She Outshines Them All (Athena and Matthew)

Chapter

133

Jaden's harsh words left Athena momentarily stunned, her mouth slightly open in disbelief.

Jaden is usually so calm and patient, but now, here he is, holding a grudge? Whatever Linda did, it must've been terrible, Athena thought.

Jaden's voice was emotionless as he replied to Linda. "You're reading too much into this. I've never held a grudge against you. I moved on- you should too." He shifted his gaze away from her, stepping to the sale, clearly ready to walk away.

But Linda was quick, grabbing the hem of his shirt and turning to face him, desperation in her eyes. "But I haven't moved ot Can we... can we please talk?" Jaden shook his head. "There's nothing left to say between us. I've got things to do. Let go." "I won't! I'd rather die than let go!" Linda's face was now streaked with tears. "Jaden, I know I messed up badly. Every single day for the past three years, I've hated myself for it. I've been planning to pay you back, to fix my mistakes" She dug through esigner dollars."

purse and pulled out her phone. I've been trying to find you, but you changed your number. I even thought about showing up at your house to apologize in person. I'll add you on iMessage and later transfer the money right now. I'll pay you back the 200 thousand "That's not necessary," Jaden said, his tone flat. "You helped my family a lot during those years, I remember that. Just consider the interest your payment for all the trouble."

He pulled out a pen and paper and quickly wrote down his bank account information. Just send me 100 thousand dollars. and we'll call it even."""

Linda's teary eyes brightened with a flicker of hope. Jaden, if you still remember what we had, it means.

Jaden interrupted her coldly. "Someone's waiting for me. I'm in a hurry. Just pay me, and we're done."

Linda followed his gaze and spotted Athena sitting in the car, her face a mix of admiration and envy. She bit her lip, frustrated. "But I don't want us to be done! Even if you hate me, even if I don't pay, I can't stand the idea of us being over." "Then don't pay Jaden shrugged, slipping his phone back into his pocket. Tm leaving."

"Let me drive you," Linda offered, reaching for his shirt again.

But Jaden had already anticipated her move, sidestepping her with ease as he spoke, making sure she couldn't catch him this

ime.

ume.

She hurried after him, the sound of her heels clicking frantically on the pavement, but Jaden picked up the pace, quickly pulling ahead of her by several steps.

Seeing how determined Jaden was to leave, Athena acted right on time. She opened the passenger door and started the engine. Jaden slipped into the car smoothly, closing the door behind him. "Let's go."

Athena pressed down on the gas.

stood helplessly as

frustration and defeat

1/3

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Sun, Oct 13

Chapter 133

frer any attention, focusing on

49%a 49%a

the mall, Athena glanced over at Jaden. "Have you eaten yer? What's next for

exhibition at the convention center. I wanted to check it out, but it's a big event, and I'm not dressed for it. Plus, tickets are still out. I might just head to the farmer's market instead? The

She grabbed her phone and stabbed

just messaged some friends from my lab-they said they can get us in. We'll

"Your lab sounds like it

"It kind of

car around and drove back into the underground parking garage of the

center

so let's pick up a suit from the mall and grab a bite to eat. After that, we'll head over to the convention to check out the 1 cs exhibition. I've got plenty of cash, and was thinking of buying you a

car, Athena naturally looped her arm through Jaden's. They chatted and laughed as they headed to the elevator, making their way to the third floor of the upscale men's clothing

sat in a private booth at a Japanese restaurant with friends, trying

her thoughts were elsewhere, preoccupied with Jaden and that stunning girl with

unable to focIES.

was drawn to the men's clothing store

Jaden, shopping

in front of a mirror, watching the girl with affection as she picked out various suits for him to try on. Each time he changed into a new suit, Athena clapped and took

Jaden looked impressive, tall, and handsome, with a blend of mature charm and youthful energy. He

nodding approvingly. Passersby outside slowed down to get a better

Linda's

jealousy as she tightly gripped her small wine

believed that Jaden

nudged her, startling her. She turned,