She Stuns the World - Chapter 248: Chapter 248

Jaden's harsh words left Athena momentarily stunned, her mouth slightly open in disbelief.
'Jaden is usually so calm and patient, but now, here he is, holding a grudge? Whatever Linda did, it must've been terrible,' Athena thought.
Jaden's voice was emotionless as he replied to Linda. "You're reading too much into this. I've never held a grudge against you. I moved on-- you should too."
He shifted his gaze away from her, stepping to the side, clearly ready to walk away.
But Linda was quick, grabbing the hem of his shirt and turning to face him, desperation in her eyes. "But I haven't moved on. Can we... can we please talk?"
Jaden shook his head. "There's nothing left to say between us. I've got things to do. Let go."
"I won't! I'd rather die than let go!" Linda's face was now streaked with tears. "Jaden, I know I messed up badly. Every single day for the past three years, I've hated myself for it. I've been planning to pay you back, to fix my mistakes."
She dug through her designer purse and pulled out her phone. "I've been trying to find you, but you changed your number. I even thought about showing up at your house to apologize in person. I'll add you on iMessage and later transfer the money right now. I'll pay you back the 200 thousand dollars."
"That's not necessary," Jaden said, his tone flat. "You helped my family a lot during those years. I remember that. Just consider the interest your payment for all the trouble."
He pulled out a pen and paper and quickly wrote down his bank account information. "Just send me 100 thousand dollars, and we'll call it even."
Linda's teary eyes brightened with a flicker of hope. "Jaden, if you still remember what we had, it means..."
Jaden interrupted her coldly. "Someone's waiting for me. I'm in a hurry. Just pay me, and we're done."
Linda followed his gaze and spotted Athena sitting in the car, her face a mix of admiration and envy. She bit her lip, frustrated. "But I don't want us to be done! Even if you hate me, even if I don't pay, I can't stand the idea of us being over."
"Then don't pay," Jaden shrugged, slipping his phone back into his pocket. "I'm leaving."
"Let me drive you," Linda offered, reaching for his shirt again.
But Jaden had already anticipated her move, sidestepping her with ease as he spoke, making sure she couldn't catch him this time.
She hurried after him, the sound of her heels clicking frantically on the pavement, but Jaden picked up the pace, quickly pulling ahead of her by several steps.
Seeing how determined Jaden was to leave, Athena acted right on time. She opened the passenger door and started the engine.
Jaden slipped into the car smoothly, closing the door behind him. "Let's go."
Athena pressed down on the gas.
The car rolled past Linda, who stood helplessly as her hand fell against the car, grabbing at nothing.
Her eyes stayed glued to Athena, frustration and defeat written all over her face.
But Athena didn't pay her any attention, focusing on the road ahead.
As they approached the intersection in front of the mall, Athena glanced over at Jaden. "Have you eaten yet? What's next for you?"
Jaden leaned back in his seat. "There's an international robotics exhibition at the convention center. I wanted to check it out, but it's a big event, and I'm not dressed for it. Plus, tickets are sold out. I might just head to the farmer's market instead."
The convention center was just across from the mall they'd passed.