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.

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. "Miss Donovan, you had a drink earlier. Let me drive

Ameri Athena

face him. "Louis? Why are

been here the whole

Louis sighed nuzzled.

help if I tagged along. Plus, isn't your family restaurant opening tomorrow? He asked me to cover for him at

tapped her forehead. "I need to get some sleep tonight.

half renovating the restaurant. They could've opened last week, but 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

for getting more customers later, Athena reassured her family. "Don't worry! As long as the lab folks are free, they'll come 15:30

Chapter 158 40%.

The word will

The

was skeptical at first, but Athena's confidence helped put them at ease, at least for now. She also pointed out

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

some extra people to fill a

10

Then,

Louis

final with her headed to their rooms

any awkward run-ins. After checking the guest list

was dawn and she needed to wake up. The family restaurant was opening today, and she had to be

she kept telling herself. You can't miss the restaurant's opening! If I don't check in and help out, I'll regret it-Yet, her eyelids stayed

Wake up,