She Outshines Them All (Athena and Matthew)

Chapter 9

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After polishing off two bowls of rich, cr****my radish soup. Athena put down her spoon and said earnestly, "Mom, Dad, I know some top-notch doctors. Once you decide on a time, let me know, and I'll arrange for a car to pick them up. I'll also have my friend who's a doctor take a look at them. "And I don't worry about the costs. The hospital allows us to defer payments over five or ten years."

Wesley and Claire exchanged glances, both surprised and overjoyed. "Thank you so much, Athena. Youre truly a blessing to our family." Wesley said, his voice full of gratitude.. Athena beamed,

ned, her heart warming at the sight of her parents' happiness. She returned to her meal, savoring the deep satisfaction of being able to help them.

Overjoyed by Athena's obvious enjoyment, Claire kept piling more food onto her plate. "Here, have some more," she urged, her eyes twinkling with motherly pride.

Not wanting to be outdone, Wesley grabbed the serving spoon and placed an empty plate in front of Athena. Try these, too! I made the chicken pot pies, shrimp, and macaroni and cheese, he said enthusiastically. happily ate everything that was offered, feeling like a contented cat as she relished each bite. The dishes were exceptionally fresh, and the fish she tried had such a rich flavor it reminded her of farm-to-table cooking. Not to be outshined in the kitchen, Claire chimed in, "Athena, I made the baked fish, seafood chowder, casserole, and salad. So, tell me, who's the better cook, your dad or me?"

Athena

While most people might offer a polite response. Athena, being straightforward as always, thought for a moment before replying. Td give Dad's cooking a perfect score.

Wesley chuckled

ckled and shot Claire a playful wink,

Claire, momentarily deflated, pouted a little as if her cooking skills had been found lacking.

But then Athena grinned and added, "And Mom's cooking? That gets an extra twenty bonus points."

Claire's face instantly lit y lit up, her pride and joy making her look years younger as she smiled broadly.

"Then eat more!" Claire insisted, eagerly spooning more food onto Athena's plate. "As long as you want, I'll cook for you every day. And if there's something I don't know how to make, I'll learn.

exaggerating-I'm a damn good cook! Your dad practically begged me to marry him because I could whip

back, "Now, don't go lying to the kid, You're the

their lighthearted banter,

puffed cheeks, sparkly eyes, and constant munching. Every bite she took made them want to dote on

meal, Athena set down her fork and spoon with a contented grin. "I'll take a break

to hear that. Claire quickly brought her a glass

good enough to

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20:5

Oct 9

while I tell you more about

"Brandon, your second brother, is studying abroad. He's been covering all his expenses with scholarships and part-time jobs. We haven't sent him a cent, but he still manages to send us a little. money each month." Wesley's expression flickered between pride and guilt as he went on, "He really wanted to visit you, but he's been saving up for a plane ticket. He

City for a

"Athena, you're so thoughtful. I'll pass on your message, and I'm

elder brother, Harry, is in

could continue, Wesley's phone

to miss anything important, so Wesley

Arthur got into a fight with a security guard and was taken to the

wwwww

to the kitchen to avoid

fork slipped from her hands

Wesley closed the kitchen door behind him, the warmth

a tense silence, and Claire's

the sofa and handed

She pressed the phone to her ear, but the line was busy. Her face grew paler with each failed attempt, her anxiety mounting. Claire's hands trembled as she took