From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life novel Chapter 216

Chapter 216 A Day at the Park

“You think I can see her just because I want to? Lewis, we lived together for years. I know you well enough to see through you,” Athena said.

Lewis chuckled. “That’s right, you know me. We’re basically made for each other.”

Athena said nothing.

She fought the urge to roll her eyes. She had zero interest in entertaining Lewis’s nonsense.

At that moment, she began to wonder if Lewis had lost his mind after the divorce–or maybe he’d always been this way and she had just been too blind to see it before.

“Since we’re all here,” Lewis said slowly, “why don’t we go in together? The kids can make some friends too, don’t you think?”

His voice was soft, pretending as if nothing had ever happened between them.

Of course, Athena had no intention of joining him.

She wanted to see her daughter, but that didn’t mean she wanted to spend time with him.

Before she could respond, she suddenly felt a strong arm wrap around her waist. Startled, she turned and saw Zaden’s calm, sharp face.

He said evenly, “Sorry, today’s a family day. Athena isn’t comfortable joining strangers. Hope you understand, Mr. Belmont.”

When Lewis saw Zaden, his face darkened instantly.

Zaden didn’t add anything else. He leaned close to Athena and said softly, “I already bought the tickets. Let’s go in.”

He took her hand and led her away.

Lewis watched them go, his eyes cold and full of malice.

Beside him, Dion frowned as he watched Athena and Teri walk off. “Dad, are you sure Mom’s really coming back?”

Lewis sneered. “She’ll come back. She has to.”

Once Athena and Zaden were far away enough, she finally realized he’d seen her talking with

Lewis.

12:26 Mon, Oct 27

Chapter 216 A Day at the Park

75

Finished

Even though he already knew some of what had happened, things between them still felt a bit awkward.

“Um, about earlier…” Athena started, her voice small and unsure.

Zaden said quietly, “I know.”

What did he know? Probably nothing.

Athena glanced at him. His face gave nothing away, calm as ever. He didn’t seem to care about Lewis at all.

Which made sense. From the beginning, Zaden and Lewis had never been on the same level.

“I don’t know why Lewis showed up here,” she said after a pause. “Maybe he came on purpose. I hope it didn’t ruin your’s or Teri’s mood.”

After thinking for a moment, Athena decided she should explain herself.

“Let’s just do our own thing,” Zaden replied. “Ignore him.”

“Okay,” Athena said, a soft laugh slipping out.

She tried to push thoughts of Lewis aside. She’d promised to give Teri a fun day, and if she kept brooding, not only would she ruin her own mood, Teri would feel it too.

That was when she noticed Zaden’s hand was still resting on her waist.

Even through her thin shirt, his touch was warm and steady. She felt completely surrounded by him, like she was standing inside his world.

Athena quickly looked away, forcing herself to calm down.

They strolled through the amusement park surrounded by families and laughing children. For a brief moment, they looked like one too.

Athena couldn’t help thinking, if it weren’t for her daughter’s situation, maybe she and Zaden could really become a family someday.

After a while, they noticed a crowd gathered ahead. Curious, Athena looked closer while Zaden observed from a distance. “It’s a quiz game,” he said quietly.

Applause broke out as a child walked off the stage clutching a huge teddy bear. Teri’s eyes sparkled with envy.

Athena noticed and asked gently, “Teri, do you want one too?”

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