She Outshines Them All (Athena and Matthew)

Chapter 172

As Joy's revelations stirred up a frenzy on campus, Athena had already returned to her personal apartment,

immersing herself in work and research, completely indifferent to the chaos around her. The university

orientation lasted three days, with the final night dedicated to a class meeting before the two-week military

training began.

She planned to go to school on the third night.

hus, like Joy, ven as Athena

who had captivated the entire school, Athena made her appearance in the classroom on Wednesday evening. t

only did her classmates notice her, but students from other classes also crowded by the windows and doors to

catch a mpse of Athena. a**to head back to her dorm, a throng followed behind her.

Athena wore a mask, unfazed by the attention.

After all, it wouldn't take long for everyone's ty and curiosity to wear off, and they wouldn't pay her as

much mind.

Moreover, even though she had entered university, she had previously arranged with the school that she would

attend very few classes, only showing up for important activities and exams.

The teachers were aware of her capabilities and wouldn't pressure her to attend their lectures, as they didn't

want to hinder her studies and research.

With military training starting on Thursday, Athena, like the other freshmen, didn't dare stay up late and went to

bed on time.

Biore falling asleep, she called Matthew.

His phone was still turned off.

Next, called Louis.

Louis explained, "The conditions over there are harsh, and the signal is poor. It's hard to get through.

"lI only manage to have a brief chat once in a while. Three nights ago, several hundred rebels launched a

nighttattack on the office area. Mr. Graham led over a hundred well-equipped and trained mercenaries to

engage the rebels. "Mr. Graham's side should have the advantage, but the rebel leader escaped with his trusted

aides. Mr. Graham pursued them relentlessly, engaging in guerrilla warfare in the surrounding area, which is why

his phone is even harder to reach." Athena asked, "Aren't you worried about him?"

"Of course | am," Louis replied. "But Mr. Graham has undergone professional military training during his summers

and winters in school, so his field combat skills are on par with professional soldiers. With his advanced

equipment and your gift for self-defense, he should be fine." Athena nodded. "Okay, I'll be participating in closed

military training tomorrow, which will last for half a month. | hope to hear good news by then."

During this training, the departments with the most male students were sent to an external military training

base, including the Aerospace major. During military training, all students had to turn in their phones and were

not allowed to leave. If someone needed to make a call, they had to apply for it, and important calls from the

outside were conveyed by designated personnel. 12:19 Mon, Oct 14 Chapter 172

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Athena filled her free twith reading, completely disconnected from the outside world. Thus, she had no idea

that during this half month, shocking photos and videos detailing her family's poverty and the hardships her

family endured had gone viral on campus, including private information about the Donovan family.

Campus forums, Facebook, and especially student groups for the Aerospace and history majors were rapidly

sharing these images and videos.

This sparked widespread discussion across the school.

T

it

[I've heard she's poor, but | didn't realize it was this bad. So many people crammed into a small, run-down two-

bedroom apartment, and it's still less comfortable than the school dorins. [She seems more like a Cinderella at |

at best.]

With the weekend coming up, let's head to the Food Court for sbarbecue. It'll be a nice way to pay respect

to our future in-laws.]

Wow, Athena's brother was ditched at his wedding because he couldn't pay the bride's father's medical bills?

They dated for seven years, and he went to court over a measly twenty thousand dollars, forcing the bride's

family to move away from Kitmore City.]/

| heard Athena was switched at birth and grew up in a wealthy family. She only returned to the Donovan family

two months ago. The Donovan family often demands favors from the Kennedy family and has received quite a

bit, now they are renting a relatively large house.] There are two seriously ill elders, a disabled child in the

Donovan family, and Athena's two-brothers have gone missing. Ssay one got involved in telfraud and

the other ended up in prison.] Athena's elder sister might be her father's illegitimate daughter. Her younger

sister could be her mother's child from an affair. The Donovan family is such a mess. Could Athena be an

illegitimate child too?]

Various

s rumors spread to every corner of the campus.

This was all orchestrated by Lucas, Zoe, and Gia."

They took advantage of Athena's inability to communicate with the outside world during military training to

spread half-truths and rumors on campus.

Two days before the end of the military training, they used various means to delete these photos, videos, and

revelations from campus networks and student groups, while also warning students against spreading rumors

under the guise of departments, teachers, and student councils.

Students ceased to openly discuss the Donovan family's issues, but privately they felt that since the higher-ups

had intervened, these revelations were likely true.

For the average student, whether Athena and the Donovan family were rich or poor, respectable or not, had

nothing to do with them.

However, for those envious of Athena or competing with her, these rumors bectools for attacking her.

Soon, military training concluded.

As Athena left the training base, she dialed Matthew's number, intending to invite him to dinner at her family's

restaurant.

However, Matthew's phone was still off.

So she called Louis again.

After a long wait, Louis answered, his voice hoarse. "Hello, Miss Donovan..."

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12:19 Mon, Oct 14

Chapter 172

Concerned, Athena asked, "Are you sick?"

There was silence on the other end.

moment, she realized something. "Something happened to Matthew?"

If nothing had happened, his phone wouldn't be unreachable.

F

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After several more seconds, Louis

q Q on 78

answered with bitterness, {ssn

recs drt Even i

Donovagy yqures rt. Even if |

5 . yon

Wartbd to hide it, | couldn't." Athena

frowned, waiting for him to continue.

"Mr. Graham has gone missing." Louis's tone was heavy.

Athena gasped, u

how to respond.

She thought, 'Matthew is such a smart, strong person, wealthy and well-prepared. How could he just disappear?

Could this be one of Matthew's schemes?"

Louis seemed to sense her thoughts,

: : + : : n

his voice filled with more anguish. "|

f 9 2 9

can't believe it Tg Mr. Graham

has hee \Oreabhi e for over a

3 H n

eek. No one can contact him.

f q

Athena's eyes darkened, her voice

] " q

deepening. "Take your tand

H [1

explain what happened.” The content

is on novelenglish.net! Read the latest

chapter there!

It seemed Louis was drinking water.

After several seconds, he finallysaid,

I" . A

The ast ippeyoulosiied me, Mr.

Graham was pursuing the rebel

leader near the mining site. The

content is on novelenglish.net! Read

the latest chapter there!

"The rebel leader was cornered and fled into the rainforest with a few trusted aides.

"Despite everyone's objections, Mr. Graham went in alone, and then he lost contact. We can't reach him by

phone."

His calm demeanor contrasted with Athena's increasingly serious expression, her heart tightening with worry.

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