She Outshines Them All (Athena and Matthew)

Chapter

157

Asnaya was right in the heart of Kerotia-poor, dangerous, and chaotic. The illegal armed forces there were super bold, constantly clashing with the government, who couldn't do much about it. Regular people wouldn't dare go there unless it was absolutely necessary Matthew's trip was risky. Honestly, it felt like he was gambling with his life. Athena glanced at the clock-it was almost nine at night. "Okay, when are you coming over?" "Ill be taking a helicopter," he said. "How about we meet at Skyview Bistro in half an hour? Does that work for you?" Athena nodded. "Yeah, that sounds good. Then she paused. "But Asnanya is super dangerous. Do you really have to go?"

"Thave to, Matthew replied, sounding serious. "This mining site is one of the biggest investments my sister and I have made. We still haven't gotten our money back yet, and I can't just let it slip away. If the Graham family backs out now, it could seriously hurt our chances in Kerotia. in Kerotia.

Plus, even though it's a private deal, it represents our country. We've already lost employees to these illegal guys, and if we back down, it will make us look like easy targets. People will think our businesses are easy to mess with and that our workers aren't safe, he "And

explanestly," Matthew added, "this could help me avoid that marriage between the Graham and the Powell families."

And

Even after Madalyn's mysterious death," both families were still set on announcing his engagement to Anabel at her birthday party. If he went to Asnaoya to deal with this mess, and they were still planning that engagement, it would stir up at serious backlash. Athena's expression turned serious. "I get why you need to go, but it seems like you're rushing into this. Are you really ready for it?"

She added, "After everything that's happened, the local government is already hinting they might take back the mining rights. I have a feeling they've been planning to grab the mine for a while. Don't expect much help or protection when you get there." atthew gave a calm smile. "I've only brought a few assistants, but I've got professional mercenaries with me. I'm leading them myself to track down the killers, get justice for those who died, and reclaim what's ours." "Alright!" Athena admired his determination. I'm with you."

The whirring sound of helicopter blades came through the phone, adding a sense of urgency. Matthew's voice stayed steady. "I'm about to get on the helicopter. See you in half an hour."

They didn't bother with goodbyes before ending the call. Athena stood up and paced around the room, her mind racing with thoughts of how she could help him. Matthew was rushing off to a dangerous mission in Asnaoya, yet he still made time to see her. That gesture meant a lot to her.

After a moment, she left her room and took the special elevator. It scanned her as usual before opening. The elevator brought her down to the hidden warehouse where Vission Group's secret weapons were stored-a place only she had access

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in her bag, and left the building. Twenty minutes later, she arrived at Skyview Bistro. The restaurant sat on top of a skyscraper over 60 floors high, with a helipad right in the middle. As she looked up, she noticed a helicopter already parked there. The door opened, and Matthew stepped out. The moment he spotted Athena on the ground

way down the stairs,

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15:30

Sun, Oct 13

face to face. Both seemed like they wanted to say something, but when their eyes met, the words just disappeared.

hopeless. Sure, they're holla easy on the eyes, but is this staring contest really necessary?' he thought.. watched, grin tugged at lips-a mix of that cheesy, bittersweet only people know too well. After what felt like forever, Louis couldn't

small nod. "Shall we, Miss

across from her and poured them both champagne. He lifted his glass, smiling. "Miss Donovan, it's been a while. I'm glad we can

It hadn't

what the other had been up to. There wasn't much to ask, and it didn't seem like the right time to dive into deeper conversations. Every now and then, one of them would say something like, "This is really good, you sho should try it or "Wanna order anything else?" About twenty minutes later, as they were finishing up, Athena set her fork down and scooped a bit of ice cream. "So, how exactly are you planning to get to Asnaoya? You're not flying all the way there in

"I'm

the border, then switching to a private plane

way. We'll e'll

up in Asnaoya's capital,"

"And how does the Graham

I don't make it back, a few might even celebrate." There y was a brief pause before Athena placed her hand firmly on top of his. "You'll come back safe. I'll be waiting for you."

her hand as his heart picked up pace. But before he could respond, she pulled away, grabbed her bag, and started pulling out gears.

This

and even knife-resistant. It can keep you warm in winter and cool in summer. Forget bugs and snakes-even tiger claws can't tear it apart. It can even stop bullets, though maybe not a sniper rille." She paused, then added, "If you're using it as

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