Chapter 47 Force Her to Death
Whatever Gideon’s true intentions were, Athena couldn’t help but feel grateful to him. Her position as Byron’s secretary was a constant weight around her neck. No matter how hard Athena worked or how successful she became, the credit always went to Byron. But now, for one of the few times, someone had stood up for her.
Gideon, for his part, seemed in good spirits as well. After all, he had finally seen Athena smile genuinely for the first time. Even the humble food in the company canteen seemed tastier with that smile lingering in his mind.
As lunch ended, Athena prepared to leave for downtown.
“Things are mostly settled. Mr. Hale, I’m sure you’ll handle the follow-up work just fine,” she said, reverting to her usual professional demeanor.
Gideon raised an eyebrow. “Are you heading straight back to Girard City?”
“Yes, tonight’s flight,” Athena answered, her tone neutral.
Why was she in such a rush to leave? Who would she meet when she returned to Girard City?
“Miss Newton, I hope you’ll consider what I suggested yesterday,” Gideon said, his voice carrying a hint of concern.
Athena glanced at him, and for a moment, she hesitated. She didn’t want to explain further—especially if Gideon decided to tell Byron about their conversation. It could complicate her departure.
“Okay,” she responded, her voice flat. She reached for the door handle.
Before she could open it, Gideon quickly stepped forward and held the door open for her. “I meant what I said about inviting you to dinner when you’re back in Girard City. I’m serious.”
Athena gave a small, nonchalant smile. “It’s no big deal. It’s my job to solve things like this.” She paused for a moment, considering her next words carefully. “Mr. Crawford wouldn’t be happy if he knew I was in personal contact with you.”
There was a brief silence. Athena quickly closed the door, and the business car drove off.
Gideon stood there for a few moments, watching the dust settle. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. Not long after, he received a call from Byron.
He glanced at the screen before answering the phone, his face unreadable.
“I heard everything’s settled on your end, right?” Byron’s voice was smooth, but Gideon could hear Lola’s voice in the background.
“And you’re announcing your engagement to the public so soon?” Gideon asked, sidestepping Byron’s question.
“Yeah, Heather and I decided to move quickly, so we don’t delay each other’s work,” Byron replied, his tone casual. “Where’s Athena?”
Gideon didn’t answer immediately. Byron’s voice was laced with impatience. “Gideon?”
Gideon exhaled slowly. “Byron, I think it’s time you stop pestering Athena.”
The words hung in the air, and Byron fell silent on the other end of the line.
Gideon decided to continue, his tone becoming more serious. “Didn’t Athena tell you that day? Her mother was driven to her death by her father’s mistress. She would rather die than interfere with someone else’s marriage. Now that you’re about to announce your engagement, I think it’s time you let go of your relationship with her. Just let her go.”
There was a sharp intake of breath on the other end of the line.
Byron finally broke the silence. “Gideon, you’ve crossed the line.”
Gideon flinched at the coldness in Byron’s voice, but Byron wasn’t finished.
“You’re so curious about how I’ll treat Athena? Fine, I’ll tell you. Athena is mine. She always has been, and she always will be.”
Gideon’s voice grew heavy with concern. “Byron, are you planning to push her to the brink?”
“She won’t die, and I’ll treat her better than ever,” Byron replied, his words dripping with assurance.
Gideon’s patience wore thin. “Byron…”
“Enough,” Byron interrupted, his voice sharp. “Gideon, why are you so concerned about Athena? You’re starting to make me wonder if you’re after her for something more than just friendship.”