She Outshines Them All (Athena and Matthew)

Chapter 158

After Athena finished talking, she looked at Matthew seriously. You remember everything I said, right?" Matthew grinned. I do. Every wordd

Athena nodded, satisfied. "Okay then, I've got nothing else to say. You should get going?

As he got ready, she added softly, "Come back soon"

"Will do" Matthew packed everything she gave him into the multi-purpose backpack, slinging it over his shoulder. "Alright, I'm leaving now Athena stallh stood up. Til walk

They

you off

stepped I onto the platform together. The helicopter pilot had already started the engine. The blades were spinning faster, creating a gust of wind that made Athena's hair fly all around her. The helicopter's propellers spun slowly at first, then faster and faster, making a loud noise. The wind caused Athena Donovan's long hair to flutter.

Matthew looked at her for a moment, then asked, "Miss Donovan, can I give you a hug?"

Athena blushed, then smiled shyly. "Go ahead."

Without wasting a second, Matthew pulled her into a tight hug. Athena felt like she was floating, wrapped in his warmth, bearing his heartbeat so close that she couldn't even tell if it was hers or his. Her mind went blank, completely lost in the moment

After ten seconds, Matthew released her and took a deep breath. His voice was soft but firm, "Miss Donovan, I'm going. See you next time."

Athena pushed down the sadness building up inside and gently cupped his face. "Okay, see you next time.

Matthew turned and climbed into the helicopter without looking back, afraid that if he did, he wouldn't want to leave.

stood there, watching as the helicopter lifted off and disappeared into the night sky. She finally pulled her gaze away staring down at her hand, still feeling the warmth of his skin. His scent lingered around her, and she realized she already missed him. "Ahem," Louis cleared his throat nearby.

blinked Ameri Athena

to face him. "Louis? Why

the whole time."

Louis sighed nuzzled.

help if I tagged

forehead. "I

they pushed it back because Cade was having surgery. Now it was finally happening, but they were keeping it super low-key -no big fanfare or anything, just some firecrackers

reassured her family. "Don't worry! As long as the lab

Chapter 158 40%.

all the time. The word will spread

The

at least for now. She also pointed out that the restaurant

II pan. The whole family was still awake, going over the final guest list for the opening. Even though they called it an opening day, it felt more like a private tasting event, with everyone invited personally by them. Wesley had lined I up the middle and upper management from his company for dinner, meanwhile Maria invited a bunch of her coworkers and a few of her bosses, Athena had reserved four tables for her lab team-two for lunch and two for dinner. Jaden brought in Luna, Tommy, Mose, and the main crew from the production team-two tables at lunch as

to fill a

10

Then,

Louis

final with her headed to their rooms

Everyone was seated in private rooms to keep things discreet and avoid any awkward run-ins. After checking the guest list and Even though Athena

she had been sleeping for hours when, deep down, she realized it was dawn and she needed to wake up. The family restaurant was opening today, and she had to be there

she kept telling herself. You can't miss the restaurant's opening! If I don't check

Wake up,