She Outshines Them All (Athena and Matthew) novel Chapter 21

Chapter 21
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Before Wesley could respond, Claire proudly spoke up. “Your father graduated from Kitmore City University with a degree in Civil Engineering. He was highly sought after and was assigned to work in a government office right after he graduated.”
“Because he performed so well, he was promoted to a leadership position at the Kitmore City Machinery Plant within three years and eventually became the Deputy Director.”
“If it weren’t for… At this point, she suddenly fell silent, a look of sorrow crossing her face. The others also put down their utensils, an air of melancholy and helplessness filling the room as they recalled the past.
Seeing this, Wesley quickly smiled and said, “When the machinery plant went under, I decided to quit and start my own business with Claire. We set up a stall, and we actually made more money than I did back at the plant as Deputy Director
Athena nodded slightly. “Dad, do you still want to work for a company?”
Back in her father’s youth, getting into college was notoriously competitive, and a bachelor’s degree then was equivalent to a graduate degree now. Her father had studied Civil Engineering too, which was directly related to the real estate industry.
Hearing her question. Wesley was taken aback. He instinctively put down his wine glass and gazed out the window, seemingly lost in distant memories. Athena didn’t rush him. She simply sipped her lemonade slowly.
After a moment, Wesley returned his gaze and smiled wistfully, his face showing signs of age. “I’m already fifty-two. I’ve been running the stall for over a decade. Working for a company seems too far-fetched at this point. He shook his head and sighed. “Those passionate years are gone…
Athena replied, “If I can find opportunities, why can’t you?”
Wesley was stunned again. He looked down at his glass, then shook his head self-deprecatingly. “Even if there were opportunities, I don’t want to go through the hassle. Besides, the income from the stall is pretty good and stable, Working for a company might not be as profitable.”
He glanced at Athena cautiously and asked softly, “Athena, does Dad running a stall… inconvenience you?”
Why would it be inconvenient? Athena blinked, not understanding why he would ask something that. A few seconds later, she noticed the anxious, guilty, and slightly embarrassed look on her father’s face and realized what he meant.
Could her father think that she was ashamed of his job?
She quickly explained, “I’m working with some experts on experiments, and they consult for various companies. They mentioned that these companies are in desperate need of experienced, trustworthy managers and asked if we knew anyone suitable.
“I thought of you, Dad. You’re a person of great character and have experience in a large state-owned enterprise, so I wanted
to ask.
Wesley let out a sigh of relief and smiled. “If it were a few years ago, I might have considered it, but at my age, it’s not worth
the trouble.
Athena smiled too and raised her lemonade. “Dad, Mom, you both work so hard. I toast to you.”
Wesley raised his wine glass, and Claire raised her lemonade, clinking glasses with Athena.
After downing her lemonade, Claire suddenly remembered something. “Athena, your SAT results should be out soon, right?”
She quickly added, “No matter how you did, the whole family supports you.” The SAT was indeed a big deal. Everyone at the table looked at Athena, wanting to ask but not daring to,
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Chapter 21
Athena smiled. “If things go according to plan, I should get a perfect score.
The whole table was stunned. What reaction was appropriate for this? Of course, they didn’t doubt Athena’s abilities, but getting a perfect score on the SAT… seemed unlikely.
After all, she had to take so many subjects and answer so many questions. It was almost impossible not to make a single
mistake.
Clap, clap, clap! Arthur was the first to applaud, his smile genuine. “Athena is both smart and hardworking. A perfect score is well-deserved. Congratulations in advance, Athena.”
He firmly believed that a good brother would believe whatever has sister says and support whatever she does, without overthinking it.
Athena smiled slightly. Thank you, Arthur,”
Wesley also cheered, raising his glass. “Let’s toast to Athena’s success in the SATT
“Cheers!”
With that, the meal was essentially over. Athena had her own matters to attend to, so she stood up to leave. Josie insisted on accompanying her to the community gates, so Arthur scooped her up “Alright, let’s go together to see Athena off.”
Seeing this, Maria quickly followed. ‘I’ll come too,”
Wesley and Claire watched them with a hint of envy, wishing they could also go see their daughter off. However, knowing how low-key Athena was, they didn’t want to make a big deal out of it, especially since she didn’t even let them pick her up when she first came home.
“Go ahead,” Wesley said generously, waving his hand. “You can even have some fun outside if you want.”
After the four children left, Wesley walked into the kitchen. “Claire, you tidy up the table, and I’ll prepare the skewers for tonight”
Tomorrow they would be getting the keys to their new house, and he wanted to enjoy one more night of excitement and -happiness before the big day. But he knew he had to work hard to earn the money for the new house’s renovation.
A 1800-square-feet duplex would cost a lot to furnish and decorate, easily running into 20 thousand dollars, Claire agreed, “Alright, let’s set up the stall early tonight and make as much as we can.”
At the community gates, Josie clung to Athena’s sleeve, her eyes welling with emotion. “Athena, when will you come home again? I want to see you and the little black cat…”
Athena gently patted her head. Tll be back tomorrow to get the keys to the new house, and I’ll bring the little black cat with me. We’ll see each other then.”
Josie smiled, quickly pecked Athena on the cheek, then hid her face behind her Hello Kitty toy, giggling shyly. “See you
tomorrow, Athena.”
“See you tomorrow,” Athena replied, waving as she got into her car and drove away. She drove slowly, glancing in the rearview mirror. In the mirror, she saw Josie and the others standing there, their figures growing smaller and smaller until they disappeared from view.
Only then did she turn her attention back to the road, letting out a soft sigh. It was only her second visit, yet why did she already feel this pang of separation? The sound of an iMessage notification interrupted her thoughts.
She waited until she reached a red light before stopping to check the message. Dr. Annie’s team had replied.
The message wrote: [We’ve discussed it. This surgery is very challenging, and we have a very slim chance of success, but we
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Chapter 21
need enough time to observe the patient and develop a detailed surgical plan.]
[Even for the sake of Miracle 3.0, we think we should give it a try]
[What’s your opinion, boss?]
Athena replied: II have great respect for this patient. I’ve decided to go ahead with the surgery.]
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[I’ll message Matthew shortly to let him know that Dr. Annie is willing to take on his sister’s case and have him coordinate directly with Fanny.]
The group chat responded: [We can send two people over the day after tomorrow to start the preliminary work. The rest will join once they finish their urgent tasks.j