Chapter 10 This Man Has Good Stamina Athena didn't know how to respond. Compared to Dion, Teri really was like a little angel. 68 Finished Dion's temper was just like Lewis's-spoiled, demanding, and quick to throw tantrums. She always had to calm him down. Who wouldn't love a sweet, obedient child? From the moment she met Teri, Athena found her polite, gentle, and adorable. Without realizing it, she had grown fond of her. "I think Athena is very patient too!" Teri chimed in, backing up her dad's words. Their words felt like compliments, and Athena found herself a little embarrassed. Her thoughts drifted back to her time with Lewis and Dion. Lewis always took her for granted. He acted like everything-taking care of Dion, cooking, laundry-was her duty. He never once said thank you. Looking back, she realized he could do those things. He just saw her as a live-in maid. Why thank a maid? Soon, Athena and Teri started working together on the craft project. Athena's hand had been injured before; it wasn't as steady as it used to be. While cutting, her fingers trembled, and the scissors slipped off course. Zaden noticed. His lips pressed into a line. Zaden's large, strong hand reached over, taking the paper from her. His deep voice rumbled, "I'll do it." "Dad!" Teri protested right away. "You can't just take Athena's stuff away. My teacher said, "Mom has to make it!" Zaden's tone stayed calm. "Athena's hand looks like it's been hurt before." At once, Teri's eyes darted to Athena's hand. She spotted the faint scar and quickly apologized, "I'm sorry, Athena. I didn't know." 1/5 14:35 Sat, Oct 18 Chapter 10 This Man Has Good Stamina Athena shook her head. "It's okay." : She hadn't expected Zaden to notice. He was more observant than she thought. Teri asked curiously, "Athena, how did your hand get hurt?" For a second, Athena fell into a trance. My hand... After a moment, she gave a faint smile. "I don't remember." 68 Finished She didn't want to remember. Those memories could stay buried, along with her broken marriage. Zaden studied her thoughtfully. "Ms. Hall, that injury looks like it didn't heal properly. If it's affecting your life, I can bring in a specialist. Consider it a thank-you for helping Teri." Athena shook her head. "That won't be necessary." Back then, if she had turned to her old professor for help, there might have been hope. Maybe she could have fully recovered, just like before. But the professor had been disappointed when she married Lewis, gave up her career, and became a housewife. She hadn't wanted to see her again. By the time Athena finally found a surgeon to treat her, it was already too late. The damage had dragged on too long, leaving her with permanent regret. After the divorce, Athena planned to go to her professor in person. She would apologize and admit her mistakes. Maybe, if her professor was willing to forgive her, there was still a chance her hand could be restored. But that was for later. Zaden wasn't upset by Athena's refusal. He only looked a little regretful, as if he understood she had her own reasons. After a moment, he asked, "Then how should I thank you, Ms. Hall?" "It was nothing. No need to thank me," Athena answered. She never expected anything in return. But Zaden insisted. "I'm a man of principle." 2/5 14:35 Sat, Oct 18 Chapter 10 This Man Has Good Stamina Finished "Well ... " Athena hesitated. The truth was, she didn't really lack anything. She couldn't think of a reward worth asking for. Money, maybe? Zaden came from one of the wealthiest families in the city, so it wouldn't have been a problem for him. Athena was just about to speak when Zaden said, "Or maybe ... Ms. Hall needs a lawyer?" He paused. "A divorce lawyer." Her face tightened with embarrassment. So he really did know. He knew she and Lewis were preparing to divorce. "That won't be necessary, Mr. Storm," Athena replied politely. "I can handle everything on my own. No need to trouble you." She didn't understand why people kept assuming she had no choice but to sit there and take it. Maybe it was because, for so many years, she had hidden herself too well. To make sure he knew she wasn't just being polite, Athena looked serious as she repeated, "I really can handle it." Zaden held her gaze for a long moment, then gave a slow nod. "Very well. I'll keep this reward for you, Ms. Hall. You can claim it anytime." A promise. That was what he had just given her. Athena thought Zaden's love for Teri ran deep, down to the bone. He must have truly loved the girl's mother too. She just didn't know why the two of them had parted. But that wasn't a secret she had any right to uncover. Turning back to her work, Athena focused on the craft project. Soon, the three of them finished a paper collage. It looked delicate and beautiful. Teri was overjoyed, praising Athena again and again. "Well, since we're done, I should be heading back," Athena said. "I'll drive you," Zaden offered, rising to his feet. Athena wanted to say he didn't need to worry about it, but Zaden had already picked up the 3/5 14:35 Sat, Oct 18 Chapter 10 This Man Has Good Stamina keys. She swallowed her words and let him take the lead. 68 Finished Zaden personally drove her. Since Athena's leg wasn't healed, he gentlemanly opened the door for her. For a second, she had the strange feeling that if she didn't act so tough, he might have carried her straight into the car. The ride was quiet. Neither of them spoke, and the silence filled the car. Before long, they reached Athena's place. Zaden parked, then carefully took out her wheelchair. "Thanks," Athena said politely. Zaden nodded. "It's me who should thank you for helping Teri with her homework." Athena didn't answer, just smiled faintly. "There's no elevator here. Do you need help?" he asked. Athena froze, embarrassed by how much her injured leg slowed her down. Zaden folded the wheelchair, swung it onto his shoulder with one arm, and steadied her with the other. Athena was speechless. This man had serious strength. Two days passed in a flash. Since the day she tricked Bridget into seeing Nina living at Lewis's house, Athena had kept quiet. Lewis and Nina hadn't come to bother her either. Everything seemed calm, as if life had finally settled down. Time slipped by, and the day of her divorce from Lewis drew closer. Athena was waiting. Then one morning, she received a message, "Athena, take a look at this." 14:36 Sat, Oct 18 Chapter 10 This Man Has Good Stamina Her eyes narrowed, and her face darkened. This is ... 668 Finished Send Gifts 150 14:36 Sat, Oct 18 From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life