She Stuns the World - Chapter 52: Chapter 52

Wesley took a deep breath and stepped forward, positioning himself protectively in front of his family. "It's broad daylight in the city center, with people everywhere. My daughter was simply walking into an office building with someone, not going anywhere questionable."
"What are you trying to achieve by slandering Athena over something so innocent?" Wesley pressed.
Arthur rolled up his sleeves, flexing his biceps as his usually friendly face turned serious. "I can take on all three of you! If you keep slandering my sister, I won't hold back!"
Arthur was well-liked in the neighborhood. Handsome, kind, and always willing to help, he never turned down requests to carry packages, fix pipes, or change light bulbs. The young women in the neighborhood adored him.
Seeing him stand up so fiercely, some of the young women blushed, their eyes sparkling. "Go, Arthur! We're behind you!"
"Arthur, you're the best! Don't be afraid, just go for it!"
They really knew how to stir things up.
Regina barely regarded Arthur, backing up slightly with a wary glance but still sneering. "Do you even know who the man in the photos is?"
She hissed, "His name is Harry Freeman, the chief representative of Vission Group in the West End. Sure, he's wealthy, but he's also a notorious playboy in Kitmore City. If your daughter is involved with him, it's not business; it's something else."
Andrew chimed in with a mocking tone, "Birds of a feather flock together. Harry's women change daily—small-time actresses, models, influencers. If Athena were a good girl, would she be hanging out with someone like him?"
The crowd continued to gossip.
"I don't think the Donovan girl is like that. Maybe she's been tricked by the playboy?" someone suggested.
"Remember, she was raised by a wealthy family. She's used to the good life. It's normal for her to find a rich guy to support her," another chimed in.
"An 18-year-old with a car? If a man didn't give it to her, how could she earn it herself?"
"She looks like an angel. How could she get involved with a guy like that?"
The Donovans turned pale with anger, and tears welled up in Claire's eyes.
"Shut up!" Wesley Donovan, usually mild-mannered, was furious, waving his arms. "Mrs. Kennedy, Mr. Kennedy, you're slandering Athena based on assumptions. That's illegal!"
"Besides, Athena is eighteen. She has the right to associate with anyone she chooses. Why are you so concerned about her private life?"
"Dad, don't waste your breath on them!" Arthur charged forward, aiming a punch at Andrew. "I'll shut them up myself!"
Andrew's face turned white, and he instinctively covered his face. His looks were his livelihood—he couldn't afford to get hit.
But before Arthur could land a punch, a hand caught his arm.
"Arthur, they're not worth it," Athena said calmly, stopping him. "Mr. Kennedy, Mrs. Kennedy, did you come here just to say all this?"
"Stop pretending!" Regina snapped, momentarily stunned by Athena's composure. "You know exactly what you've done. We're here to tell you to make things right with Harry and restore the Kennedy family's partnership with Vission Group."
Isaac felt uncomfortable hearing Athena address them so formally as "Mr." and "Mrs.," but he feigned patience. "Athena, the Kennedys raised you for eighteen years, providing you with the best of everything. You can't resent us just because you're no longer living the life of a wealthy heiress."