She Outshines Them All (Athena and Matthew)

Chapter 3

Isaac shook his head, disappointment clear in his eyes. "Was all that obedient, considerate behavior just a damn act?" "Absolutely." Regina scoffed, her expression twisted with disdain. The affection she once had for the girl she called her daughter had long since vanished.

She added, "When Zoe was here two days ago, she couldn't stop admiring this diamond ring. I was planning to give it to her once she and Andrew got engaged. Who would've guessed Ather would swipe it right from under our noses!" "Maybe you didn't know, but Zoe and Athena went to school together-from.elementary all the way to high school. Zoe told me Athena was popular with the boys, and they used to shower her with expensive gifts. She never hesitated to accept them "Let's not dig into this." Isaac cut her off, unwilling to tarnish the memory of the girl they had once cherished. "She's leaving soon. We raised her; we should just let it go, Isaac said, trying to push past the bitterness.

Tm warning you," Regina said sternly. "Don't give her a damn cent. Poor people are like bottomless pits. The moment they get a taste of easy money, they'll keep coming back for more. We can't let that happen." Isaac nodded. "Don't worry. I'll keep it cordial, but she won't see a dime from me

As the couple schemed to keep Athena away, she stood in her almost empty room, staring at her packed luggage, nearly laughing.

Five suitcases were stacked by the door-two filled with clothes, one with shoes, another with bags, and the last one with skincare products and jewelry, none of it worth more than five figures. All the really expensive stuff was gone, but she didn't She grabbed a few clothes and her tablet, packing them into a smaller bag. Scribbling a note, she read it aloud to herself, Tm gone. Don't worry, and don't miss mel" She placed the note on her desk and quietly slipped out of the room. Athena left behind everything the Kennedy family had ever given her. As she made her way through the dark, empty living room, she placed her keys and house card on the cabinet by the door.

Without a second glance, she stepped outside and headed toward her modest black car-the one she bought with her own money, not a penny from the Kennedys.

Once inside the car, Athena pulled out her phone and dialed a number. When the call connected, she said, "As of now, cancel all contracts with the Kennedy Group.

There was a moment of stunned silence before the phone erupted with excited cheers. "Finally! You're done being their

doormat!"

sorry for the trouble I caused. But starting today, I'm officially out of that family. They're no

the other end of

poured through the

Kennedy Group! First thing tomorrow, I'll contact them and terminate all their partnerships with Vission Group "Even if they come begging, we're not backing

grimaced at the noise, rubbing her temples. I'm driving, Let's talk later," she said, putting the car

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20:55 Wed, Oct 9

Chapter 3

under

she drove off, Matthew in the SUV issued a

Louis Connor replied, smoothly tailing Athena's car from a safe

notice. 68%

into the rearview mirror and asked, "Mr. Graham, you came back home and flew all the way to Kitmore City. I

up, you switched your focus to her. Are

he mused, 'If Mr. Graham ever showed interest in a woman-hell, whether she's eighteen or thirty-eight-I'd be so damn grateful. I'd probably

arms crossed, eyes