She Outshines Them All (Athena and Matthew) novel Chapter 429

A week later, a line of Miracle rolled up one after another to the Donovan villa. With the villa unable to accommodate so many vehicles, some had to be temporarily parked in Oxhorn Village.

Meanwhile, Zayn entrusted Brandon with the 40 million dollars he'd earned from starring in dramas and endorsements.

After completing the paperwork for the company stock buyback, Brandon and Lindsay severed their final ties.

Without hesitation, Lindsay deleted Brandon's contact info and iMessage in front of him.

Before she got into her car, she said coolly, "Now that you're at the top, there's no shortage of women flocking to you, bending over backward to please you. They'll say exactly what you want to hear and become whoever you need them to be—unlike me.

"But I doubt you'll ever find another woman like me, who would stand by your side, unwavering, through riches or poverty, hardship or glory." With that, she got into her car, closed the door, and drove away.

Brandon watched her car disappear, then wandered alone down familiar streets, feeling a faint chill and a touch of loneliness in the summer air. In his heart, he reflected, 'I'm just not cut out for relationships. I should probably just focus on my career. If I never get married, I'll just live with Mom and Dad.'

On the same day, a new semester began. As soon as Athena arrived on campus, Franco received an email from Joy: [Professor Xander, when does this year's archaeology expedition start? I can hardly wait!]

Athena, posing as Franco, replied: [After Independence Day, we'll head to Karnakale for an archaeological dig, possibly venturing into restricted areas. This expedition will be dangerous, so be sure to fully prepare before Independence Day.]

The reason for setting the date after Independence Day was Jaden and Luna's wedding, scheduled for that holiday.

Joy replied with a meme: [I'm not afraid of danger; I'll start preparing now and won't let you down.]

Athena took a sip of water, smirking inwardly. Joy's actions fit her expectations perfectly—disappointment wasn't an option.

After the mountain archaeology trip, Joy believed she'd glimpsed Franco's true face and uncovered his real identity, so she secretly sent someone to investigate this male Franco. But little did she know, this fake Franco was one of Athena's people, observing Joy in turn and uncovering quite a few of her secrets.

The more Athena learned about Joy, the more impressed she became. She knew Joy was undeniably extraordinary.

However, their rivalry wouldn't last forever. By the time Athena graduated, only one of them would emerge victorious.

Time flew, and Independence Day arrived. Jaden and Luna held a small, private wedding at the Donovan family farm, with fewer than 200 close friends and family present.

But before the wedding, every hotel, inn, and guesthouse in Oxhorn Village and the entire county was booked solid. Fans, media, and onlookers flocked there, hoping to witness the event. Though the ceremony was private, people gathered around the farm's observation fence for a glimpse.

This time, Athena appeared directly as Dr. Annie, without any disguise, and conducted a thorough examination of Nicolette. She then confidently assured the latter, "It can be completely healed, though it will take some time."

Nicolette's eyes brightened. "How long do you think it will take?"

Athena explained, "I'll perform a skin graft on the scars on your face and some of the more severe red marks, followed by an application of a specially formulated ointment. Due to certain constraints, the ointment is quite rare and can't be taken out of the lab, so you'll need to come in daily for application. You should see complete healing within about three months. Will you be able to spare that much time?"

Athena's herbal cultivation base had recently produced a few more revival herbs, which could be used in Nicolette's treatment—a small gesture of gratitude for saving Brandon.

Nicolette paused to consider before nodding. "I haven't had a vacation in years. If I add up my leave, it should be enough to cover three months."

Both women were direct. Nicolette quickly requested extended leave from her unit and, at the Donovan family's warm invitation, moved into their villa for a brief stay. Soon after, with Brandon by her side, she underwent the skin graft surgery, performed personally by Athena.

The surgery was highly successful, and Nicolette was thrilled with the outcome.

Afterward, Athena entrusted Nicolette's follow-up treatment to the research lab and left Kitmore City as Franco, bringing Joy along to Karnakale for an archaeological expedition.