She Outshines Them All (Athena and Matthew)

Chapter 415

Jaden and Brandon finally found Athena after driving around the city for a while.

She was waiting there, surrounded by a few heavily armed, tough-looking personnel. Athena was also fully geared up, wearing bulletproof equipment and looking ready for anything.

Jaden and Brandon were a little shocked when they saw her like this. They couldn't help but think, 'Is Athena really planning to go head-to-head with the terrorists?'

Athena was holding a few printed maps and handed one to each of them. "This is a satellite map of Wyomarlo City. We're here right now," she said, pointing to their location. "It's covered with weeds a few meters high." She tapped the map, then pointed at a spot. "Me and my team will sneak in through the weeds and keep a low profile while protecting Zayn. You two will meet us here."

Brandon didn't like it. "No way. You're the younger one-why should you risk your life while we hang back? I've been through my share of combat, even gunfights. I'll go." "Guys, this isn't the time to be emotional," Athena replied. "Against terrorists who kill without hesitation, we need strength, not just guts.

"You guys aren't trained. You don't even know how to use your weapons properly. If you go in, you'll just make things harder and distract Zayn."

"Well, true. But-" Jaden started to speak, but Athena held up a hand, signaling for silence. She glanced to the side. "Heads up. Someone is coming."

Jaden and Brandon immediately tensed, following her gaze. About 30 feet away, a dozen heavily armed Osceiton soldiers stepped out from behind a broken road marker.

The leader of the group was smaller than the rest, but the presence was much stronger. Seeing Athena, that person smiled and said, "I heard what you said, Miss Donovan. Well said." The voice wasn't loud, but it was clear enough for them to hear.

Jaden and Brandon both let out a silent breath of relief. It was good to know they were speaking to one of their own who recognized them.

As the soldiers came closer, Jaden and Brandon were taken aback when they saw the leader up close.

woman. She had sharp eyebrows, bright eyes, and stood tall with a steady, confident walk, almost like a

stood out the most was the burn on her face, about the size

military ID, and said in a calm, deep voice, "Nicolette Trevor. I'm a major general. I've been in the war on terrorism for nearly ten years, and I am in charge of this operation." Even Athena was surprised, and Jaden and the others

but she

took at least 10 years to rise to that level,

had either a serious background or had done something extraordinary-or

took a moment to collect herself. "Since you know we're Zayn's family,

recognizing that Athena was in charge. "But like you said, emotion

"You're not professional soldiers. You've never seen real combat. With all due respect, if you run into the terrorists, you'll be dead before you even get a shot off." Jaden and Brandon tensed, but Nicolette wasn't done. "Let us handle the mission of protecting

you. But you have to trust that

eyebrow. "Okay, if you're sure,

few commands, and before anyone

Jaden and Brandon saw the two owls, their faces lit up. "Harry and Hommy?" they both said

serious, keeping quiet and turning their heads 360 degrees, scanning the area like they were on high alert. Athena explained, "I've got some high-tech gear, like these two electronic surveillance owls.

showed them

the hostages are, where terrorists are patrolling, and the drones monitoring the outer perimeter. But since the city's

this. The Donovan family really has some hidden surprises." While the army also had some high-tech equipment, it was rare and a lot more noticeable. If the terrorists spotted it, they would

alone take any precautions. Athena nodded.

non-professionals can't join the fight unless absolutely necessary. It's a rule, and it's a reasonable one." Athena smiled. "General Trevor, have you figured out how to

have a plan, but it's classified. I can't