She Stuns the World - Chapter 96: Chapter 96

After exchanging a few glances, Wesley and the others subtly shook their heads.
They hadn't really done much for Athena and certainly couldn't afford to hire an expert like Annie, so it was best not to trouble her.
Athena noticed their thoughts and smiled slightly but didn't say anything more.
Another ten minutes passed, and everyone had just about finished eating.
Matthew didn't insist on making the Donovan family stay longer. Instead, he personally packed some of the snacks that Maria and Josie liked and walked the family to the entrance of the club, handing the food boxes to Louis.
He then apologized, "Mr. Donovan, Mrs. Donovan, I have some work I need to take care of, so I'll have to let Louis see you home. I hope you'll understand."
His politeness and thoughtfulness left the Donovan family with a very good impression.
After expressing her thanks, Athena had her parents ride in her car while Arthur, Maria, and Josie took Louis's car.
A few minutes after they set off, Athena asked, "Mom, Dad, how did you end up at Zoe's graduation party?"
Wesley furrowed his brow. "Athena, we only went because we got a message from you. But when we arrived, we realized you weren't even there."
Athena frowned. "What message?"
Wesley pulled out his phone and showed her the text.
Athena glanced at it and sneered. "Mom, Dad, you were tricked.
"That message wasn't from me. Zoe must've used some kind of software or tech to fake my number and send it to you.
"If you had tried calling the number, her trick would've been exposed right away. That's why she told you not to call."
Wesley slapped his thigh in frustration. "Athena, I can't believe how stupid I was, falling right into her trap and putting you in this mess."
Claire shook her head repeatedly. "Isn't that Zoe just a high school graduate? How can someone so young be so malicious, pulling stunts like this?"
"Dad, you didn't do anything wrong, so don't blame yourself," Athena said, shaking her head. "Zoe was targeting me. You were just dragged into it because of me. If anyone should apologize, it's me."
She knew that Zoe had always been out to get her, but she had never taken her seriously.
When she was still part of the Kennedy family, the Murray family wouldn't dare touch them. But now that she was back with the Donovan family, the Murray family probably saw them as easy targets and decided to make a move.
This incident made Athena realize she would need to step up and take responsibility for protecting the Donovan family from now on.
Hearing this, Wesley and Claire quickly reassured her. "Athena, don't overthink it. You're a victim in this too, and you're still just a kid. None of this is your fault.
"We'll be more cautious from now on, and we'll keep an eye out so we won't get fooled by people like them again. You don't need to blame yourself."
Athena smiled. "Alright, let's stop blaming ourselves. We'll just learn from this and make sure to give her a piece of our mind the next time we run into her."
That night, despite being publicly humiliated, the Donovan family felt like justice had prevailed in the end, so they all slept soundly.
But the next morning, things took an unexpected turn.
When they woke up, they heard loud commotion downstairs, with people shouting their names.
Maria ran to the balcony to take a look and saw a huge crowd gathered below, creating an atmosphere that made it feel like something serious had happened.
Among the crowd were several reporters, looking sharp and professional, holding cameras and camcorders that made Maria's nerves spike.
As soon as they spotted her, they started snapping photos like crazy.
Frightened, she rushed back inside. "Dad, Arthur, there are so many people downstairs, and it looks like they're here for us."
Wesley stayed calm. "You all stay here. I'll go down and check it out."