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

laugh but didn't dare

100:69%

time at the restaurant. Can you hold my hand.

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 that her heroic brother needed her,

"Zayn, let's go this way. There

down and matched her

Zayn slowed do

looked at the silhouettes of the tall brother and the

restaurant, most of the meat dishes and snacks were already prepared.

have to be stir-fried on the spot. Take your seats and go ahead with the meal. I can finish stir-frying in just

to personally cook for her son, whom she had not seen

knew that she wanted

follow Claire, saying. Tll help Mom

were not in a

Claire was done with cooking all the dishes did everyone start

started

Zayn

stood up

he saw him, saying, "Jaden, I'm

Jaden said nothing. He just walked forward quickly and hugged him

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

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

this scene and

chimed in, "We want to have a great time drinking too.

and said, "I want to

Thudi

edge of the table with a fork and said sternly,

lost of his sons. He said indignantly, "They're men. I'm

voice, ready to unleash her inner tigress. "If you're not satisfied, go run half a me outside.

3

children were

it. I still have to drive them home tonight, so

Everyone snickered.

came eating, drinking, and chatting about everything. Other than Josie and the few people who had to drive,

NEAL

half a bottle of wine before getting

Even Maria aria went

through their meal. When 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

definitely get a beating