She Outshines Them All (Athena and Matthew)

Chapter 144

Athena couldn't hear what was said on the other end of the bank call, but she noticed Jaden's smile fade. He took

a deep breath, trying to suppress his disappointment, and asked, "Could you tellwhy | don't meet the loan

criteria?" After a moment, he forced a bitter smile and said, "Okay, | understand. Thank you for your assistance.

He put his phone away, twisted open a bottle of water, and stared at the distant mountains as he drank silently.

Athena waited

| until he finished the entire bottle before asking. Taden, why was your loan application denied?"

Jaden smiled slightly. "When | consulted with the bank, they said my application should be fine and askedto

wait a few days.

Just now, the bank informedthat there are too many loan applicants, and they can't arrange forin the

short term. They suggested | try other banks instead. "When | asked how long I'd have to wait, they said it's hard

to say, and it's better not to wait

The implication was clear. There was no hope. Athena

ena quietly sighed to I to herself, feeling that Jaden's luck was just too bad.

She consoled him, saying, "Jaden,

just

put the loan aside for now Maybe luck will cyour way soon.

Oh, and my friend wants to check on Grandma's and Grandpa's health. If everything looks good, she can perform

surgery on them anytime. You might need to take stto accompany them to the hospital in the near

future." investments after a while.

at home, she planned to Jaden to help with

With everyone busy yeah, once Mom and Dad's business is on track, or when Joshua and Zayn cback, | can

think of another way."

Jaden smiled

again. "Yea

He looked up toward the flower-lined path ahead, his expression softening, "Look, Grandma and Grandpa are

waiting for you at the door." Athena gazed the slope and saw two stooped figures leaning on a walking stick,

standing together at the entrance and looking in their direction. One of the elders raised his left hand, and the

other raised her right, slowly waving at her.

Though their vision was poor, and Athena's Grandma was nearly blind and only able to see within 10 feet, at this

moment, it felt as if they truly saw Athena, and she could feel their joy resonating from deep within. Athena's

eyes grew warm, and she couldn't help but raise her hand to wave back at the elderly couple,

During her trip to the countryside, Athena stayed for three or four days, took a ton of photos, and even posted a

few shots on Facebook where the location and identities were unrecognizable.

Meanwhile, Matthew was out every day with his rumored girlfriend, spending the night at her place.

On one occasion, a reporter caught him dining with Matthew's rumored girlfriend at a private restaurant, where

they seemed to be enjoying a lively conversation with Matthew's sister and even took pictures together. Public

opinion generally believed that Matthew was serious about this rumored girlfriend. 15:29 Sun, Oct 13 U Chapter

111.

41%. 410.

Netizens were discussing. Netizen A: How will the Graham family and the Powell family handle the situation of

Matthew being in love with someone else and undermining their planned union?

Netizen b.

B. It's been so many days, and the Graham family and the Powell family haven't responded at all, as if the joint

marriage has never been mentioned. It's too strange.] Netizen C: [Do you think it was Matthew who convinced

the Grabam family and the Powell family, or are they secretly pressuring him?]

Netizen D: I'm wondering when this woman will disappear, three days, a week, or a month?]

Netizen E: [The above comment is so scary. We live in a society governed by laws now.]

went

t on a business trip.

t evening, Matthew's rumored girlfriend received a phone call she couldn't refuse.

Amid the various discussions. discussions. Matthew That e An hour

she found herself f in a quiet coffee shop, face-to-face with Anabel.

later, she

Anabel wore a traditional dress, sitting gracefully by a low wooden coffee table. One hand played with the broad

sleeves while the other held a coffee pot, elegantly pouring coffee, exuding an air of royal grace that felt entirely

natural. Anabel said, "Miss Acevedo, please take a seat. Enjoy scoffee" -Madalyn sat opposite Anabel,

calmly observing her, having no utention of drinking coffee.

Madalyn got straight to the point, "This feels like a banquet of deceit. | really don't have the appetite for coffee. If

you have something to say, let's get to it."

Anabel chuckled lightly, showing no hint of hostility. She seemed relaxed. "Tonight is just a casual greeting. We're

far from a banquet of deceit. Are you really so nervous?"

Her gaze suddenly sharpened, piercing deeply into Madalyn's eyes. "You definitely don't want to experience a

true banquet of deceit..

Madalyn clenched her hands on her knees, replying in a low voice, | know how powerful the Powell family is. You

don't need to emphasize that. There's no need for theatrics. Just say what you need to

Anabel smiled lightly. "So, you're a straightforward person. | appreciate that.”

Madalyn remained silent.

Anabel set down her coffee cup. "In that case, I'll ask directly. Are you Matthew's girlfriend?"

Madalyn replied, "Yes"

Anabel inquired, "How long have you known each other?"

Madalyn answered, "One year."

When did you officially beca couple?"

"Three months ago.

"What do you think attracts Matthew to you?"

"You'd be better off asking him. My opinion doesn't count."

15:29 Sun, Oct 13 B

Chapter

141

"Does Matthew have plans to marry you or have children?"

"He hasn't mentioned it, and | haven't brought it up. But we are serious"

BK 41%a

Anabel chuckled lightly. "Have you discussed whether the Graham family would allow you two to be together?"

Madalyn said, "We haven't discussed

it, but when the news of the intended

union between the Graham and

Powell families broke Matthew told