She Outshines Them All (Athena and Matthew)

Chapter

56

The questions were so full of malice that they nearly left Wesley stunned.

He forced himself to stay composed and replied firmly, "Everyone, Athena is a good kid-she's hardworking and kind- hearted.

"She's definitely not living with any man, and she doesn't have a boyfriend. The car she drives was bought with prize money she earned from various competitions. Every cent was earned through honest means. Please don't believe or spread baseless rumors,

The reporters and influencers, seeing him engage, only grew more aggressive. It's said your family is pretty poor, with just a tricycle for delivering supplies, while Athena, at only eighteen, managed to buy herself a car. Are you planning to live off her in the future, draining her earnings?" Wesley's f

face flushed with anger. "Athena is our treasured daughter. We would never take a single cent from her." But the questions kept coming. "We've heard that Athena is close with several wealthy and influential men..."

Before Wesley could respond, Arthur, who had come downstairs out of concern for Wesley, shouted, "Athena has plenty of friends-both male and female! She's exceptionally smart and is sure to become a top talent in the future. Some high-level executives from major companies have already reached out, hoping to collaborate with her one day. "You shouldn't: spread groundlessrumors that could damage a young girl's reputation

But the questions only grew sharper. "We've heard that Athena frequently skips school and is rarely in class..."

Realizing sensation.

allowing the reporters and influencers to continue prying would only make things worse, Wesley cut in and raised his voice. "We're just an ordinary family, and Athena is a modest person. We don't want to be in the spotlight or become some kind of viral Please focus your attention on other top students.

that

"We have work to do, to do, so we won't be be answering any more questions,

family should go downstairs today. If you see those reporters or influencers, stay far away from them. We can't let this cause any more trouble for Athena." Arthur, looking distressed, said, "Dad, you don't know-the rest of our phones have been ringing

your phones and don't answer any calls. Let's just keep Josie's smartwatch on. "And we need to keep an eye on the front door. If anyone manages to get in, it'll be a disaster if those reporters or influencers barge into our

chill run down his spine and scratched his head. I stay at the stairwell on the second floor. If I see anyone trying to go downstairs, I'll ask them to hold off. If they really need to go, I'll invite them to our place-we'll give them food and drinks to keep them busy." Wesley patted his

spent the entire day with their phones turned off,

outside.

four or five households in the building, mostly elderly residents who were on good terms with the

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no decent places nearby to grab a bite, finally drove them to

the reporters and influencers had finally left. Once he was sure, he let

needed to make money for renovations, to buy a car, and in give the kids a

they never expected was that just as they prepared everything to open, swarm of reporters and influencers suddenly appeared, surrounding them with cameras and microphones, live-streaming and

the fried chicken shop owned by Athena's family. The place is called 'Local Fried Chicken.' Let me give you a quick rundown of their

be Athena's parents and brother, right? Has Athena ever eaten here? I heard she was raised like a princess by her adoptive parents. Can she even handle eating at a place like this? "How much do

little sister? Her leg looks crippled-what a sharte for

one was available to watch her at home,

before. Terrified, she hid behind

stepped protectively

business. If you keep crowding us like this, how are we supposed to sell anything?" The reporters and influencers turned to their cameras and said, Athena's brother seems to have quite a temper. Isn't he worried he'll scare away customers?" "We've heard the meat here isn't fresh, and there have been multiple hygiene issues. Some customers even

fuming shot back, "We've been running this place for over ten years with a great reputation. Most of our customers are regulars, and our ingredients are always fresh. Don't go spreading lies and ruining our business."

"Bugs!

bugs in the tricycle-it's