She Outshines Them All (Athena and Matthew)

Chapter

2

Athena sat gracefully on the edge of the sofa, her posture upright and poised, hands neatly folded in her lap.

Isaac said slowly, "You'll be meeting your biological parents tomorrow. I've arranged for a driver to take you there, and ther are gifts prepared for them.

"It's been years since you've seen your family, so make sure to spend time with them, get settled. Don't worry about anythin here Athena nodded, understanding. "Thank you."

Isaac gestured to the property transfer agreement lying on the coffee table. "This house is a farewell gift from your mother and me. It's not brand new, but it's been kept up well and fully furnished. I hope it'll be suitable for you." Athena had already glanced over the agreement. The house was her childhood home, a small, worn-down apartment barely fit for living.

The Kennedys had held onto it, hoping for a payout from demolition or as a place for elderly relatives. Now, they were offering it to her as a symbolic gesture since neither of those plans had panned out.

She smiled politely. Thank you, Dad. But please keep the house for now. I'll let you know if I need it."

crossed Isaac's face, and his tone cooled. Fine. If you ever change your mind, just call Elias, He'll handle everything

nodded again to show she

I've asked Mia to pack your things. Get some rest tonight, and leave early tomorrow so

her biological parents were as eager as the Kennedys to see her go, but she

you, Dad.

Isaac, He sighed, feigning regret. "Athena, you're a good girl. If my long-lost son didn't already have a girlfriend, I would've loved to see you as my daughter-in-law." Athena fought back the urge to thank him for sparing her from that fate. Remembering that Isaac hadn't been entirely unkind over the years, she offered a simple goodnight and

a mixture of guilt and reluctance in his gaze. He was surprised by how obedient she remained, even

his real children could finally move in.

robe. When Isaac walked in,

a fuss, Isaac replied, brushing it off. "She turned down the house, said she'd ask for it

taken aback. "That old house might be a bit rundown, but it's still worth something. I

frowned. I don't think Athena's

1/2

20:54 Wed, Oct 9