She Outshines Them All (Athena and Matthew)

Chapter 54

Louis walked over and opened the car door. "Welcome, Miss Maria."

Maria hopped out of the car, beaming. "Mom, Dad, Arthur, Josie, and Athena-you're all really here! I was so worried 1 might've gotten into a sketchy car and was being scammed." She rubbed her nose sheepishly and added, "But then I thought, who'd bother scamming someone like me? I guess I was j just overthinking it"

Arthur raised an eyebrow. "Didn't you say you couldn't get the night off? How did you manage to come here?"

Maria shot a grateful glance at Louis. "He called me and said his boss wanted to treat our family to dinner, and it wouldn't be the same if I wasn't there.

"I told him I had to stay at the shop, so the driver he sent bought out all the fruit tea. The manager let us close early after that."

When Louis called her, the luxury sports car he'd sent was already waiting outside the fruit tea shop. The driver had been incredibly polite, even buying every drink in the store, causing a small commotion and earning plenty of envious stares. Maria had never been treated like this before; it felt like something out of a drama, and she could hardly believe it was real..

It wasn't until Louis video-called her and showed her that her parents were indeed with him that she finally felt safe enough

to get in the car.

The Donovan family turned to look at Matthew, their expressions softening a little.

Athena smiled and said to Matthew, Thank you for bringing her here."

Matthew responded politely, "It was my pleasure. This way, please-

He guided everyone into the club, pressed the elevator button for them, and led them to a private room on the top floor. Inside, a table full of delicious food was waiting, the dishes still hot and fragrant, clearly just prepared. This perfectly timed meal was another sign of Matthew's thoughtful planning.

Matthew even pulled out a chair for Athena, with the air of

a gentleman. "Miss Donovan, please take a seat."

The Donovan family exchanged looks. Though they still weren't fully on board with Matthew, they had to admit he was treating Athena with genuine respect.

sat down. "Oh,

to

person and asking whether they preferred wine or a

are Miss Donovan's friends. This is just a casual gathering, so please relax-no pressure to drink, just enjoy

feel respected, unlike when they had been in the hotel lobby earlier, where they felt more like they were being watched as a

smiled and raised his champagne glass. "T'd like to first toast Miss Donovan and celebrate her excellent exam results.

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raised her glass of juice and

brother and sisters. Miss Donovan is lucky to have such a loving family, and I'm genuinely happy for her." The

Matthew took a sip of soup and

eat, the others finally picked up their forks

quiet after that, leaving Louis to take

dish, mixing in some funny anecdotes and lighthearted jokes. Occasionally, he would help

with him as if they had known him for years, completely relaxed. Meanwhile, Wesley and Claire quietly observed Matthew

but keep scrutinizing Matthew, searching for any

himself with grace and never showed the slightest hint of

Athena

really irked him was how Matthew and Athena

Matthew seemed focused on his meal, he was actually observing the Donovan

quickly noticed Arthur's phone, Josie's watch, and Maria's handbag, all of which caught

afford such high-end pieces He thought, 'Could it have something to do with

you get it? I've

Even someone like him can't

with a smile.

raised an eyebrow. "Not telling