She Outshines Them All (Athena and Matthew) novel Chapter 52

Chapter 52
Athena atched Lucas’s retreating figure with a cold, calculated smile.
This was Vission Group’s turf. From the moment the Harper siblings appeared, she could’ve had them kicked out.
But she deliberately held off, letting them dig their own graves first, then called in hotel security to publicly throw them out after they’d made a complete spectacle of themselves.
Outside the hall. Jodie’s sobs and Lucas’s harsh scolding could be heard. “What are you crying for? Just hurry up and leave! Stop embarrassing us!”
But it was too late-their reputation was already in shambles, beyond repair.
Inside the hall, people shook their heads, the Harper siblings’ disgraceful behavior leaving a lasting impression.
Someone couldn’t help but ask. “Is Miss Graham like this at school too?”
Totally Students from Kitmore City High School chimed in. “She’s known as the campus beauty, but also as a notorious slacker. She’s always at the bottom of the class rankings. No one can figure out how she even got into Kitmore City High School.”
“It’s obvious-the Harper family donated a building to the school. With her grades, she wouldn’t get in even if she studied for another decade.
And her PE scores are terrible. Every time she can’t keep up in running, she just cries, and then all the boys beg the teacher to go easy on her. The teachers probably feel sorry for her when she starts crying and just let her pass.”
“The craziest part is, she doesn’t care at all about being at the bottom of the class. Every time she flunks, she just says she’s not made for academics, that she’s better suited for marrying a man who’ll take care of her, having kids early, and letting him support her for the rest of her life.”
“She even says the only reason she goes to a good school is to boost her value’ so she can marry a rich guy later.”
The crowd was shocked. “But the wealthier a man is, the more he wants smart, capable kids to inherit the family business. Isn’t she worried they’ll see her as dumb and assume her kids will be too?”
The Kitmore City High School students shrugged. That’s the thing-she’s too dumb to even think that far ahead.”
Everyone was left speechless.
One parent couldn’t resist giving some advice to their son. “Remember, no matter how preuy Miss Graham is, you can’t marry someone like her. If she’s not smart, your kids won’t be either, and they’ll be useless in running the family business, She’ll drag the whole family down”
“A brother with bad character and a sister with no brains-the Harper family is a mess.
“Man, I used to envy the Kennedy family’s daughter, but not anymore.”
At this point, everyone suddenly remembered Gia and turned to see how she was reacting.
Her head was lowered even further, and she tightened her mask as if she wished she could sink into the floor and disappear.
Isaac and the others looked equally miserable, feeling as if they were being roasted alive in front of everyone. Staying was unbearable, but leaving would be even more humiliating.
Fortunately, some hungry students who had come with empty stomachs couldn’t wait any longer and spoke up, “It’s almost seven o’clock. Are we still going to eat or not?”
Chapter 52
Matthew turned to Athena and asked, “Miss Donovan, do you still plan on staying?”
Athena smiled sweetly. “This is Zoe’s graduation party. We should see what she thinks”
With that, she glanced toward the stage. Everyone else followed her gaze.
The stage was completely empty-there was no sign of Zoc.
“Where did Zoe go?” The crowd began looking around, trying to spot her.
But it was as if Zoe had vanished into thin air-along with Barba. Only Jarred remained.
滷味气:89%
Everyone quickly realized that Zoe and Barbara must have quietly slipped away, too embarrassed to stay any longer. The crowd’s gaze turned toward Jarred, now tinged with sympathy.
After all, scoring high on the exam was already an impressive achievement for Zoe. It was just unfortunate that she was overshadowed by someone who scored even higher…
Jarred forced a smile and raised his glass. “Everyone, the party is now officially starting. I hope you all enjoy your meal. Let me offer a toast to you first.”
The guests awkwardly raised their glasses and drank along.
After his toast, Jarred sat down and made a point of picking up his fork to take a bite. Once he started eating, the other guests felt they could finally dig ih.
But the Kennedy family had lost their appetite. The Donovan family wasn’t in the mood.
And Matthew clearly had no interest in staying
He leaned over and asked Athena softly. “Miss Donovan, I’ve arranged another dinner. Would you mind joining me somewhere else for a more private meal?”
Seeing that the drama was over and Zoe had fled, Athena smiled and agreed, “Sure.”
Matthew’s typically cold, sculpted features softened into a warm smile. “Great, let’s go.”
He then turned to Wesley and the others, politely saying, “Mr. Donovan, Mrs. Donovan, Arthur, and this little one, you’re all welcome to join us.”
Wesley simply looked at Athena, waiting for her response.
Athena smiled back and said, “I did help Mr. Graham out before, so it’s only fair to accept his dinner invitation.”
Only then did Wesley nod and say. “In that case, thank you, Mr. Graham
Matthew stood up. “Let’s head out.”
Seeing them prepare to leave, Jarred hurried over. “Mr. Graham, you’re leaving already? It’s not often we get to have you here. Please, at least let me host you properly…”
Matthew replied coolly, “I came here to celebrate with Miss Donovan. This has nothing to do with the Murray family, so there’s no need for you to entertain me. Goodbye.”
With that, he turned and left without hesitation.
Knowing there was no way to keep him, Jarred sighed and said, “Allow me to escort Mr. Graham and Miss Donovan out.” The Donovan family also stood up, following Athena out.
08.54 Fri,
Chapter 52
Arthur, not wanting anyone to comment on Josie’s limp, carried her in his arms as they left.
After taking a few steps, Athena suddenly remembered something. She turned back to the table, picked up the bouquet of roses, tok a deep breath of their scent, and smiled softly before quickly catching up with the group.
Matthew noticed her actions and couldn’t help but smile, his gaze softening. He slowed his pace slightly, waiting for her to catch up.
Everyone watched them leave, their expressions mixed.
The way Matthew led the Donovan family away was like a powerful tiger entering a dangerous forest to rescue a family of deer surrounded by wolves. They thought, ‘What could Athena have done to earn such special treatment from Mr. Graham?
Gia’s eyes burned with resentment as she watched through her task.
She thought, I am the true lady here-intelligent, beautiful, well-bred, and from a distinguished family. Athena is just a girl from a poor background. How can she capture Mr. Graham’s attention while I am left as the joke of the evening? It is utterly
unfair!
She was determined to show everyone that, compared to her, Athena was nothing. She was the one trudy suited to be by Matthew’s side.
Meanwhile, upstairs, Zoe hid in a lounge, peeking through the door at the scene below. Her heart ached as if it were being scraped by dozens of dull knives.
She thought, What will it take to finally defeat Athena?”
From elementary school to high school, Athena had always been the mountain weighing her down, preventing her from ever standing tall.
She knew she was already outstanding and didn’t need to be so fixated on competing with Athena, but she couldn’t overcome the mental block.
Even if she
runner-up.
anted to let it go, people around her would constantly compare her to Athena, mocking her as the eternal
She couldn’t bear that kind of humiliation. Her only option was to keep fighting Athena-until she completely crushed her
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