She Outshines Them All (Athena and Matthew)

Chapter

It was se

199

seven o'clock in the evening, and it was almost dark.

Zayn said goodbye to his grandparents and went to the Donovan family's restaurant.

Wesley and his wife were already waiting in the parking lot with the others. As soon as they saw Athena's car, they walked over quickly. Right a

after the car pulled over, Zayn got out, stood up straight, and saluted his parents, saying, "Dad, Mom, I'm back."

Wesley patted his shoulder with teary eyes, saying, "It's good that you're back. It's good that you're back."

Claire back... back...

hugged him as tears streamed down her face. "I missed you so much," she said. "Tm very, very happy that you're

The others gathered around too and said, "Zayn, you're back. Welcome home!"

Josie was still cowering behind Maria. She craned her neck and looked at Zayn, her eyes filled with curiosity, shyness, and admiration as she said softly, "Hello, Zayn..." She had only been at the Donovan family's home for two years and had not seen Zayn before.

To her, Zayn was like a hero in a comic book, someone she admired and longed for, yet felt so distant and unfamiliar. Zayn heard her voice and lowered his head to look at her. Their eyes met

Josie

body back like a and cowered behind

Zayn Smiled, supported his mother, and greeted the others. Arthur, Maria, long time no see. Thank you for taking care of the family these past few years."

Arthur stroked his head and said shyly, "You protect the country and I manage the family. We split the work."

Maria blushed and poked her cheek with her finger, saying, "For me, it's not tough looking after the family at all. I have a fabulous time at home. I might be the happiest person in the family." At this point, she instinctively looked at Athena with a silly smil Josie's soft voice came from behind her. "I, I am also the happiest person in the family."

VD foolaughed.

took two steps forward, knelt on one knee, and extended his hand. "Hello, Josie. I'm your brother. Fm deeply honored to see you. Can I shake your hand?"

"Sure...

Josie craned his neck from behind Maria, stretched out her little hand, and carefully placed her palin on Zayn's hand.

Zayn gently held her hand and said, "Can I hug you?"

Josie hesitated for a moment. "Sure..."

She stepped out from behind Maria and raised her hands, feeling like she was... surrendering.

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Chapter 199

wanted to laugh but didn't dare

100:69%

"This is my first time at the restaurant. Can you hold

kids. Come to think of it, it's not surprising. After all, he often took care of his younger siblings when he was a child, so he definitely has a knack for it. Hearing

grabbed Zayn's fingers and hopped along. "Zayn, let's go this way. There are fewer people here.

and matched her

Zayn slowed do

silhouettes of the tall brother and the little girl, their faces filled with

of the Donovan family's restaurant, most of the meat dishes

have to be stir-fried on the spot. Take your seats and go

said. "The Vey to personally cook for her son, whom she had not seen for a long time, so they did

that she wanted

follow Claire, saying. Tll help Mom carry

a a hurry to eat. They just

was done with cooking

they started eating. Jaden walked

Zayn

stood up

when he saw him, saying, "Jaden,

said nothing. He just

let go of Zayn, patted his shoulder, and said with a smile, "Let's have a great time drinking

"Alright. Let's have a whale of a time

scene and thought,

Alaric chimed in, "We want to have a great time drinking too. No playing

raised his hand and

Thudi

fork and said

said indignantly, "They're men. I'm a man too.

in great shape. Claire raised her voice, ready to unleash her inner tigress. "If you're not satisfied, go run half a me outside. If you can run half a mile, I'l let you

3

children were

waved. "Forget it. Forget it. I still have to drive them home tonight,

Everyone snickered.

than Josie and the few people who had to drive, everyone.

NEAL

toast everyone, downing half a bottle of wine before getting

Even Maria aria went

they were drunk, they hugged Zayn, one on each side, crying. One said he was afraid that he would never hear from Zayn again, and the other said he was worried that Zayn would come back with a broken arm or or leg and that he was mentally prepared to support Zayn for the rest of

would definitely get a