Chapter 117: Red Envelope

Chapter 117: Red Envelope As the day melted into twilight, warm golden rays from the setting sun streamed through Athena’s expansive office window, sprinkling a soft glow around the room. It was as if the sun itself was sending a gentle reminder that the workday was coming to a close. Athena, seated at her desk, felt the caress of those sunlit moments touch her skin, and for a brief instant, she lost herself in the serene orange hues that filled the horizon. A wave of relief washed over her, mingling with exhaustion as she assessed the clutter before her—a mere five patient files awaited her attention. Just five! She thought with a sense of optimism, believing she could take them home and complete the work there. Gathering the files with their test results, she slid them into her large tote bag, stood, and stretched, the cracking of her joints echoing in the stillness. "Time to register at a gym," She mused to herself. These sounds were telltale signs her body was sending, urging her to take better care of herself. Perhaps she could ask Zane for workout suggestions. Not wanting to forget, she quickly texted him before hefting the bag onto her shoulder, preparing to head home for a well-deserved meal and a restful night. For fortune had smiled upon her —Gianna had sent her a text minutes ago with an image of prepared food. Suprisingly, her friend had finished from work earlier today. However, fate had its own plans. Before Athena could take another step toward freedom, her phone chimed, announcing an incoming call. Anticipating it to be Zane, likely teasing her about her lack of gym attendance, she silenced the call and pushed through the door. Outside her office, the twins were busy helping Ciara sort through some files—her assistant was also preparing to leave for the day. "Thank God, Doctor Athena... I was debating on whether to knock on your door or not, considering you’ve been locked in for the past four hours," Ciara said, halting her task and glancing up. As if on cue, the twins dashed over, wrapping their little arms around Athena. Before she could respond, her phone rang once more. Athena hurriedly silenced the call. Zane, quit it! It was Nathaniel who, exuding his usual sober spirit, muttered, "Mom, Uncle Aiden is calling you!" Athena cussed at her unnecessary assumption and answered the call, placing the phone on her ear. "Athena, why am I seeing darkness?" Aiden’s voice was teasing, and Athena chuckled softly as she realized Aiden was attempting a video call. Her mind was really scattered! Waving at Ciara to leave if she wanted, she stepped back into her office, the twins following closely. "Hello, Aiden," She greeted, adjusting the phone’s angle to get a better view of him; the twins perched beside her like bright-eyed spectators. "Hello Uncle Aiden! Merry Christmas!" Kate piped up energetically. Aiden laughed, the sound wrapping around Athena, easing the little tension she hadn’t realized she was carrying. "Merry Christmas, Lovely Kate and brave Nate!" he responded, his face lighting up with warmth. "Merry Christmas, Uncle," Nathaniel echoed, his voice a tad gruff, which only amused Aiden further. "How have you been, Aiden? How’s your daughter and everything over there?" Athena inquired, her tone shifting to one of concern. "All good. Everyone is better than I imagined. I’m okay too," Aiden replied with a smile. "Yeah, I can see that," Athena remarked, her eyes taking in the handsome features of her older friend. Aiden had aged like fine wine, but she couldn’t quite understand why his wife had chosen to leave him. "It was like working for me was sapping your goodness..." "Don’t say that, Athena. It’s my fault for not taking care of myself," he replied, his light-hearted laughter ringing in the air until an uncertain silence fell between them. Curiosity creased her brow. "Is this a formal or informal call?" She asked, noting the seriousness creeping into Aiden’s demeanor as he cast a pointed look at the children. Understanding the unspoken request, Athena turned to her twins. "Wait for me at Ciara’s office. Mommy has something to discuss with Uncle Aiden privately." Though Kate pouted in disappointment, both children obediently shuffled out. Once the door closed behind them, Athena braced herself. "They’re gone, Aiden. What’s going on?" "It’s about the gang," he said simply, the word sending a chill down her spine. She hated even hearing it spoken aloud, detesting the memories it evoked for her and her family. "What about them? Why are you even working on this? I told you to focus on bonding with your daughter!" She urged, a note of concern weaving through her words. "I am, Athena. I really am. It’s been wonderful," Aiden admitted, warm thoughts evident in his expression. "But it doesn’t mean I will neglect my duties." Sighing in resignation, Athena replied, "What do you have for me then?" "We found their hideout. And we were right. The leader, Morgan, is in cahoots with Fiona. We’ve managed to capture some incriminating pictures. Do you want them?" Athena nodded quickly, her heart racing. "Where’s the hideout?" "It’s a few miles away from the hospital. Hidden in plain sight. What do we do?" he inquired. Athena paused, her mind racing. "Can I get back to you with an answer? I need to think." Aiden nodded understandingly. "Take your time. I’ll be waiting for your response." A contemplative silence fell between them, then he asked softly, "Have you been in contact with Ewan?" "He called during the kidnapping incident... but not really. Only when he came for treatment. And I’d prefer to keep it that way," She replied, her eyes falling on the jpeg files being received by her phone. "Good," Aiden affirmed. The more pictures Athena examined—as she stood with the her children outside the hospital, waiting for Jake to drive the car out—the more she felt pity for Ewan. He was surrounded by security and yet blissfully unaware of the treachery lurking around him. Just then, a sleek black BMW pulled up in front of her, drawing her attention. A frown appeared on her face when she noted that the car wasn’t her vehicle. As she watched with her curious children, a man in a tailored black suit exited the car, his polished appearance laced with an unsettling familiarity. Her heart sank as she recognized him—the messenger of the elder council. A wave of dread washed over her as he approached. "Good afternoon, Doctor Athena. It’s been a while," He greeted, his tone courteous yet devoid of warmth. Athena nodded stiffly, her mood darkening. The man, sensing her unease, handed her a red envelope. "What’s this for?" Athena demanded, irritation bubbling just below the surface. Red envelopes meant court battles, just like the one from six years ago. Who would sue her to court? "It’s from the elder council. The case was submitted by Ewan; he claims you are keeping his children away from him. Inside, you’ll find the dates and details." Without waiting for her response, he turned and walked away, leaving Athena in a state of smoldering rage. So he had found out, then. She thought, looking at the envelope with distaste. So, he had found out, and his first move was to involve the council? Her thoughts churned as she struggled to contain her indignation. Why was she even surprised? In a twisted manner, it was funny that this was happening again during the Christmas season. However, she promised herself things would be different this time. "So much different," She muttered, a snide chuckle escaping her lips as she fondly tapped the lower section of her bag.