From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life novel Chapter 217

hapter 217 The Happiest Day

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Teri seemed to notice that some women were staring at Zaden. She tugged quietly at Athena’s sleeve. Athena leaned down and asked softly, “What is it?”

“Athena, there are other ladies looking at my dad. The way they look at him–it’s exactly like Ms. Hum!”

Athena laughed. “It’s fine. They can only look.”

On stage, the host held a stack of question cards and began the quiz. The questions covered all kinds of topics, some of them really tough, but Zaden answered every single one with ease. Nothing seemed to stump him.

Athena suddenly remembered Harriet once saying that Zaden had always been the perfect golden boy.

Beverly had been strict with him.

His grades must have been top of the class.

“Oh my gosh, sir! You got every question right!” the host exclaimed. “You can pick any prize you want!”

Zaden looked at the pile of prizes and said calmly, “I’ll ask my wife and daughter first.”

Everyone around gasped, eyes widening.

The host lit up with excitement. “So you came on stage for your wife? You just won our top prize. She must be thrilled!”

Zaden glanced through the crowd toward Athena. “She’s really happy.”

Their eyes met, and Athena’s cheeks grew hot. She almost wanted to run away, but she forced herself to stay put, trying to look calm.

In the end, Zaden chose a giant stuffed bear that stood nearly six feet tall.

When he walked toward her holding it, Athena felt like she was seeing a prince out of a fairy

tale.

“Whoa! Dad, you’re amazing!” Teri cheered.

Zaden turned to Athena. “Let’s go have some fun.”

Athena looked at the huge stuffed animal and said, a little awkwardly, “How are we supposed to

12:26 Mon, Oct 27

Chapter 217 The Happiest Day

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play while carrying that thing? It’s not exactly convenient.”

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Zaden thought about it and nodded. “You’re right. I’ll ask the staff if we can store it somewhere and pick it up later.”

A few minutes later, he had the giant bear safely stored away.

go play,” he said.

“Let’s go

As he spoke, he glanced behind Athena’s head. She blinked in confusion. “What? Is there something on my face?”

“No, just a loose hair.”

He gently tucked the strand behind her ear. The simple, tender motion made her heartbeat quicken.

Ever since she had decided to talk things through with him, it was as if Zaden’s quiet charm had only grown stronger. The more she tried to distance herself, the harder it became.

Zaden reached out and took her hand. “Come on.”

Teri giggled and grabbed Athena’s other hand.

Today was perfect.

To Teri, they felt just like a real family.

Lewis sat off to the side, watching as Zaden lead Athena away.

Next to him, Dion pouted. “Dad, why didn’t you go up there and compete with Teri’s dad? Maybe you could’ve beaten him, and then Mom would think you’re great.”

Lewis gave a cold laugh. “Childish. Your mom wouldn’t think that. She’d just find me annoying.”

After being with Athena for so many years, he knew her personality inside and out. He’d been too impatient before, desperate to get her back.

Now he understood. If he wanted her to return, he couldn’t rush it.

He had to use what mattered most to her. That was the only way to make her bend.

Dion’s eyes filled with tears. “Then what do we do? Mom doesn’t care about me anymore.”

Just thinking about it made his chest ache.

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