She Outshines 329


    The day after her birthday, Athena finally went back to school.


    When the students in her ss saw her, it was as if they had seen their savior, their idol. They were


    so excited, nearly on the verge of jumping up to hug her.


    One of the students eximed, “Athena, tell us about Professor Day. We admire him, too.”


    Another added, “The exam is in a few days, and you are finally back! Hurry–here are the key points


    that Old Hu marked for the exam. Help us review…”


    Someone elseughed, “Athena, do we still have that talk tonight? You know, the kind where we eat


    and chat?”


    Athena smiled and responded, “Yes. After this afternoon, we will head to the buffet and review the


    final exam questions while eating.”


    The entire ss cheered.


    Athena listened to her ssmates‘ chatter and learned thetest news about Joy.


    Joy sessfully passed her graduation defense and was epted into the graduate program at the


    same school, where she will continue her studies.


    This news once again caused a stir across the entire campus.


    Everyone admired Joy, and there was no room for jealousy or nder.


    Athena only smiled faintly and praised her, saying, “She is really amazing. I admire her too.”


    Although she did not ask much about Joy, Athena understood deep down why Joy was so


    determined to stay in Kitmore University’s history department–it/ was all for Professor Xander.


    Joy would have even more opportunities to work with Professor Xander as a graduate student in the


    archaeology program,


    Athena had already sensed Joy’s intention of returning to Kitmore City. She knew that things were


    far more troublesome than she had imagined.


    But now was not the right time for Athena toy her cards on the table with Joy.


    She was not ordinary and had no reason to fear Joy or anyone


    else.


    However, Athena had the Donovan family to think about.


    The Donovan family were ordinary people, and they needed to be prepared before they were


    caught up in this inevitable


    storm.


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    It was like the famous saying, “A chain is only as strong as its weakest link,” which suggests that the


    strength of the whole is determined by its parts.


    A chain can only bear as much weight as its weakest link but also depends on whether any links are


    broken.


    Athena was the strongest link in the Donovan family’s chain, but the extent to which the Donovan


    family could endure depended on the strength of the other links and their unity.


    She still had time.


    She focused on preparing for the exam for the next few days and did not think about anything else.


    On July 3, the exam finally ended.


    3


    At night, while having dinner with her ssmates, Athena heard some news. Joy had returned to


    Aeloria that day.


    Athena quietly thought to herself, *She is finally gone…”


    After the meal, Athena made a call to Cora. “Joy is very likely Zilvia Donovan.”


    “You need to send someone to investigate what happened to Ann in kindergarten fifteen years ago,


    who she met, and if anything strange or significant urred before her disappearance.”


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    “The kindergarten at that time should have been peaceful. Nothing big or unusual should have


    happened; otherwise, the media or police would have noticed. However, whatever happened, as


    long as it was out of the ordinary, you need to investigate thoroughly. Do not miss even the smallest


    detail.”


    “Also, during the investigation, you must keep it confidential. It is best to erase the memories of the


    people involved once the investigation isplete.”


    Cora, well–versed in such matters, replied, “Understood. I will be careful.”


    After the call, Athena slowly started her car, gazing out the window at the stream of night lights.


    Thoughts of Joy kept shing in her mind.


    Just then, a message arrived on her phone.


    It was from her brother, Brandon.


    Brandon asked: [Athena, are you asleep? If you are already sleeping, too busy, or tired, ignore this


    message.]


    Her brother, Brandon, was also very proud and self–respecting. He was used to shouldering


    everything on his own and did not want his family to worry or be burdened on his behalf.


    It was already past 11 p.m., but Brandon still sent her a message. He must have encountered a


    serious problem and had no choice but to contact her.


    Athena immediately called him. “Brandon, I just finished dinner with my ssmates and had green


    tea, so I’m not sleepy at all.”


    “Where are you now? What happened? I’lle to you.”


    色