She Outshines Them All (Athena and Matthew) novel Chapter 31

Chapter 31
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Wesley took a deep breath and stepped forward, positioning himself protectively in front of his family. Tr’s broad daylight in the city center, with people everywhere. My daughter was simply walking into an office building with someone, not going anywhere questionable.”
“What are you trying to achieve by slandering Athena over something so innocent? Wesley pressed
Arthur rolled up his sleeves, flexing his biceps as his usually frienilly face turned serious. “I can take on all three of you! If you keep slandering my sister, I won’t hold back!”
Arthur was well-liked in the neighborhood. Handsome, kind, and always willing to help, he never turned down requests to carry packages, fix pipes, or change light bulbs. The young women in the neighborhood adored him.
Seeing him stand up so fiercely, some of the young women blushed, their eyes sparkling ‘Go, Arthur! We’re behind you!”
“Arthur, you’re the best! Don’t be afraid, just go for it!”
They really knew how to stir things up.
Regina barely regarded Arthur, backing up slightly with a wary glance but still sneering. “Do you even know who the man in the photos is?”
She hissed. “His name is Harry Freeman, the chief representative of Vission Group in the West End. Sure, he’s wealthy, but he’s also a notorious pl**oy in Kitmore City. If your daughter is involved with him, it’s not business; it’s something else.” Andrew chimed in with a mocking tone, “Birds of a feather flock together. Harry’s women change daily-small-time actresses, models, influencers. If Athena were a good girl, would she be hanging out with someone like him?”
The crowd continued to gossip.
“I don’t think the Donovan girl is like that. Maybe she’s been tricked by the p**oy?” someone suggested.
“Remember, she was raised by a wealthy family. She’s used to the good life. It’s normal for her to find a rich guy to support her, another chimed in.
18-year-old with a car? If a man didn’t give it to her, how could she earn it herself?”
“She looks like an angel. How could she get involved with a guy like that?”
The Donovans turned pale with anger, and tears welled up in Claire’s eyes.
“Shut up!” Wesley Donovan, usually mild-mannered, was furious waving his arms. “Mrs. Kennedy, Mr. Kennedy, you’re slandering Athena based on assumptions. That’s illegal!”
“Besides, Athena is eighteen. She has the right to associate with anyone she chooses. Why are you so concerned about her private life?”
“Dad, don’t waste your breath on them!” Arthur charged forward aiming a punch at Andrew. “I’ll shut them up myself?” Andrew’s face turned white, and he instinctively covered his face. His looks were his livelihood-he couldn’t afford to get hit But before Arthur could land a punch, a hand caught his arm.
“Arthur, they’re not worth it, Athena said calmly, stopping him. Mr. Kennedy, Mrs, Kennedy, did you come here just to say
all this?”
“Stop pretending!” Regina snapped, momentarily stunned by Athena’s composure. “You know exactly what you’ve done.
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Chapter 31
We’re here to tell you to make things right with Harry and restore the Kennedy family’s partnership with Vission Group
Isaac felt uncomfortable hearing Athena address them so formaly as “Mr.” and “Mrs,” but he feigned patience. “Athena, the Kennedys raised you for eighteen years, providing you with the best of everything. You can’t revenit us just because you’re no longer living the life of a wealthy heiress.”
“What do you mean by that?” Arthur interrupted angrily. “Atheist is happy to be with us. She doesn’t care about your wealth.”
Pit!” Andrew, relieved from the immediate threat, sneered again Athena couldn’t be a Kennedy heiress, so she cozied up to Harry, convincing Vission Group to cut ties with the Kennedy and ruin their business.”
“Cutting off someone’s livelihood is like killing their parents. Is your Athena ruthless?”
Regina added. “Athena, you’ve received the best education for eighteen years. I don’t remember betrayal being part of it.”
“If you have any conscience, make Harry renew the contract with the Kennedys. Otherwise, we’ll tell everyone in Kitmore City how cruel you are.”
The crowd buzzed with speculation.
Just because she can’t be a rich heiress, she decides to take revenge on her foster family? That’s too much
“Going from a life of luxury to living here as a regular person is a huge drop. I wouldn’t be able to handle it either…”
I knew it. That Donovan girl found her real family but didn’t move back in. She must think this place is too shabby
The faces of the Donovan family grew increasingly grim as they listened.
Even Wesley and Arthur, usually calm, were visibly upset, and Maria clenched her fists, ready to join the fray.
But Athena raised her hand, signaling her family to hold back. Her eyes, sharp and clear, swept over Isaac and Regina. “So. you need something from me, right? And yet you have the nerve to publicly slander me?”
“Slander? What slander?” Regina stammered, her voice rising defensively under Athena’s gaze. “We’re just stating the facts! Your relationship with Harry is shady, to say the least.
“Good,” Athena said, lifting her phone. “Harry, did you catch all that?
Everyone turned to look.
To their surprise, she was on a video call with a man. The man in the video had long hair and wore a floral shirt. Though he wasn’t wearing sunglasses, his style matched the p**oy from the photos.
Harry had been watching the entire spectacle, his patience wearing thin
Finally, when it was his turn to speak, he slammed his hand on the table and shouted, “Isaac, Regina, do you really think you can stalk me, take secret photos, and bully my friend? Do you take me for a fool?”
I’ve recorded everything you said about me and Athena. Just wait-I’m calling my lawyer now. By tomorrow morning, I’l be filing a lawsuit against you. Prepare for your day in court. And as for spreading rumors about Athena being ungrateful? Who do you think you are?”
“If it weren’t for Athena, I would never have signed a contract with you in the first place. Dream on”
Isaac and Regina stared at Harry in the video, their faces turning pale. How much had Harry seen and heard?
Despite his flamboyant appearance, Harry was known for being ruthless. Their insults likely left him vengeful, making any hope for collaboration even slimmer.
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At that moment, Regina’s haired for Athena intensified. She blained Athena for everything
That ungrateful girl had been quietly informing Harry all along, her cunning deeper than they had realized.
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