She Outshines Them All (Athena and Matthew) novel Chapter 39

Chapter 39
On the morning of July 1st. Athena received a message from her father:
Athena, you can check your SAT results today, right? Your mom is planning to buy groceries and make a big dinner to celebrate. Is there anything special you’d like to eat? Do you want to come over for lunch or dinner?]
Athena replied: 11 think the results will be available in the afternoon. I’ll come over for dinner. I’ll love whatever Mom cooks, don’t worry.]
After responding, she set her phone aside and picked up her tablet to continue reviewing the documents sent by Harry.
Smce Vission Group had cut ties with the Kennedy family, a wave of individuals and companies had approached Harry seeking partnerships. Harry had already filtered out many, but over twenty remained.
Harry’s initial thought was to keep it in the family and give the exclusive agency rights to the Donovans.
However, Athena felt that her family wasn’t yet equipped with the necessary expertise and experience. They were honest people and might not be ready for the cutthroat world of business
Meanwhile, Claire and Arthur returned from the market with fresh ingredients and decided to take a nap After all, running a barbecue stand meant they usually worked until around 3 AM, and waking up early left them sleep-deprived.
Claire slept until 3:30 PM, then donned her apron and washed her hands, ready to start preparing dinner.
Just then, Wesley Donovan received a text message. It was from Athena:
[Mom, Dad, my exam results are out, and I’m the top scorer in the province! My friends have booked a few tables at a hotel for a celebration dinner, starting at 5 PM. I’ve sent a car to pick you up. It should arrive in about ten minutes, so get ready to leave.]
Wesley found it odd. Athena had said she would come over for dinner, so why the sudden change to a hotel celebration?
But Athena mentioned that her friends had organized it, and perhaps she couldn’t refuse their hospitality. To be sure, Wesley decided to call his daughter to confirm.
However, for some reason, the signal was poor, and he couldn’t get through despite several attempts.
Considering the limited time; Wesley didn’t want to delay. He quickly informed his family about the change of them to dress nicely, and called Maria..
plans, urging
Maria was thrilled ‘Congratulations to Athena! But I asked my manager, and I can’t get the day off. I’ll have to celebrate with her tomorrow.”
Wesley reassured her, “Focus on your work and make sure to rest. We’ll save some food for you when we get back
He then whipped up a couple of dishes, wrapped them in plastic, and stored them in the fridge before changing into his
own outfit.
Once the family was ready, the car arrived downstairs. The driver, dressed in an impeccable black suit, politely opened the door for them. “Mr. and Mrs. Donovan, Miss Athena sent me to take you to the celebration dinner. Please, get in
The Donovans thanked him and got into the car with their children. Throughout the ride, Wesley had a nagging feeling that something was off. This kind of arrangement didn’t feel like Athena’s doing.
He tried calling his daughter again, but the signal was still poor, and he couldn’t get through
With no other choice, he pushed his doubts aside.
09:08 Thu,
Chapter 39
5
Meanwhile, Athena had also left her apartment, but just as her car exited the neighborhood, she received several photos. Opening them, her eyes widened in surprise.
Her parents. Arthur, and Josic?
Her father was in a neat, old black suit, and her mother wore a faded blue plaid dress as they stepped out of a car in front of the Vission Resort, being ushered into the hotel lobby.
What was going on?
The number sending the photos was unfamiliar.
As she prepared to call her father, another message came through from the same unknown number: [Athena, your parents.
won’t come?] are already at my celebration dinner and have been seated at the main table. Are you sure you
Athena’s lips curled in irritation. Zoe Murray was at it again, tricking her parents into attending the celebration dinner.
[Just you wait.] Athena shot a message back to Zoe, then swiftly turned her car around, driving straight to the Vission Resort with determination.
The back hall of the Vission Resort was alive with activity. A prominent sign in red and gold at the entrance announced: “Congratulations to Zoe Murray for scoring 1530 on the SAT!”
Well-trained staff, clad in either black suits or pink uniforms, lined up to greet guests as they arrived in a steady stream.
There were teachers and students.
There were friends and relatives of the Kennedy family.
There were also the elite and socialites of Kitmore City
Each one was dressed impeccably, exuding wealth and status.
When the waiter led Wesley and his family to the entrance of the hall, their attire quickly drew attention.
Whispers spread through the crowd, “Who are these people? Are they some poor family brought here by a student to attend Zoe Murray’s celebration dinner?”
“Even though the Murray family invited all the graduates, which of the less fortunate students would actually dare to come?” “They came, and they brought their whole family to freeload. Don’t they feel embarrassed?”
The Donovans felt uncomfortable under the scrutiny.
Arthur Donovan held Josie close, shielding her face against his chest, and whispered, “Josie, don’t pay attention to them.”
Josie clutched her Hello Kitty plush and nodded obediently. “Okay”
Just as Wesley and his wife were about to ask the staff about Athena’s whereabouts, a pretty girl in a purple strapless dress, adorned with a sparkling heart-shaped necklace, emerged with a group of students. She called out loudly, “Mr. and Mrs. Donovan, you’re here!”
Their expressions shifted abruptly.
Zoe Murray? The same girl who had tormented Athena outside their home? What was she doing here?
“Everyone, meet Athena Donovan’s biological parents,” Zoe announced with a sickly sweet smile, gesturing towards Wesley and his wife. “Don’t you think she looks just like them?”
Chapter 39
A ripple of curiosity passed through the crowd as students exchanged hushed whispers. Emboldened by Zoe’s lead, those inclined to be cruel raised their voices.
‘I heard her real family is dirt poor. Looks like it’s true,” one sucered.
“Athena’s used to the high life with the Kennedys. Can you afford her lifestyle? another taunted.
“They have a ton of kids. You know what they say: the more kids, the less money,” a third chimed in.