Dear Ex-wife Marry Me novel (Maja) novel Chapter 2293

Tyler was pretty sure Athena wouldn't show up, considering the Keller family wasn't really her own. That was Lindsay's family, not hers.

But Athena went anyway.

Tyler didn't stop her; he just told her to come back early.

When Athena arrived at the Keller family home, she found Grandma Edith lying in bed, the room filled with the scent of herbal remedies.

Through a nearby screen, she could see incense burning, likely some concoction from a natural healer.

She walked over slowly.

Grandma Edith's eyes lit up with excitement when she saw Athena.

"Athena, come here and let me have a look at you."

Grandma Edith hadn't been well lately. She’d had some health scares before, and now with the Keller family being under scrutiny, she looked even more worn out. Yet, when facing Athena, her expression was still warm and kind.

"Athena, have you lost weight? Haven't you been eating properly?"

Athena looked at the elderly woman, with so much she wanted to say, most of it filled with accusations. Like why had she allowed Marlon to use such ruthless methods? Why did they have to eliminate other members of the Keller family? And most importantly, why couldn't they even spare someone like Kerwin, who died thinking he was doing the right thing?

"Athena, why aren't you speaking? Did Marlon bully you? That boy's always been like that, don't take it to heart."

Athena took a deep breath, her voice calm and steady as she looked at Grandma Edith.

Her words were full of regret. It was her family, after all, and she couldn't bear to see it fall apart. But now, no one could save the Keller family. If the government had gotten hold of critical evidence, it was over.

Athena pulled up a chair and sat down beside her.

"There was once a little girl who had a younger brother. He was born with some mental challenges, drooled a bit when he talked, and had a runny nose as a child. But their parents loved him dearly, treating him like he was made of glass. The girl initially adored her brother because he wasn’t a bad person, just different. But their parents started demanding more from her—she had to wash his clothes, manage all the household chores, and eventually drop out of school to care for him.

She was a good student once, tried to fight back, but every protest was met with a slap or worse. Eventually, she put her brother's needs first. In high school, she was bullied, picked on by many. Crying, she’d go home, hoping her parents would finally help her. But they used it as an excuse to make her quit school, saying she should stay home to look after her brother. Even as he grew tall, he couldn’t find a partner, and her parents had a wicked idea. They drugged both siblings, forcing them into a relationship. Afraid she’d run away, they kept her locked up, only letting her out after she’d had three children... no, five. When their parents met their own fates, the burden fell on the girl. They left nothing valuable behind, just a small house. She had to feed all those mouths, working odd jobs late into the night. She tried everything but still couldn't make ends meet. Sometimes the whole family went hungry.

Grandma Edith, do you think that girl’s life was completely ruined?"

Athena's face held a smile, but it was one that tore at Grandma Edith's heart.