Dark Revenge Of An Unwanted Wife The Twins Are Not Yours novel Chapter 364

Chapter 364: Disrupted Dinner II

Pleasantries were exchanged with the exact politeness expected at formal dinners.

Jonathan and Marianne— Cedric’s parents — stepped forward with plastered smiles, but their eyes said something else entirely.

Athena could feel them scan her boldly from head to toe, eyes flicking over her gown, her makeup, the way she sat. It wasn’t admiration. It was an audit.

"So," Mrs. Thorne started, her smile so tight it barely touched her eyes. "Still practicing medicine, dear?"

Athena nodded once, not betraying an inch of emotion. "Yes. I still see patients during the week."

Jonathan interjected, adjusting the edge of his silk cuff as a waiter placed a plate before him. "And you plan to keep doing that... while handling business?" His tone made it sound ridiculous, like asking if she planned to juggle knives and solve algebra equations at the same time.

"I believe I can do both," Athena replied, raising her glass for a slow sip. "But ultimately, it’s up to Grandfather. If he wills me the legacy, I’ll run it."

The table froze for a second. The moment had the weight of a prophecy.

A practiced chorus of congratulations followed, but the flatness of their voices gave them away. Cedric’s father blinked slowly, drawing in a controlled breath. His mind was elsewhere — she could feel it.

If it were up to me, she’d still be on the street, forgotten like a clerical error.

She talks about running an empire like it’s scheduling a manicure.

Doesn’t even know the sacrifices Cedric made. Or the way we shaped him for this...

Mrs. Thorne’s thoughts were no better.

She’ll ruin it all. A stranger, parading in as if she belongs...

What does she know of company politics? Of legacy? Of hosting foreign dignitaries?

She’s... capable, maybe, but she’s not one of us.

"We’d love for you to visit," Mrs. Thorne added, voice dripping sweet poison. "During the week, before the party to be exact. Just to catch up properly. It would be nice."

"I’ll think about it," Athena said with a smile so calm it cut.

Their silence, thick with disapproval, didn’t daunt her. She continued eating with perfect poise as another waiter swept in with wine and fresh bread.

Then came the stories — Cedric’s childhood, how old Mr. Thorne had taken him to board meetings as a boy, how he gave his first speech at sixteen. Jonathan spoke with forced humility, but there was a pointed gleam in his eye every time he said "groomed for leadership" or "naturally gifted."

Athena smiled at intervals. Calm, passive. Like a lioness sunbathing, watching monkeys chatter.

Antonio remained polite, quiet, his hand occasionally brushing hers under the table in silent encouragement. But Athena didn’t need encouragement. She needed restraint. Her every smile was measured.

Then came the dagger.

Mrs. Thorne leaned forward, tone light as whipped cream. "And your college years? I do remember the news that circled the socials a few months ago. You were called..." She gave a soft, pitying chuckle. "An illiterate street girl, was it?"

Antonio’s fork paused mid-air.

Athena didn’t blink. "You’re a bit too old, madam, to believe rumors."

The pause after her words was icy. Mrs. Thorne’s smile faltered just slightly — not enough for scandal, but enough to mark the wound.

The conversation stumbled from then. Antonio tried to revive it, tossing in remarks about inflation, global markets, the recent merge talks in Asia. Nothing worked.

Athena returned to her dessert, ignoring the menace thick in the air. She focused on the sugar crust cracking under her spoon, the taste of it on her tongue. She did not break. She never broke.

Eventually, Cedric’s father cleared his throat. "We have to leave," he said stiffly. "Early day tomorrow."

Everyone rose. Athena smiled — all teeth. "It was so nice seeing you."

They left with stiff nods and careful glances over their shoulders.

Antonio was not pleased.

He turned to her once they were alone, voice low but firm. "You didn’t have to be that blunt."

"I wasn’t blunt," Athena replied, rising and smoothing her dress. "I was polite."

"You could’ve pretended to be happy to see them," he said, watching her. "You’ll be working with them. They’re not strangers."

"They’re already enemies," Athena answered simply, picking up her clutch. "Pretending would’ve been a waste of my energy. I’m heading home." 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

Antonio sighed, rubbing his forehead. "Athena—"

She stopped, waiting.

He let his pride go, just enough. "I’m sorry. You were right. They were out of line. I just... I don’t want this to be harder than it has to be."

She turned, studying him for a moment. Then, slowly, she nodded. "Fine."

He drove them home in silence, but it wasn’t hostile. Just full. Tired.

When they got in, Antonio barely waited for the door to close before he began kissing her — soft at first, then deeper. His hands on her waist, his mouth near her ear.

But Athena’s mind was elsewhere. The kids. Her stomach twisted with longing.

She pulled back gently, breath catching. "I need to call Nathaniel."

Antonio exhaled, frustrated, but didn’t protest. "I’ll go change."

She retreated to the second bedroom and sat on the bed, pulling out her phone. She shouldn’t be calling this late — she’d told Nathaniel to always be in bed before midnight. But she couldn’t help it.

The phone rang twice.

Nathaniel answered, bleary-eyed but smiling. "Hey, Mom. You are calling later..."

"I’m sorry sweetheart. Just had to hear your voice. Where’s Kathleen? Is she asleep?"

He switched the camera. "Sort of."

Her breath caught. Kate lay curled like a kitten; her tiny arm flung over the large figure next to her. Ewan.

He was fast asleep, shirt half-buttoned, her daughter’s dark curls on his chest.

Athena’s heart twisted. He stayed the night? The image froze her. Ewan, asleep with her daughter on his chest, like it was the most natural thing in the world.

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