She Outshines Them All (Athena and Matthew) novel Chapter 490

08:18 Mon, Dec 2 

Chapter 490 

“You didn’t directly tell Zilvia to leave the Donovan family,” Athena said, her voice sharp and cold. “Instead, from the moment you started raising her, you made her believe that ordinary, uneventful life wasn’t worth living–that she had to break free from the dullness of the everyday, chase after excitement and luxury, and become someone powerful and wealthy.” 

Catherine froze, stunned by Athena’s words. She stared at her in disbelief, tears welling up in her eyes. 

“Athena, we just first met…” Catherine’s voice cracked as tears streamed down her cheeks. “What gives you the right to accuse me like this?” 

But Athena was unmoved by her tears or her grief. She continued speaking as if she hadn’t heard Catherine at all. “Zilvia was just five years old–a little girl who’d known nothing but a safe, peaceful life. She was well–fed, well–loved, and had never experienced hardship or pain. 

“So tell me, why would a child like that suddenly decide her home life was boring? What could make her yearn for the glittering, bustling world outside?” 

Catherine’s tears flowed freely now. “What are you trying to do? Take your anger out on me? Or are you just trying to show off how clever you are, like some kind of genius detective?” 

Athena gave her a faint smile, calm and unbothered. “No matter how bright a child might be, her understanding of the world comes entirely from what she sees, hears, or experiences. Her thoughts are shaped by the boundaries of her knowledge. 

“So why would Zilvia, a girl who doesn’t like crowds or play with other kids, and prefers to be on her own, suddenly feel like her life at home was dull? Why would she think a family like Nellie’s is what she truly wants?” 

Her gaze was sharp, cutting straight into Catherine. “Because you taught her to think that way.” 

“That’s ridiculous!” Catherine’s voice cracked with desperation as she shouted. “You didn’t even return to the Donovan family until four years ago! You know nothing about me or Zilvia! Everything you’re saying is pure speculation!” 

“Speculation?” Athena’s expression hardened, her eyes narrowing with an icy glare. “Then explain this–why do you treat your daughter, Maria, with such indifference and disdain, while giving so much care and attention to Zilvia, the daughter my mother gave birth to? Why do you insist on handling everything for her yourself, never trusting anyone else to step in?” 

“I–I…” Catherine stammered, struggling to find her words. “Maria is older than Zilvia. She’s already living with the Donovan family and using their resources. Of course, I had to prioritize Zilvia-” 

Athena’s laugh was bitter and scornful. “Do you think I’m stupid enough to believe that?” 

Her voice turned colder, her words like a blade. “The truth is, you don’t care about Maria because you think she’s a disappointment. She doesn’t meet your expectations, and you’ve decided she’s useless in helping you change your fate. 

“When Maria was a child, how many times did you tear her down? How many times did you mock her or deny her worth?” 

Maria had once confided in Athena, speaking haltingly about her childhood. She’d been a shy, skinny, dark–skinned girl with little to say and even less confidence. The entire family had seemed disappointed in her, but no one’s disapproval had been as cruel or cutting as her mother’s. 

Her mother had often looked at her and sighed in frustration. “I’m beautiful–so why didn’t you inherit my looks? Instead, you got your father’s face and his short height. You won’t even grow up to be attractive. 

“As a girl, being unattractive is bad enough. But you’re not good at school, you have no charm, and you don’t even know how to make people like you. Is there anything you’re good at? Anything at all? 

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08:18 Mon, Dec 2 

Chapter 490. 

“I don’t even know why I went through the pain of giving birth to you. What was the point?” 

3 

Catherine always said to Maria, “You’re hopeless,” she’d say. “You’re plain, awkward, and completely out of touch. It’s infuriating.” 

And there were always comparisons to Zilvia. They came like clockwork, relentless and cutting. “Zilvia is two years younger than you, and she’s already better than you in every way. Why can’t you be more like her? 

“If you were even half as good as Zilvia, I wouldn’t feel this constant disappointment… 

“When I see the two of you together, it’s like watching a maid stand next to a princess. Doesn’t that humiliate you? Don’t you want to improve yourself? To be better? 

“You have no ambition. You’re hopeless. I can’t bring myself to care anymore.” 

By the time Maria was eight, those words had etched themselves into her soul. Her mother’s constant criticism and disdain had made her insecure, painfully sensitive, and deeply afraid of rejection. Those scars were still with her, even now. 

Even though Maria had grown into a renowned jewelry designer, even though the Donovan family treated her with kindness and respect, she still couldn’t shake the fear of her mother’s judgment. Around Catherine, Maria reverted to the timid, self–doubting little girl she’d been, constantly worrying about falling short.