From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life novel Chapter 204

Chapter 204 Dinner at Home

Athena couldn’t help but complain inwardly. Why would Zaden tell Teri all this? Didn’t he realize it might mess with the kid’s head?

She turned to Teri and said gently, “Teri, what’s going on between me and your daddy … that’s grown–up stuff. Even if we do get divorced, I’ll still come see you all the time, and you can come visit me too.”

Teri’s little face scrunched up, still looking pretty upset.

Athena honestly didn’t know what else to say.

Zaden had really dumped a tough one on her this time.

Just then, Zaden’s car pulled up in front of them. Athena took Teri’s hand and said, “Your daddy’s here, let’s get in.”

She helped Teri into the back seat, then climbed in herself.

The car pulled away from the curb, with Zaden up front driving while Teri and Athena sat in the back together.

Suddenly, Teri tugged at Athena’s sleeve and asked, “Athena, will you come over for dinner tonight?”

Athena blinked in surprise and glanced toward Zaden.

Before she could say anything, Zaden spoke. “Teri, Athena’s probably busy tonight. Don’t bother her.”

Teri’s face fell instantly, her expression turning sad and defeated.

Seeing her little head drop like that made Athena’s heart ache.

She quickly said, “Actually … I’m not that busy. I can stay for dinner.”

Teri perked up immediately, her eyes lighting up. “Really? Athena, you’ll eat with us?”

At that point, how could Athena say no?

She gave her a soft smile and nodded. “Yeah, I can.”

Teri let out a loud cheer of excitement.

Seeing how excited Teri was, Athena couldn’t help but smile too,

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The atmosphere in the car instantly lightened.

Athena asked, “So, are we eating out or staying in?”

“At home. After all … “Zaden paused. Athena immediately understood what he meant.

After everything that had blown up a few days ago, she was still very much on people’s radar. If they wanted a peaceful meal, staying home was definitely safer.

She nodded. “Alright. You decide.”

With Athena’s okay, Zaden turned the wheel and headed toward the house.

On the way, Teri chatted excitedly about things that had happened at kindergarten. Athena listened with genuine interest, responding here and there, her laughter mixing with Teri’s, filling the car with warmth.

Zaden glanced at them in the rearview mirror.

In that moment, his heart felt full, like something quietly settled into place.

Teri and Athena … they really did look like mother and daughter.

Maybe it was time he put in the effort to make that a reality.

Then suddenly, Teri’s voice broke through the moment. “Oh! And Athena–Ms. Hum told me today that she wants to be my mommy!”

She did it on purpose, she wanted Athena to know that someone else had their eye on Zaden, someone who wanted to be her new mom. If Athena got a little jealous or nervous, maybe she wouldn’t go through with the divorce after all!

As soon as the words left her mouth, the car fell into silence.

Athena blinked, visibly surprised, and looked over at Zaden. His brows knit together, clearly caught off guard. A flicker of tension passed through him. He quickly explained, “She was probably just joking.”

Worried Athena might get the wrong idea, he added, “Every time I pick up Teri, I just leave right after. I’ve never even talked to the teachers.”

Athena couldn’t help but laugh at Zaden’s explanation.

All of a sudden, she remembered the first time she’d picked Teri up from school–how that teacher had looked at Zaden. Now that she thought about it, it had seemed like the woman had a thing for him.

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She’d even made a mental note about it at the time.

But then again, Zaden was that kind of man–attractive, capable. It was no surprise that a lot of women had their eyes on him.

Athena smiled and said, “You don’t have to explain anything.”

Zaden’s frown deepened. She didn’t care at all, did she?

Athena didn’t notice Zaden’s face tightening. Instead, she turned to Teri with a cheerful voice, “So, what should we have for dinner tonight? Teri, is there anything you’re craving?”

Teri answered without hesitation, “Anything Athena likes, I like too!”

That made Athena laugh again. “Alright, then how about Cajun boil? Sound good?”

“Yes! I love Cajun boil!” Teri raised both hands in excitement.

Zaden watched Teri’s happy little face and pushed down the knot of frustration in his chest.

“I was originally planning to book a private chef, but if we’re doing Cajun boil, we’ll need to stop and grab some ingredients,” he said.

Athena responded right away, “Let’s go now, then–quick and easy. Once we wash everything at home, we can eat right away, no extra cooking needed.”

So the three of them made a quick stop at the nearby grocery store.

Zaden had his reasons for avoiding the local market.

Given all the media buzz surrounding Athena lately, he figured the public marketplace, with its crowds and gossip, wasn’t the best idea. There was a good chance someone might recognize her, and the last thing she needed was to deal with more whispers behind her back.