SWNOVELS Chapter She Outshines 157
Chapter
157
Asnaya was right in the heart of Kerotia-poor, dangerous, and chaotic. The illegal armed forces there were super bold, constantly clashing with the government, who couldn't do much about it. Regular people wouldn't dare go there unless it was absolutely necessary Matthew's trip was risky. Honestly, it felt like he was gambling with his life. Athena glanced at the clock-it was almost nine at night. "Okay, when are you coming over?" "Ill be taking a helicopter," he said. "How about we meet at Skyview Bistro in half an hour? Does that work for you?" Athena nodded. "Yeah, that sounds good. Then she paused. "But Asnanya is super dangerous. Do you really have to go?"
"Thave to, Matthew replied, sounding serious. "This mining site is one of the biggest investments my sister and I have made. We still haven't gotten our money back yet, and I can't just let it slip away. If the Graham family backs out now, it could seriously hurt our chances in Kerotia. in Kerotia.
Plus, even though it's a private deal, it represents our country. We've already lost employees to these illegal guys, and if we back down, it will make us look like easy targets. People will think our businesses are easy to mess with and that our workers aren't safe, he "And
explanestly," Matthew added, "this could help me avoid that marriage between the Graham and the Powell families."
And
Even after Madalyn's mysterious death," both families were still set on announcing his engagement to Anabel at her birthday party. If he went to Asnaoya to deal with this mess, and they were still planning that engagement, it would stir up at serious backlash. Athena's expression turned serious. "I get why you need to go, but it seems like you're rushing into this. Are you really ready for it?"
She added, "After everything that's happened, the local government is already hinting they might take back the mining rights. I have a feeling they've been planning to grab the mine for a while. Don't expect much help or protection when you get there." atthew gave a calm smile. "I've only brought a few assistants, but I've got professional mercenaries with me. I'm leading them myself to track down the killers, get justice for those who died, and reclaim what's ours." "Alright!" Athena admired his determination. I'm with you."
The whirring sound of helicopter blades came through the phone, adding a sense of urgency. Matthew's voice stayed steady. "I'm about to get on the helicopter. See you in half an hour."
They didn't bother with goodbyes before ending the call. Athena stood up and paced around the room, her mind racing with thoughts of how she could help him. Matthew was rushing off to a dangerous mission in Asnaoya, yet he still made time to see her. That gesture meant a lot to her.
After a moment, she left her room and took the special elevator. It scanned her as usual before opening. The elevator brought her down to the hidden warehouse where Vission Group's secret weapons were stored-a place only she had access
4
She picked out a few key items, packed them in her bag, and left the building. Twenty minutes later, she arrived at Skyview Bistro. The restaurant sat on top of a skyscraper over 60 floors high, with a helipad right in the middle. As she looked up, she noticed a helicopter already parked there. The door opened, and Matthew stepped out. The moment he spotted Athena on the ground floor, his typically stern expression softened, and a smile crept onto his face. Athena smiled back and waved
As he made his way down the stairs, she hurried toward him
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They walked toward each other and stopped, standing face to face. Both seemed like they wanted to say something, but when their eyes met, the words just disappeared. Instead, they jint stood there, silently taking in each other's presence as if nothing else mattered and the moment itself was more important than anything they could've said.
Louis, following Matthew desely behind, watched the whole thing unfold feelinging his glasses, he couldn't help but roll his ryes. Here we go again. These two are hopeless. Sure, they're holla easy on the eyes, but is this staring contest really necessary?' he thought.. watched, grin tugged at lips-a mix of that cheesy, bittersweet only people know too well. After what felt like forever, Louis couldn't take it anymore. He cleared his throat. "Mr. Graham, Miss Donovan, Dinner's ready. If you don't start now, it's going to get cold! Matthew Of course, Matthew had reserved the entire restaurant. There was only one table, beautifully set with dinner waiting Being the gentleman he was, Matthew pulled out a cha
gave a small nod. "Shall we, Miss Don Miss Donovan?"
a chair for Athena. Once she was seated, he sat down across from her and poured them both champagne. He lifted his glass, smiling. "Miss Donovan, it's been a while. I'm glad we can catch up tonight." Athena raised I her glass and smiled back. "Tm glad too."
It hadn't
It had even been that long-just a couple of weeks-but it somehow felt like ages since their last meeting. Dinner was quiet. Neither felt the need for small talk since they both knew what the other had been up to. There wasn't much to ask, and it didn't seem like the right time to dive into deeper conversations. Every now and then, one of them would say something like, "This is really good, you sho should try it or "Wanna order anything else?" About twenty minutes later, as they were finishing up, Athena set her fork down and scooped a bit of ice cream. "So, how exactly are you planning to get to Asnaoya? You're not flying all the way there in a helicopter, are you?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
Matthew said, "I'm taking a
a helicopter to the border, then switching to a private plane to get to Asnaoya." Athena asked, "And the mercenaries?"
"They're on their way. We'll e'll meet
t up in Asnaoya's capital," he replied.
Athena continued, "And how does the Graham family feel about your decision?"
Matthew let out a small, mocking laugh. "Some don't like it, but most are fine with it. Honestly, if I don't make it back, a few might even celebrate." There y was a brief pause before Athena placed her hand firmly on top of his. "You'll come back safe. I'll be waiting for you." she said confidently.
Matthew blinked, surprised. His eyes dropped to her hand as his heart picked up pace. But before he could respond, she pulled away, grabbed her bag, and started pulling out gears. One by one, she laid out several items, explaining each with precision
This
is a multi-purpose backpack. Looks basic, but it's tough and stretchy enough to turn into a sleeping bag. It's fireproof waterproof, virus-proof, and even knife-resistant. It can keep you warm in winter and cool in summer. Forget bugs and snakes-even tiger claws can't tear it apart. It can even stop bullets, though maybe not a sniper rille." She paused, then added, "If you're using it as a sleeping bag, just try not to get wrapped up by a python. That could be tricky."
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Matthew just watched her not saying a word. His focus on her deepened with every moment.
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Meanwhile, in the corner, Louis sighed to himself. Since sitting down, Matthew had not taken his eyes off Athena once. It was like nothing else existed except her.
Athena gave her backpack a pat. "If you're looking to cut back on what you're carrying, this bag is non-negotiable."
She picked up the second item. "Now, don't let the size fool you it might look like a watermelon, but it's packed with features. I've already programmed everything-your face, voice, body stats. It recognizes you as the owner.
"You can command it by voice, just press these buttons for different functions. This one is for light-it can illuminate a five-meter area for a thousand hours. This one's for heat-the roax temperature goes over 212 degrees Fahrenheit.
This button here ignites a flame that won't go out, even in the rain. And this one? It activates a protective net, but you've gotta be careful with it." She grinned, like she was some kind of high-tech saleswoman, showing off her latest product.
But Matthew knew better. Everything she gave him wasn't just some high-tech gadget-it was next level, like something out of a legend. In myths, these would be the modern-day Excalibur or Thor's hammer. In a fantasy world, they would be rarer than phoenix feathers or unicorn horns. Yet, none of those legendary treasures compared to her.