena grimaced in pain.
“I told you not to struggle!” Byron ordered, his tone growing more forceful.
“I told you, my hand is almost healed, but it still hurts,” Athena said, her voice laced with frustration.
Byron’s eyes flickered with anger as he glanced at her.
“Did you mention intimate photos?” Athena asked, her voice low but sharp.
Byron’s hostility flared once more. He took out his phone, opening the photo album. “Take a look. How could I be wrong about this?”
Athena’s expression darkened as she flipped through the photos. The more she saw, the angrier she became.
“Are you having someone follow me?” Athena asked, her gaze fixed on him.
“I don’t have time for that,” Byron snapped, throwing his phone aside. “Someone sent them to me.”
“These are misplaced photos. There are surveillance cameras everywhere in the airport parking lot. Mr. Crawford, powerful as you are, why don’t you just check the surveillance footage?” Athena’s voice was cool and measured.
“Misplaced?” Byron was taken aback. He hadn’t considered that possibility.
Athena let out a dry laugh. “There are so many angles. Which photo shows Gabe and me kissing?”
Byron paused, thinking it over. None of the photos captured such a scene.
“Go check. I’m going to rest,” Athena said, trying to stand up.
But Byron pushed her back down onto the sofa.
“What are you doing?” Athena shot up, her temper flaring.
“Who sent you on this business trip?” Byron demanded. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
Athena looked at him, her gaze unwavering. “There was an issue with the project I’m in charge of, so I’m here to fix it. Why didn’t I tell you? Why should I tell you? Mr. Crawford, I’m not your secretary anymore.”