Chapter 18 A Child's Wish "No, not Carmen. If it's Athena, then I want her!" The moment Teri said that, the air in the car froze. 68 Finished She hadn't just invited Athena to the parent-child field day. The problem was deeper. This was about her mom, and Athena had always tried to avoid that topic. For Teri to bring it up now, it was impossible not to think about it. Zaden spoke firmly. "Teri, don't be stubborn. Athena's leg is still injured." Athena glanced at him quickly. Is he mad? Did this topic touch a nerve? Did this remind him of Teri's mother-memories he never wanted to revisit? That woman must have hurt him deeply. Zaden gave Teri a light scolding. The girl lowered her head right away. "Sorry, Dad. I forgot." Then she turned to Athena and sincerely apologized, "I'm sorry, Athena." Athena smiled softly. "It's okay." Still, the mood in the car wasn't the same. The warmth from earlier had slipped away, leaving an awkward silence. Luckily, they pulled up to Athena's place just then. She was relieved she could finally step out. "Mr. Storm, thank you for the ride. Goodbye." She waved quickly. "Bye, Teri!" Athena climbed out, careful not to drag things out any longer. She didn't let Zaden walk her upstairs, and he didn't insist. He only reminded her to be careful. After she left, Zaden turned and saw Teri leaning against the window, staring hard at Athena as she walked inside. "Teri," he asked casually, "do you like her?" "Yes!" Teri nodded eagerly, then added with a grin, "Athena's really nice. She's not like the others who only talk to me because they want something." Teri was still young, but she could sense what people around her were really thinking. Out of nowhere, she looked at her dad with her big, clear eyes and asked, "Dad, did I just make you think of Mom?" 1/3 Sat, Chapter 18 A Child's Wish L #Finished Zaden's brow furrowed. He hadn't thought of anyone. He just felt bad for Athena, especially since her leg still hurt. As for Teri's mother... A faint smile crossed his face, almost amused by the thought. That was impossible. I didn't even know who that woman really was. Lewis, on the other hand, hadn't expected Athena to snap at him. She had never talked back like that before. He couldn't figure out what she was really after. Wasn't she doing all this just to get his attention? He had already given her an opening and even lowered his pride for her. Why was she still acting this way? And that man at the hospital with her-was it really Zaden? Lewis's face darkened, shadows gathering in his eyes. His mood was terrible. A moment later, he pulled out his phone and gave an order to Ned. "Find me a private investigator. I want Athena followed. Track who she's meeting and where she's going, and get pictures of everything." "Yes, Mr. Belmont." After he hung up, Lewis felt better. No way the man with Athena was Zaden. His family had roots in Vlephia that ran deeper than the Belmonts ever could. Lewis's family had risen quickly, but the Storms were old money, going back over a century, And Zaden was the only heir. There was no chance he'd be interested in Athena. Lewis let out a mocking laugh, realizing how paranoid he was being. Maybe Athena just wanted him to bow his head completely. That man could've been someone she dragged in just to put on a little show for him. It was a cheap trick intended to make him jealous. 2/3 14:37 Sat, Oct 18 Chapter 18 A Child's Wish , (68) Finished Athena, meanwhile, had been staying quietly at home for a few days. One afternoon, while scrolling through her phone, she stumbled onto a medical video channel. On screen was a young woman with striking features and a natural charm that belonged in front of a camera. Dressed in a white coat, she was cheerfully explaining everyday medical knowledge. Her sweet looks and lively expressions made the short video soar past 200,000 likes. Most importantly, Athena knew her. It was Harriet Crawford. She was her professor, Kate Warner's daughter-and once, Athena's closest friend. Back then, when things between her and Kate had fallen apart, Athena cut contact with Harriet too, not wanting to reopen old wounds. Athena scrolled through the account. Most of the posts were medical videos, short clips where Harriet explained health tips in a lively way. The one with the most likes-over 200,000-was about saving a patient's life. She tapped on it, and her breath caught. On the screen, Harriet was helping treat a critically ill patient. Then the camera cut to an interview. And there-Athena saw her professor. Someone she hadn't seen in eight years. As Kate described the case, Athena felt like she was watching her own past flash before her eyes. Her throat tightened, and her vision blurred. Tears threatened to fall. Back then, she had been Kate's pride and joy. She had once promised herself she would become the youngest and best surgeon of her time. She would create a legend of her own. Send Gifts