She Outshines Them All

She Outshines 393

Everything seemed to be back on track.

After half a month of classes, Athena realized that Joy had not made any moves to approach the Donovan family, so she decided to take a leave of absence from school, preparing to retreat to her physics research base for a few months.

Before leaving, she met with Matthew and told him, “While I’m away, please keep an eye on the Donovan family whenever you can.”

Though Matthew did not say anything, and Athena did not ask him any questions or do any investigations, she could sense that her family’s successful business ventures had likely received help from someone influential.

The only person she could think of with both the capability and motivation to assist them was one individual.

Matthew was already used to her disappearing for long stretches of time. Without hesitation, he reassured, “Go ahead, do what you need to do. Stay as long as you want. I’ll make sure nothing happens to the Donovan family in your absence.”

“Thank you.” Athena smiled warmly, but after a moment’s hesitation, she leaned in close to Matthew and whispered in his ear, “Be extra careful…”

Matthew was surprised but not alarmed. “Got it. I’ll be careful.”

Athena smiled mysteriously. “Since you’re so supportive of me, I’ll give you a reward.”

“Oh?” Matthew was looking forward to it. “What reward?”

Athena took out two bottles of pills. “This bottle is for Nicolas. He needs to take one pill a day. Although it won’t completely restore his health, it will definitely improve his condition.

“This bottle is for your grandfather. He must take one pill every day. Although it can’t restore his youth, it’s definitely better than the needles he’s using every day. The side effects are also less.

“Just say that you went to Dr. Annie many times and tried all kinds of methods to convince her to help. It took her a whole year to develop this medicine.”

Matthew was quite a thorn in the side of his family–he had achieved a lot, but he also faced a lot of opposition.

He likely still needed the support of his father and grandfather

If Matthew presented these two bottles of medicine to them, they were bound to be moved and would, in turn, offer him even more support in various ways.

Matthew knew Athena’s intentions and did not argue. He put away the two bottles of medicine. “I know how precious these two bottles of medicine are. I will definitely make the best use of them.”

He pressed his right hand on his left chest and said deeply, “I will remember your feelings even more.”

Athena covered her burning face with both hands and stammered, “I–it’s good that you know it. You don’t have to say it…”

The next day, Athena boarded a private jet headed for her research base, carrying a huge box packed with homemade treats from her mom.

It

was

March when she left.

It was June when she returned.

When Athena reached home, she saw that the entrance of the villa was filled with people. There were about 200 to 300

BB.

people. It was extremely lively.

Meanwhile, many neighbors gathered around outside to see what was going on.

There were also many security guards in the neighborhood. As they maintained order, they urged everyone to quickly disperse.

As Athena got closer, she realized the crowd blocking the door was mostly young people, each holding up their phones or fan signs saying things like “We love you, Zayn!”

They were snapping pictures and screaming at the villa, turning it into something of a fan meet– and–greet.

“Luna! I’ve been your fan for over a decade! Can I get your autograph? You can sign it through the gate!”

“We must see Zayn today. If he doesn’t see us, he won’t leave!”

“It’s such a rare chance to have Zayn, Luna, and the Tennis Prince all here! I’d be missing out if I didn’t at least try to see them!”

“You guys, don’t climb the wall. Those two owls will sting you. It hurts…”

There even seemed to be someone calling Maria’s name.

After all, Maria was now a famous designer and had many young female fans.

Athena pieced it together–someone must have leaked the Donovan family’s address, and with Luna here too, the fans, paparazzi, and netizens had all swarmed her home to get a glimpse of the stars.

With so many celebrities and public figures in the family, it’s only a matter of time before people started gathering outside and blocking the entrance, Athena thought.

However, Athena did not expect this day to come so quickly.

Unless Luna and Zayn made an appearance, these fans were likely not going anywhere.

Just as she had expected.

A few minutes later, Zayn, Alaric, Maria, and Luna walked out helplessly and waved at everyone.

Zayn explained, “Our elders aren’t in the best health and can’t handle the noise. We’ll be signing autographs, taking photos, and answering three questions each, but we won’t be opening the gate. We hope you can be understanding about this.”

The fans seemed pleased with the arrangement. “I want to shake hands with Zayn!”

What followed was an endless cycle of handshakes, autographs, photos, and question–and–answer sessions.

After another half an hour, the fans dispersed.

Athena was finally able to enter the house.

When she entered, she encountered another problem.

The villa’s garage only had five parking spaces. If there were more cars, they would have to be parked at the villa entrance or along the driveway

Now, there were already five cars parked in the garage.

Hence, Athena could only park her car at the entrance of the villa.

After entering the house, Athena glanced into the living room.

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Jaden, Zayn, Alaric, Maria, and Luna were all there. Each of them had their own car, leaving the garage packed.

But Wesley, Brandon, and Arthur each had their own cars too, so when everyone was home, the driveway would be completely full.

“This villa is too small. It’s time to change it,‘ Athena thought. She stepped into the hall and greeted everyone with a smile.

Everyone was naturally very happy to see her. All of them warmly welcomed her and asked about her well–being.

Later on, Wesley returned with Claire and Arthur, who had handed the restaurant over to a professional manager selected through a rigorous process. They came back, bringing dozens of dishes just off the stove, to celebrate the family reunion.

Everyone chatted about being blocked by fans as they ate.

Claire sighed. “Our home address is all over the internet. Almost every day, fans come crowding at our door. Some neighbors even bring fans in themselves–no matter what we do, we can’t keep them out.

“At this rate, just stepping outside is going to turn into a daily battle of wits with the fans.”

Everyone had a headache at the mention of this.

Athena wiped her mouth with a wet wipe and said unhurriedly, “What’s so difficult about that? Can’t we just build another big house?”

She took out a stack of freshly printed designs from her bag and distributed them to everyone. “I’ve already chosen the location and design. Take a look and see if you’re satisfied.”

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