She Outshines Them All (Athena and Matthew)

Chapter 44

"Lucas?" Athena pretended to only notice him just then, acting sliprised. "When did you get here? I didn't see you earlier Everyone else was speechless, thinking. Could they be any more obvious with their fake acting?

Lucas s smiled but sidestepped her question. "I was too focused on my fiancée and didn't see you. My apologies

"No worries," Athena replied with a smile. "I was busy watching mosquitoes fight, so I didn't notice you either. My apologies" The crowd couldn't help but chuckle

Lucas clenched his teeth slightly. "Let me introduce you-this is my fiancée, Gia."

Gia waved at Athena with a warm, friendly smile, showing no hint of hostility. "Hi, Athena. It's nice to meet you. Thanks for taking care of my fiance for so long "You're welcome," Athena responded sincerely. "I should be thanking you for recycling... oh. I mean, taking back my ex-fiance. Otherwise, Td be stuck with the reputation of being heartless and fickle." "You-Lucas's face with anger, clearly on the verge of f losing his cool.

turned urned dark with

"Everyone, dinner is served," Jarred quickly cut in, eager to stop the childish back-and-forth. He wasn't here for petty squabbles-he wanted to see Athena put in her place. Lucas forced a laugh, his tone dripping with hidden meaning. "Athena, the real show is about to start. Make sure you stick around-you won't want to miss it."

"I love suspenseful dramas with plot twists." Athena smiled back, her words just as pointed. "Let's hope you can handle the twists without needing to duck out early." "I'm not going anywhere... Lucas began, but before he could continue, Zoe took the stage. She cleared her throat into the microphone, preparing to give her speech. Lucas clicked his tongue in frustration, begrudgingly turning his attention away from Athena. Zoe's voice was sweet and polished, exuding a warmth that i

Tink you all for taking the time to join me for my graduationstantly put everyone at ease. "Honored guests, dear teachers, classmates, and friends, good evening.

celebration tonight.

"Though my academic achievements may not be extraordinary, I'm hosting this party primarily to express my heartfelt gratitude for all the support you've given me over the years.

"I want to thank my wonderful I parents s for providing me with the best conditions for learning and for always encouraging me to strive for improvement.

"Thank you to my esteemed teachers for imparting both knowledge and life lessons, guiding me along the right path.

"Thank you to my dear classinates who have stood by me through high school-encouraging me when I failed, reminding me to stay humble when I succeeded, and pushing me to keep growing. I hope you'll continue to support me in the future." With that, she paused slightly and bowed respectfully to the audience.

The

The

erupted in warm applause, with many people voicing their

"Zoe is

impressive-beautiful, smart, and so humble and well-mannered.

will be

at

on her phone, didn't even glance his way, completely ignoring his attempt

After 7

teachers, and classmates, everyone thought Zoe had finished her speech. But just as the applause began to die down, she suddenly turned to Athena and, with heartfelt sincerity, said, "From elementary

stunned, all eyes turning to Athena, thinking, "Why is Zoe thanking her? Are they

High School exchanged

Zoe's gaze with a smile that seemed

"but Athena and I first met in elementary school. Later, we were in the same class throughout middle school and

unsure of

Zoe went

elementary school-and even during kindergarten-I was always number one. whether it was exams,

I was young and full of myself, convinced

more endearing than

chuckled, f

family couldn't shake a sense

reassured them, "She's just

showed up, and from that moment on, I never came in

Athena with participate, no matter how hard

and sighed softly. "Unless she