Chapter 27 The Real Mother This time, Nina was going to make sure everyone knew she was Dion's real mother. Athena was nothing more than a nanny who had raised her son for eight years. After a rough night, Dion got up early the next morning. Finished Lewis stood in the room, watching his son pack. "Are you ready? If you are, I'll have Ned drive you over." Dion stuffed a little toy into his backpack and gave a firm nod. "I'm ready!" "Don't fight with your mom," Lewis warned. "Just try to win her back." Dion grinned with confidence. "Dad, you're underestimating me. The moment I see Mom, she'll give in." Lewis knew how much Athena cared about Dion, so he relaxed. Not long after, Ned arrived. Dion slung on his backpack, climbed into the car, and they drove off. When the car stopped in front of Athena's apartment, Ned glanced at Dion in the back seat. "Mr. Dion, do you want me to go up with you?" "Nope! Just wait here. I'll be back soon." Dion hopped out and hurried upstairs without looking back. Inside, Athena looked at the small figure sitting on her couch. She hesitated and asked softly, "Teri, do you want some fruit?" She sighed helplessly inside, That morning, Harriet suddenly dropped Teri off, saying she had to deal with her divorce case. Harriet had insisted Athena could handle it since she had experience with kids. She promised to pick the girl up later at night. Thankfully, Teri was a sweet, sensible child. "Athena, your leg is hurt. I can wash the fruit myself." 1/2 14:40 Sat, Oct 18 Chapter 27 The Real Mother : 467 67 Finished Teri then grabbed an apple from the table, headed to the kitchen and washed it under the water tap. Athena watched her tiptoe at the sink, her small back determined. A warm, strange feeling rose in her chest. Teri was such an independent little girl. At that moment, Athena realized what people meant when they said daughters were close to their mothers. Girls were gentle, not wild and stubborn like boys. Dion had worn her down for years. She had only found balance after years of struggle, forcing herself to keep going. Because she treated Dion as her own child, she was willing to give everything-putting up him and taking care of his every need. with But remembering the truth now made her heart ache. She blinked back the sting in her eyes and forced her emotions down. Ding-dong! The doorbell rang suddenly. Athena turned her head, wondering if Harriet had come back already. Before she could stand, Teri called out, "Don't move, Athena! I'll get it." Athena sank back into her seat. Teri pulled open the door. Standing there was Dion. Their eyes locked, both shocked for a moment. But Dion was the first to react. His face didn't show joy. Instead, it showed annoyance. Dion's brows furrowed, his voice sharp with anger. "Who are you? Why are you in my mom's house?" Without waiting for an answer, he shoved Teri aside and strode inside. The moment he spotted Athena sitting on the couch, his face twisted with hurt. He glared at her, his voice trembling with resentment. "Mom, why is there another kid here?" Athena hadn't expected Dion to show up. 2/3 14:40 Sat, Oct 18 Chapter 27 The Real Mother Finished Her feelings toward him were complicated. She once believed he was the child she had carried for nine months and brought into this world. For that reason, she had once thought she could forgive all his bad behavior and tolerate every tantrum. But he was also Nina's son. That truth made it impossible for her to endure what he did. Her expression hardened. "This is my home. Whoever is here has nothing to do with you." Dion had thought if he threw a tantrum, Athena would rush to comfort him and explain everything. He would seize the chance to tell her that he and Dad had already forgiven her-that she could come home again. But she still refused to see things his way. His eyes reddened, his voice cracking into a furious shout. "Mom! I won't let you be with anyone else. Kick her out right now!" Athena stared at him coldly, exhausted by his outburst. Maybe it was simply human nature. Even though she had raised him herself, teaching him carefully through the years, his temper and selfishness were still unbearable. Teri stood frozen. She hadn't expected Athena's son to dislike her so much. She had only wanted to be friends with him, but clearly, he wanted no part of her. Her heart sank. She stood there quietly, her small figure looking more and more lonely. She didn't want Athena to argue with her son because of her. Maybe it would be better if she just left. But before she could say a word, Athena's voice cut sharply through the air. "If you came here just to make trouble, then leave. Right now." Send Gifts 150 1 3/3 14:40 Sat, Oct 18 From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life