She Outshines Them All (Athena and Matthew)

Chapter 15

Arthur stumbled out of the police station that evening, his mind in a haze. The warm glow of the setting sun made everything around him feel strangely unreal. Is it really over? No detention, no lines?' he muttered to himself, struggling to wrap his head around how quickly everything had been resolved.

the

Earlier, a security guard had shoved a pregnant woman, prompting Arthur to step in and ultimately break the guard's arm. The property management and the guard had been hell-bent on demanding hefty compensation and ensuring Arthur stayed out of their business in future. But as soon as Ryan showed up. Arthur was released almost immediately. Even the guard he'd injured had apologized, assuring Arthur they wouldn't press charges. "Hey, Arthur! What the hell are you standing around for? Get in the car!" a voice snapped, jolting Arthur from his thoughts.

less about anything.

He turned to see a plain-looking man, an e-cigarette dangling from his lips, who look with words when dealing with the cops, he didn't fit the image of a high-powered lawyer that Arthur had imagined. The guy was probably in his thirties, but despite his sharp gaze and impressive way with words when dealing with

a lot for for your

saying it,"

it," Ryan replied, opening the passenger door of f his car. "I'll drive you home. Your parents must be worried sick"

"Mr. Marshall, tha thanks a Once is enough. No need to kennelp, Arthur said gratefully. Things could've gone really bad if it weren't for you."

Arthur scratched his head, feeling a bit awkward. "You've already done so much for me today. I don't want to trouble you anymore. I can get home by myself."

Ryan rolled his eyes, knocking on the roof of the car with irritation. "What's your problem? I helped you out of a major mess, and now you're refusing a simple ride home? That's just rude, man" -Arthur hesitated, unsure if he was wrong for trying to be considerate. But with Ryan putting it like that, refusing would seem ungrateful. So, with a muttered thanks, he slid into the passenger seat.

Though the car seemed a bit old, Arthur was surprised by how comfortable it was, feeling as luxurious as any high-end vehicle he'd ever been in.

As they sped down the road, Arthur was even more impressed. The ride ride was incredibly smooth, with no bumps, weird smells, or annoying noise..

"Mr. Marshall, this car is something else. How much did it cost? If I ever get the chance, I'd like to get one too, Arthur asked, still marveling at the car.

sarcasm. This car's custom-made. No amount of money's gonna get you one." Arthur blinked, caught off guard by the response. Realizing he shouldn't pry any further, he

huge mess, but he'd also given Arthur his number, telling him to reach out

you need a reason,

when I see one.

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"You're right. I guess I'm just not used to meeting people as righteous as you." Ryan shot him another meaningful look. "You'll be meeting more people like me

awkwardly, scratching his head. "Thanks for

Taking advantage of Ryan's

he found left him speechless. Ryan was one of the top lawyers in Kitmore City, known for his connections on both sides of the law. He didn't take on cases. based on a client's background or how much they could pay but on whether he found them worthy of his time. Arthur was shocked to discover that Ryan was also known as "The Devil's Fear. No wonder those arrogant property managers had practically been shaking in their boots when he showed up. The more Arthur learned about Ryan, the more confused

"We're here, Ryan said, snapping

as Arthur was about to ask

glanced out the

Thanks again!" Arthur'said quickly as he got out of the car. He turned to Ryan, wanting to extend an invitation. "It's dinner time. Why

there, baffled. 'Mr. Marshall really does seem like someone who helps without expecting anything in return. What a remarkable guy,'

Wesley and Claire were already waiting at the

clutched Arthur's arm, anxiously checking him over for injuries.

from Block 6. Through a grimy window, he quietly aimed his long-focus camera at them, capturing their every move

23*

the man quietly made his way to the top floor of the abandoned building. He slipped into a shabby room

around the dinner table, and their conversation was

the updates about Athena. "We should rent Mr. Wells' place next door. After some renovations, Athena, Maria, and Josie could move in there. It'd

bed, and any extra guests ended up on the sofa or a folding bed. They couldn't let Athena keep living in such cramped conditions. Wesley mulled over Arthur's suggestion, then nodded. "Alright. Talk to Leon tomorrow