She Outshines Them All (Athena and Matthew)

Chapter 10

Wesley and Claire exchanged uneasy glances, torn between shielding their recently reunited daughter from their problems and worrying that keeping secrets would only make her feel more like an outsider. After a tense moment, Wesley made up his mind. Athena, we don't want to hide anything from you about the situation our family is in.

"Five years ago, we managed to scrape together enough money to buy a duplex in Bard Garden, a new residential complex not far from here. We had dreams of moving the whole family in and bringing your grandparents to live with us. "The house was supposed to be ready three years ago, according to the contract. But... Wesley sighed, the frustration and helplessness weighing on his face. He continued, "Just when the project was nearing completion, the owner of Bard Property fled overseas with a massive sum of money. Suppliers, renovation companies, and construction crews all started showing up, demanding payment "But the company went bankrupt, leaving nothing to pay them with. So, the entire development was put on hold. The completed units can't be handed over, and construction on the unfinished ones has stopped.

"Even though the homeowners won their lawsuits, Bard Property has to settle its debts with the suppliers and builders before anything can move forward. So, we and all the other homeowners are stuck, waiting for them to clear those debts." Athena remembered the I the protest the'd seen earlier outside Bard Carden. It hit her-Arthur was probably there, organizing and leading the whole thing.

"The police are trying to track down the owner of Bard Property Claire added, wiping her eyes. "But since he's overseas, it's complicated, and the situation just drags on and on."

*Our mortgage payments are about 4,000 dollars a month, Wesley continued. "The money our kids saved has been going straight into those payments, but the idea of ever moving into that house feels more hopeless by the day." Wesley gave a wry smile. "And what's even more frustrating is that since Bard Property is a private company, the government can't step in to cover the costs.

"Even if the police find the owner, we still won't get our house unless he somehow manages to settle all the debts."

Claire, her voice trembling with emotion, chimed in. "Arthur organized that protest to try and speed things up so that when you came back to us, you'd have a proper home. We never thought things would turn out like this." "So, please don't blame him for not coming to see you today or for any of this mess, Claire pleaded, tears streaming down

her face.

As a tear fell onto Athena's hand, she felt a deep tug at her heart. She nodded gently, her voice calm but resolute. "Mom, Dad, don't worry. I have a feeling Arthur will be home soon, and the house situation will get sorted out quickly." Seeing the quiet determination in their daughter, Wesley and Claire forced a smile, even though their worries remained. Wesley sighed. "You're right. We're good people, and good things will come our way"

Athena didn't elaborate but spoke with firm conviction. "Mom, Dad, I usually have a good sense about these things. Trust me, Arthur will be okay."

Wesleya

reassure them, but something about the certainty in her voice actually eased their anxieties a little. "Okay? Wesley said, patting Athena's

adding, "I need to get ready before I go

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Chapter 10

there's nothing I can do to help right now, I'll head back for the time being. She paused, then added. "But once Arthur's back. I'll come visit again." Relieved that she still planned to visit, Wesley hesitated, then cautiously asked,

be small, but there are usually only four or five of us here. We can

Claire, still worried, asked cautiously, "Athena, do you have any money right now? We're not rich, but

pena:

you for worrying about me. I'd be happy to move back

to stay in the

don't worry about my living expenses. The company provides meals and accommodation; and the salary is good enough for me. I'll

was immediate. "You're so young and already working? What kind of job is it? Is it tough? Does your boss treat you

work, especially with so little life experience, made her anxious. She'd much prefer Athena helping out at their food cart in the evenings, even if it meant just sitting

about. We're a group of students working with experts on some scientific research. Everyone's deeply involved in academia,

relief but still hesitated before

smiled mysteriously. "That's classified. I can't share the

Claire

smart girl. If you say it's confidential, we believe you." Noticing the food the food left on the

reminding her not to

that the best way to make Athena feel comfortable was to listen to her,

remaining worries and decided not to dig