She Outshines Them All (Athena and Matthew)

Chapter

It was se

199

seven o'clock in the evening, and it was almost dark.

Zayn said goodbye to his grandparents and went to the Donovan family's restaurant.

Wesley and his wife were already waiting in the parking lot with the others. As soon as they saw Athena's car, they walked over quickly. Right a

after the car pulled over, Zayn got out, stood up straight, and saluted his parents, saying, "Dad, Mom, I'm back."

Wesley patted his shoulder with teary eyes, saying, "It's good that you're back. It's good that you're back."

Claire back... back...

hugged him as tears streamed down her face. "I missed you so much," she said. "Tm very, very happy that you're

The others gathered around too and said, "Zayn, you're back. Welcome home!"

Josie was still cowering behind Maria. She craned her neck and looked at Zayn, her eyes filled with curiosity, shyness, and admiration as she said softly, "Hello, Zayn..." She had only been at the Donovan family's home for two years and had not seen Zayn before.

To her, Zayn was like a hero in a comic book, someone she admired and longed for, yet felt so distant and unfamiliar. Zayn heard her voice and lowered his head to look at her. Their eyes met

Josie

body back like a and cowered behind

Zayn Smiled, supported his mother, and greeted the others. Arthur, Maria, long time no see. Thank you for taking care of the family these past few years."

Arthur stroked his head and said shyly, "You protect the country and I manage the family. We split the work."

Maria blushed and poked her cheek with her finger, saying, "For me, it's not tough looking after the family at all. I have a fabulous time at home. I might be the happiest person in the family." At this point, she instinctively looked at Athena with a silly smil Josie's soft voice came from behind her. "I, I am also the happiest person in the family."

VD foolaughed.

took two steps forward, knelt on one knee, and extended his hand. "Hello, Josie. I'm your brother. Fm deeply honored to see you. Can I shake your hand?"

"Sure...

Josie craned his neck from behind Maria, stretched out her little hand, and carefully placed her palin on Zayn's hand.

Zayn gently held her hand and said, "Can I hug you?"

Josie hesitated for a moment. "Sure..."

She stepped out from behind Maria and raised her hands, feeling like she was... surrendering.

1/4

10:51 Wed, Oct 16 U

10:5

Chapter 199

Everyone wanted to laugh but didn't dare to..

100:69%

Zayn hugged Josie gently. He then let go of her and asked, "This is my first time at the restaurant. Can you hold my hand. and take me there? I'm afraid I'd get lost."

Everyone was left speechless, thinking. He's quite good at coaxing kids. Come to think of it, it's not surprising. After all, he often took care of his younger siblings when he was a child, so he definitely has a knack for it. Hearing that her heroic brother needed her, Josie's eyes immediately lit up. She immediately patted her little chest and said. "Alright. I'll take you to the restaurant."

She grabbed Zayn's fingers and hopped along. "Zayn, let's go this way. There are fewer people here. Otherwise, it's very packed."

slowed down and matched her pace.

Zayn slowed do

Everyone looked at the silhouettes of the tall brother and the little girl, their faces filled with satisfaction.

In the largest private room of the Donovan family's restaurant, most of the meat dishes and snacks were already prepared. almost filling the entire table.

s have to be stir-fried on the spot. Take your seats and go ahead with the meal. I can finish stir-frying in just over ten minutes."

Claire smiled and said. "The Vey to personally cook for her son, whom she had not seen for a long time, so they did not dissuade her.

Everyone knew that she wanted to Arthur took

took the initiative to follow Claire, saying. Tll help Mom carry the dishes."

After everyone: sat t down, they were not in a a hurry to eat. They just chatted happily with Zayn.

Only after Claire was done with cooking all the dishes did everyone start eating.

Soon after they started eating. Jaden walked in.

Zayn

stood up

I up when he saw him, saying, "Jaden, I'm back!

The usually composed Jaden said nothing. He just walked forward quickly and hugged him tightly.

The two hugged for more than ten seconds before Jaden let go of Zayn, patted his shoulder, and said with a smile, "Let's have a great time drinking tonight."

Zayn nodded. "Alright. Let's have a whale of a time drinking

Athena looked at this scene and thought, 'What an enviable brotherly bond!"

Arthur a and Alaric chimed in, "We want to have a great time drinking too. No playing favorites!"

Wesley also raised his hand and said, "I want to drink too."

Thudi

Claire knocked on the edge of the table with a fork and said sternly, "The kids can drink, but you can't."

not?" Wesley felt he had lost of his sons. He said indignantly, "They're men. I'm a man too. can drink but I can't?"

"Because they're young and healthy, and you're not so young aninore, nor in great shape. Claire raised her voice, ready to unleash her inner tigress. "If you're not satisfied, go run half a me outside. If you can run half a mile, I'l let you drink." Chapter 199

3

Wesley and his children were left speechless, thinking. How harsh."

Wesley forced a smile and waved. "Forget it. Forget it. I still have to drive them home tonight, so I won't drink."

Everyone snickered.

Next came eating, drinking, and chatting about everything. Other than Josie and the few people who had to drive, everyone. else drank.

NEAL

around to toast everyone, downing half a bottle of wine before getting tipsy

Even Maria aria went

Arthur and Alaric started drinking halfway through their meal. When they were drunk, they hugged Zayn, one on each side, crying. One said he was afraid that he would never hear from Zayn again, and the other said he was worried that Zayn would come back with a broken arm or or leg and that he was mentally prepared to support Zayn for the rest of his life...

If they weren't drunk, they would definitely get a beating from their mother.

Zayn was very restrained. He stopped drinking after getting moderately tipsy and then went to comfort the younger ones. The group of people ate until past ten o'clock before they helped each other out of the restaurant. Athena, Wesley, and Claire were in charge of driving them

home

Since Arthur was drunk and could not wake up early the next morning, Athena sent Josie to kindergarten.

Alaric and Maria had both applied for leave today and could sleep in as much as they wanted.

When Athena returned to the villa, it was just past eight in the morning

She munched on avocado toast as she walked into the main building. As soon as she entered the hall, she heard what sounded like a fight coming from the backyard. Feeling somewhat curious, she went over to take a look. Then, she saw Jaden and Zayn. Shirtless and wearing boxing shorts as well as boxing gloves, they were hitting the punching bag

She thought, "What great physiques... Both of them have eight-pack abs... And they're both over five ten. They are tall, with long legs and good looks. So easy on the eyes....

Athena was so mesmerized that she almost bit her tongue.

In comparison, her eldest brother was not specially trained. His skin was flawless, and there was a little bit of relatable fat on his body.

Her third brother, on the other hand, had a healthy and masculine tan. There was not a single bit of fat on his body. He was strong and sturdy. It was obvious that he had been working out for years.

With her medical eye, she estimated that her third brother's body fat percentage was around 10%. It was an optimal percentage

However,

there were many scars on his body. Among them, there were a few gunshot wounds on his abdomen, chest, and other vital areas.

She thought, Zayn's Hero's Medal has truly been earned with great sacrifice and effort.

"Athena, you're here.

Zayn

noticed her and did not stop. He greeted her as he trained

"Good morning, Zayn Athena said excitedly as she took out her phone, "Zayn, you're so handsome. Can I take a few 10:51 Wed, Oct 16 Chapter 199.

photos!"

"Sure." Zayn smiled. "But you'd better not let our grandparents and parents see these photos. I'm afraid they'd be upset."

Athena nodded. "Don't worry. I won't let them see the photos."

She was busy taking photos, moving around like a bee. She took dozens of photos from different angles, and she even recorded a few minutes of Zayn practicing self-defense. She intended to incorporate the impressive image of her brother into her novel in the future. After she was done, she opened them up and admired her work She thought. Tm not bragging. My photography skills are quite good. Some of the photos I've taken casually in the past

have won awards.

After taking a few glances, she exclaimed in surprise.

SEND GIFT