She Outshines 10


    Chapter 10


    Wesley and ire exchanged uneasy nces, torn between shielding their recently reunited


    daughter from their problems and worrying that keeping secrets would only make her feel more like


    an outsider.


    After a tense moment, Wesley made up his mind. Athena, we don’t want to hide anything from you


    about the situation our family is in.


    “Five years ago, we managed to scrape together enough money to buy a duplex in Bard Garden, a


    new residentialplex not far from here. We had dreams of moving the whole family in and


    bringing your grandparents to live with us.


    “The house was supposed to be ready three years ago, ording to the contract. But…


    Wesley sighed, the frustration and helplessness weighing on his face. He continued, “Just when the


    project was nearingpletion, the owner of Bard Property fled overseas with a massive sum of


    money. Suppliers, renovationpanies, and construction crews all started showing up, demanding


    payment


    “But thepany went bankrupt, leaving nothing to pay them with. So, the entire development was


    put on hold. Thepleted units can’t be handed over, and construction on the unfinished ones has


    stopped.


    “Even though the homeowners won theirwsuits, Bard Property has to settle its debts with the


    suppliers and builders before anything can move forward. So, we and all the other homeowners are


    stuck, waiting for them to clear those debts.”


    Athena remembered the protest the’d seen earlier outside Bard Carden. It hit her-Arthur was


    probably there, organizing and leading the whole thing.


    “The police are trying to track down the owner of Bard Property ire added, wiping her eyes. “But


    since he’s overseas, it’splicated, and the situation just drags on and on.”


    *Our mortgage payments are about 4,000 dors a month, Wesley continued. “The money our kids


    saved has been going straight into those payments, but the idea of ever moving into that house


    feels more hopeless by the day.”


    Wesley gave a wry smile. “And what’s even more frustrating is that since Bard Property is a private


    company, the government can’t step in to cover the costs.


    “Even if the police find the owner, we still won’t get our house unless he somehow manages to


    settle all the debts.”


    ire, her voice trembling with emotion, chimed in. “Arthur organized that protest to try and speed


    things up so that when you came back to us, you’d have a proper home. We never thought things


    would turn out like this.”


    “So, please don’t me him for noting to see you today or for any of this mess, ire pleaded,


    tears streaming down


    her face.


    As a tear fell onto Athena’s hand, she felt a deep tug at her heart. She nodded gently, her voice


    calm but resolute. “Mom, Dad, don’t worry. I have a feeling Arthur will be home soon, and the house


    situation will get sorted out quickly.”


    Seeing the quiet determination in their daughter, Wesley and ire forced a smile, even though


    their worries remained. Wesley sighed. “You’re right. We’re good people, and good things wille


    our way”


    Athena didn’t borate but spoke with firm conviction. “Mom, Dad, I usually have a good sense


    about these things. Trust me, Arthur will be okay.”


    Wesley and ire exchanged another nce. They knew Athen was trying to reassure them, but


    something about the certainty in her voice actually eased their anxieties a little.


    “Okay? Wesley said, patting Athena’s shoulder gently. “We trust you.”


    He hesitated for a moment before adding, “I need to get ready before I go see your brother. You…


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    Wed, Oct


    Chapter 10


    Athena stood up, her tone unwavering. “You focus on bringing Arthur home. Since there’s nothing I


    can do to help right now, I’ll head back for the time being. She paused, then added. “But once


    Arthur’s back. I’lle visit again.”


    Relieved that she still nned to visit, Wesley hesitated, then cautiously asked, “Athena, where are


    you staying now? If you’re okay with it, we’d love for you to move in with us.”


    ire, distressed by the thought of her daughter being kicked out of the Kennedy family and left


    with nothing, quickly added, “The house might be small, but there are usually only four or five of us


    here. We can definitely make room for you.”


    Wesley nodded in agreement. “And if the cramped space makes you ufortable, I can rent a


    nearby room. You can choose the location and size,”


    Before Athena could respond, ire, still worried, asked cautiously, “Athena, do you have any


    money right now? We’re not rich, but we can certainly support you,”


    Athena smiled warmly and replied, “Thank you for worrying about me. I’d be happy to move back in


    with you.


    “But I’ll be working over the summer and will need to stay in thepany dormitory so I won’t be


    moving back right away.


    “And please don’t worry about my living expenses. Thepany provides meals and


    amodation; and the sry is good enough for me. I’ll let you know if I ever need money for


    tuition when school starts.”


    ire’s concern was immediate. “You’re so young and already working? What kind of job is it? Is it


    tough? Does your boss treat you well? And is it safe?”


    To ire, Athena was still just eighteen-delicate and angelic, raised infort. The thought of


    Athena going out to work, especially with so little life experience, made her anxious. She’d much


    prefer Athena helping out at their food cart in the evenings, even if it meant just sitting there ying


    on her phone.


    Athena’s smile stayed gentle as she reassured ire. “It’s nothing to worry about. We’re a group of


    students working with experts on some scientific research. Everyone’s deeply involved in academia,


    and they’re all well-respected professionals. There’s no danger.”


    She wasn’t lying about the job, but she left out some details on purpose.


    ire sighed in relief but still hesitated before asking, “What kind of scientific research?”


    Athena smiled mysteriously. “That’s ssified. I can’t share the details.” Original from N?velDrama.Org.


    ire was about to press further when Wesley stepped in, calm and reassuring. “Athena, you’re a


    smart girl. If you say it’s confidential, we believe you.”


    Noticing the food left on the table, Wesley smoothly changed the subject. “There’s still plenty of


    food. Want to take some home?”


    Wesley gave ire a meaningful look, silently reminding her not to push too hard.


    They had talked about this earlier and agreed that the best way to make Athena feelfortable


    was to listen to her, respect her choices, and not interfere too much


    Remembering their agreement, ire swallowed her remaining worries and decided not to dig any


    deeper.


    “Alright, thank you for the meal!” Athena said, grateful for their efforts. “I can’t eat all of this on my


    own, but I’d love to take some tuna casserole, mac and cheese, roast beef sliders, and Mom’s


    special lemonade!”


    “Of course! We’ll pack it up right away” Wesley responded, clearly pleased.


    A few minutester, Athena headed downstairs with bags of food in hand. Once outside, she pulled


    out her phone and made a call.


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    Chapter 10


    She began, “Ryan, my family bought an apartment in Bard Garden, but the handover’s been


    dyed for three years.


    “My brother just got arrested at a protest after shing with security. I need you to be hiswyer and


    handle this. “Also, I want you to investigate Bard Property immediately. I need detailed information


    on their operations, finances, and staffing.”


    “My goal is to get our apartment back as soon as possible. Athen dered firmly. “And keep this


    quiet. My family can


    know I’m involved.”