She Outshines Them All (Athena and Matthew) novel Chapter 143

Chapter 143
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“Three years ago, when the new house from Bard Property was about to be handed over, our whole family was thrilled.” Arthur recalled the mix of joy and sorrow from that year, still halinted by it, his expression darkening. “We worked hard to save up 100 thousand dollars to move into the new house as soon as possible, just waiting for the renovations.
“At that moment, Linda’s father was in the late stages of kidney failure, and only a transplant could save him. Luckily, there was a suitable kidney available, costing around 60 thousand dollars.
The Russell family couldn’t afford that amount, and Linda’s father, Gibson Russell, was desperate for the surgery. They couldn’t wait, so they came up with the idea of having Linda marry Jaden right away, asking our family for the 60 thousand
dollars.
“Jaden was only 25 and not in a hurry to get married, but with Landa in trouble, he felt he had to help.”
“Then Bard Property suddenly notified us that the owner had filed abroad with a huge sum of money, and no one knew when the house would actually be handed over.”
“Our family thought that since we wouldn’t need that money now, we might as well use it for Jaden’s wedding.
“Little did vee know that just after we transferred the money to Linda, the Russell family demanded another 40 thousand dollars for Linda’s brother’s wedding, insisting we increase the price by that amount or the marriage wouldn’t happen.”
Even someone as calm and composed as Athena clenched her fists at this point, wishing she could teach the Russell family a lesson.
Jaden refused to accept this condition, and our family stayed silent,” Arthur said through gritted teeth. “I don’t even know what to say about Linda. She stuck to Jaden and can’t be shaken off.
At that time, neither the Russell family nor the Donovan family was willing to budge.
Linda panicked and knelt before the Donovan family, crying, “I truly love Jaden. Without him, I won’t be happy.
“Please, as long as you agree to my family’s demands, I promise to have children with Jaden, help him with farming, and save money to repay the 40 thousand dollars with interest. I won’t let you suffer a loss.”
To prove her sincerity, she even wrote a 40-thousand-dollar 1OU, signing it with her thumbprint
Her pleas moved the Donovan family.
They quickly transferred the 40 thousand dollars to Linda.
The Donovan family wanted Jaden and Linda to register their marriage first, but the Russell family insisted they needed a grand wedding since she was their only precious daughter. Only then would they feel comfortable letting Linda register her marriage with Jaden.
The Donovan family agreed.
It was Jaden’s first time borrowing money for a wedding, held at a five-star hotel, and at the Russell family’s request, he hosted over two hundred relatives and acquaintances.
A month later, the wedding took place.
The Donovan family didn’t expect that on the day of the wedding, with all the guests present and everything ready. Linda and the Russell family would be nowhere to be found. All calls went unanswered.
“That day, Alaric and 1 personally went to find the Russell family Arthur’s eyes were filled with hatred.” “But the Russell family had their doors and windows shut tight, and no one was around. We asked the neighbors, but they didn’t know where
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Chapter 143
they had gone.
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“It wasn’t until we were about to call the police that Jaden finally received a text from Linda. She said she had dated someone else and couldn’t marry Jaden anymore, and she had already left town. But she promised to repay us in the future.”
The events that followed were something the Donovan family wished to forget for the rest of their lives.
They became the laughingstock of everyone.
The only fortunate thing was that the elderly couple didn’t attend the wedding due to health issues and their unfamiliarity with phones, allowing the family to keep the news from them.
Later, the Donovan family did manage to find the Russell family, hoping to get the money back, but the Russell family claimed that the money was given to Linda, and they had spent it all, urging the Donovan family to go after her for the repayment.
The Donovan family even tried to sue, but since Linda was nowhere to be found, they couldn’t proceed with the case.
Arthur sighed, “Jasien was severely affected, locking himself in his room, refusing to eat or drink, ignoring everyone.
“It wasn’t until two days later, when Dad broke down the door, that he rushed Jaden, who was nearly dehydrated, to the hospital.
“After leaving the hospital, Jaden vowed he would earn back the 100 thousand dollars and not let our family suffer a loss.
“He returned to the countryside, working tirelessly every day, never coming back to Kitmore City until he heard our family Jad found you. Then he came back to ask about you and tidy up the house at Vlento Court before heading back to the
countryside.”
He clenched his gloved fist, hitting the nearby tree trunk in frustration. “Now, just when our family finally started living well, Linda reappears, trying to take Jaden away. She’s really something else”
Athena nodded seriously. “Arthur, don’t worry. I have plenty of ways to deal with her. I won’t let her harm Jaden again.”
Jaden was still unaware that Linda had made her move.
That evening, he prepared a lavish dinner and announced to the family, “My van is repaired this afternoon, and I’ll be heading back tomorrow morning. Does anyone want to join me for a couple of days in the countryside!
Athena’s eyes lit up. “I’ll go with you. I want to visit Grandma and Grandpa.”
Linda might try to bother the elderly couple in the countryside, so Athena needed to keep an eye on her.
Additionally, a month ago, she had sent her grandparents a bottle of specially formulated pills to help regulate their digestive health and cultivate beneficial gut bacteria, with no side effects, advising them to take one each day.
Jaden mentioned that after taking the pills, the elders had better appetites and sleep, and their digestion and elimination improved, which also brightened their complexions.
It was time to check on their progress as well.
Jaden was happy. ‘Grandma and Grandpa are eager to see you, and they’re already mentally prepared for your visit.” Previously, they hadn’t arranged for the elders to meet Athena because it was inconvenient for them to travel to the city for long periods, and they worried that seeing Athena would be too overwhelming for their health.
Now, more than a month had passed, and the elders had processed the news of their granddaughter returning home. They should be able to handle it.
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Chapter 143.
The Donovan family was also excited, eagerly telling Athena how beautiful and fun the countryside was.
The next morning. Jaden packed gifts for his grandparents while Athena secretly brought a gift for Jaden, and they drove to the countryside separately.
Although Athena had seen photos of the countryside house and knew it was simple but not shabby, and that the surrounding scenery was beautiful, she was still amazed when she saw it in person.
She hugged Jaden’s arm, bouncing up and down in excitement like a child.
Athena said. “Wow, this place is like a little paradise! I absolutely love it here!
Jaden, you’re amazing for creating such a beautiful rural landscape. I really love it.
Jaden affectionately ruffled her hair and said, “If you like it, stay in the countryside for a few more days.”
“Yes!” Athena nodded vigorously. “With such beautiful scenery, we have to walk and enjoy it slowly. It’s only right to appreciate such poetic beauty.”
They parked their cars at the intersection and walked along the flower-lined path toward the two-story house, chatting and laughing.
Halfway there, Jaden’s phone rang.
Seeing the caller ID, he smiled slightly and politely answered, “Hello, this is Jaden.”
Athena noticed that Jaden’s call was from “Trustcorp Bank.
It was probably news regarding the loan he had applied for.
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