She Outshines Them All (Athena and Matthew) novel Chapter 41

Chapter 41
Wesley forced a stiff smile. “Athena is already exceptional. There’s nothing we need to teach her.
“But your own child, fresh back from overseas, doesn’t even have the guts to show their face. Are they that ashamed?”
The tension in the room shot up immediately. The guests thought, Wow, they’re already going at it?”
The Kennedy family’s expressions soured.
Regina sneered, “Mr. and Mrs. Donovan, tonight’s dinner includes French cuisine. Do you even know how to eat it? Would you like us to give you a hands-on lesson?”
Arthur didn’t miss a beat. “Your kid just got back from abroad. Do they even know how to use a fork? Maybe we should give them a lesson.”
At this, Josie raised her tiny hand and said in her sweet, childish voice, “I know how to use a fork. I can teach them.”
The crowd couldn’t help but laugh.
They looked down on the Donovan family for being poor, but they didn’t think much of the Kennedy family either, who were rich but classless. So, they stayed neutral, just enjoying the show.
Regina was so furious she slammed the table, about to lose her temper.
Just then, someone exclaimed, “Athena is here-
Both families instinctively turned toward the entrance, pausing their argument.
With Athena being the former beloved daughter of the Kennedy family, even those who hadn’t met her had certainly heard/
of her.
She was also the top student and a recognized beauty of Kitmore City High School, the best in the city-everyone in the room knew who she was.
Given the special nature of tonight’s event, the moment she walked in, she became the center of attention.
Today, she was dressed casually but stylishly.
Her hair was tied up in a high ponytail, and she wore white sneakers, a light yellow T-shirt with a cute duck design, and white knee-length shorts. A cream-colored crossbody bag hung over her shoulder.
She looked fresh, vibrant, and full of energy.
What really caught everyone’s attention was her flawless, glowing skin, the curves that even her loose T-shirt couldn’t hide, her shiny black hair, long curled eyelashes, and full, rosy lips.
In short, everything about her was just right-her fair skin, dark hair, rosy lips, and perfect figure left no room for criticism.
The only thing anyone could possibly nitpick was that she wasn’t wearing any designer brands.
Under the gaze of everyone in the room, Athena walked confidently to the main table, completely unfazed by the attention.
“Dad, Mom, Arthur, Josie, Fm sorry. I only got Zoe’s message a few minutes ago, so I’m a bit late.”
Seeing her healthy complexion and bright smile, with no sign of distress or discomfort, Wesley and the others finally
relaxed
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Chapter 41
“As long as you’re okay. Wesley smiled. “There aren’t any seats left at this table. Should we move to another one or head
out?”
The show isn’t over yet. How can we leave now?” Athena grinned as she gently patted Josie’s head. “Josie, how about you sit with me?”
Josie clapped her hands excitedly. “Okay. I’m so small, I won’t take up much space.”
Athena cheerfully lifted her up and seated her on her lap
Wesley leaned in and whispered, “Athena, what’s going on here?”
Athena smiled. “You’ve been set up. But don’t worry, just think of it as watching a good show. Hold back your anger for now, and we’ll make sure to return the favor later”
Seeing her so composed, Wesley and the others calmed down as well. “Alright.”
“Well, well, Athena, you’re finally here, Regina said, her old grudges bubbling to the surface. With a cold smile, she continued, “Now that you’re here, why haven’t you greeted us, the adoptive parents who raised you for 18 years? Or are you afraid we’ll ask for financial support now that you’ve latched onto a rich backer?”
Andrew joined in, mocking Athena, “Are you bitter because my parents didn’t give you enough when they sent you back to the Donovan family? Is that why you’re holding a grudge?”
The crowd was shocked, thinking Whoa, Athena just walked in, and the Kennedy family is already attacking her? raising her for 18 years, they’re talking to her like she’s an enemy And wait, did Athena really hook up with someone rich?”
Athena smiled calmly. “Mrs. Kennedy, you’ve got it all wrong. Everything I’ve done has been to help you and your biological children.
“If your own kids can’t even measure up to me, and I still treated you as my adoptive parents, wouldn’t they worry that I might steal your affection-or even your inheritance? How could they sleep at night?
“For the sake of your family’s happiness, it’s only right that I cut ties with you.
“Besides, my biological parents are better than you in every way. I need to focus on being a good daughter to them—1 simply don’t have the time or energy to deal with you.”
The crowd was buzzing with excitement.
They thought, Athena isn’t holding back at all, hitting the Kennedy family where it hurts! This is getting intense. Everyone was eager to see what would happen next.
The only ones thrilled by this were the Donovan family. All their anger and frustration seemed to melt away at that
moment.
“Stop flattering yourself!” Regina snapped, slamming the table. “What makes you think you’re better than my Andrew and Gia? You’re just jealous of them!”
“Jealous? Of what?” Athena smirked, touching her face. “Are Andrew and Gia so hideous that they don’t even dare show their faces?”
She knew exactly why Andrew and Gia were keeping their faces hidden.
Andrew was the lead in a popular drama that was currently airing. If he showed his face here, the students would swarm him, completely ruining Zoe’s carefully laid plans.
As for Gia, she was vain and pretentious, probably trying to maintain an air of mystery for some grand reveal later.
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Chapter 41
Andrew and Gia were seething, their faces nearly twisted with rage.
Andrew slammed the table and stood up. “Athena, my parents mised you for 18 years. When they sent you back to the Donovan family, they even gave you a three-bedroom apartment, but you turned it down because it was too old.
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“Fine, you didn’t want it. But you took the opportunity to steal my mom’s favorite Vission Group’s diamond ring. Don’t you have any shame!
“Is this the kind of dirty gene that runs in the Donovan family?”
The room fell into stunned silence. The way people looked at Athena now was filled with contempt.
They thought, ‘She looks so refined and pure, yet she’s being accused of stealing her adoptive mother’s diamond ring? If this is true, it’s beyond despicable!
“You… you’re lying? Claire couldn’t bear to see Athena being accused of theft in front of everyone. She stood up, her eyes red with emotion. “Athena would never do something like that! You’re framing her!
Wesley also stood up, holding Claire’s hand. You owe Athena an apology right now, or we won’t let this go.”
“Framing her?” Andrew sneered and turned to Regina. “Mom, give me that ring”
Regina shot Athena a venomous glare before taking off the red diamond ring from her finger and handing it to Andrew.
Andrew held up the ring for everyone to see. “Everyone, take a look. This is the Vission Group’s Diamond Ring my mom bought just two months ago. It’s worth 2 million dollars. It’s a new design by Miss Yonder, and it’s the only one of its kind in the world-extremely valuable.”
The crowd buzzed with excitement, their eyes filled with awe and envy as they stared at the ring.
Yonder’s designs were incredibly rare, with artistic and collectible value far beyond their market price.
Owning a ring like this would be a prized possession, whether worn or kept as an investment.
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