She Outshines Them All (Athena and Matthew) novel Chapter 18

Chapter 18
Harry held a lot of sway and pretty much ran the show for Vission Group’s operations in the West End. If he wanted to cut ties with the Kennedy Group, he could do it with a snap of his fingers
Isaac’s eyes went wide in shock as he listened to Regina. “Athena wouldn’t really be that heartless, would she? We raised her for 18 years and never treated her badly. Does she really need to take it this far?”
Regina scoffed. “We’re both women-I know exactly what she’s up to. Remember how she took off that night without a word? She didn’t even take her belongings or the farewell gifts we offered. She’s obviously holding a grudge. If she gets the chance, she’ll definitely try to screw us over
Andrew jumped in. “If Athena’s behind this, everything makes sense.”
He speculated without a second thought, “She knew we wouldn’t let her stay, so she must’ve cozied up to Harry in secret. After she left that night, she probably ran straight to him, and now he’s messing with our contract with Vission Group-to get back at us
Despite her satisfaction with their own theories. Zoe pretended to defend Athena, playing the concerned card. “But Athena’s only 18. She couldn’t possibly be that calculating-
Zoc. you’re too d***n naive!” Regina cut her off. “I don’t believe in coincidences. This whole Vission Group mess has her fingerprints all over it! I regret every single thing we did for her in the past 18 years,”
Finally Micah, who’d been silently observing the drama, couldn’t hold back any longer. “Mr. Kennedy, we finally got a chance to speak with Mr. Freeman Shouldn’t you go talk to him? If he leaves, who knows when you’ll get another shot?
Micah didn’t give a d**n about the Kennedy family’s squabbles. His only concern was keeping his cushy setup secure by salvaging the Vission Group contract
Micah’s words snapped the family back to reality, reminding Isaac why they were standing outside Vission Group’s office in the first place.
go see Mr. Freeman, Isaac decided.
After a brief pause, Regina added, “I’m coming too. I need to see what the hell’s really going on between that ungrateful brat and Mr. Freeman.”
Curious about Athena’s connection with Harry, Andrew and Zoe decided to tag along.
The building’s security was tight, but the guards, who recognized the Kennedys from their frequent visits to Vission Group, let them in after a quick check-in.
The group made their way to the second floor and stood outside Vission Group’s office, pressing the doorbell.
Inside, Athena was reviewing the contract between Vission and Hard Property, discussing upcoming reforms and restructuring with Harry.
Normally, she wouldn’t bother with these details, but since it involved her family’s future at Bard Garden, she felt the need to handle it personally.
When the doorbell rang, they saw it was the Kennedys and chose to ignore it.
Isaac kept pressing the doorbell outside, growing more anxious with each unanswered ring. “Maybe the doorbell’s broken? Maybe they can’t hear it inside,” he guessed
“Broken? B***it!” KRegina fumed “That ungrateful little b***h knows we’re here and is making us wait on purpose.”
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Chapter 18
Isaac hushed her. “If they’re inside, stop cursing. It’s not gonna help if they hear you.
“Like I give a damn!” Regina snapped. “We raised Athena for 18 years. Everyone knows what we’ve done for her! If she doesn’t show us some respect, Ill make sure the whole city knows just how ungrateful she is
Isaac quickly intervened, “Let’s not go that far…
While they squabbled outside, Athena closed the files and turned to Harry. “My dad used to hold a high position in a state- owned enterprise. I’ll talk to him tomorrow and see if he can take on a role at Hard Property
Harry whistled softly. “A man who raised a daughter like you must be something special. I’ll save the best spots for him.” Athena stood up. “Those pests outside aren’t leaving. Let’s sneak but the back.”
“Alright.” Harry agreed, playfully ruffling her hair. “It’s been a while since we had a meal together. How about dinner?” Athena shook her head. Tve got other things to deal with tonight I can’t be out and about.”
Harry sighed, pretending to pout. I’m family too, you know. You can’t just ditch me now that you’ve got someone new” Athena laughed. “You’re almost 30. Stop pouting.
They slipped out through the back of the building. Instead of heading to his Ferrari, Harry flagged down a personally escorted Athena to her neighborhood, only leaving after watching her safely enter.
axi and
Meanwhile, the Kennedy family stood foolishly outside the office. They waited until their bodies ached and darkness fell. When a patrolling security guard finally noticed them, they realized the office had been closed for hours. Exhausted and starving, Isaac and Regina were nearly in tears, wondering why they always ended up being the ones to
sufler.
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