Chapter 37 The Misunderstanding. Athena sighed, feeling helpless. She looked at Teri and said softly, "Teri, it's time to go home." "I don't want to," the little girl muttered, her head hanging low. 67 Finished Athena thought back to what Teri had said earlier. It was probably because of the whole "Dad's getting remarried" thing. She could understand. For a kid, that kind of news hit hard- especially when it came with talk about being sent away. If her dad really was marrying someone new and planning to get rid of her, of course she'd be upset. That was enough to make any child run away. Athena looked at Zaden and spoke seriously, "Mr. Storm, I know I'm just an outsider. It's not really my place to say this, but I have to." "You're free to go for a blind date or start a new family," Athena said seriously. "But before you do, you should talk to Teri first. Don't just send her away and think only about what makes you happy." Date. Start a family. Think only about yourself. Each phrase sounded so strange to Zaden that his brows drew together. Athena's expression stayed firm. She wasn't the kind of person who liked to interfere in others' business. But she felt a special connection with Teri. Even if it wasn't her place, she couldn't just watch silently. Someone had to remind Zaden to take responsibility as a father. Zaden sighed quietly. "Ms. Hall, I think there's been a misunderstanding." "Huh?" Athena looked puzzled. Teri was the one who told her everything. How could there be a misunderstanding? Did Teri lie to her? If that was true, then her entire speech just now was one big mistake. She felt herself overwhelmed with embarrassment, wishing she could disappear into the floor. Forcing a smile, she said awkwardly, "Maybe... There was a misunderstanding. Teri told me all that." 1/3 14:42 Sat, Oct 18 Chapter 37 The Misunderstanding 467 67 Finished Zaden turned his gaze toward his daughter. "Teri?" Teri's voice was small and muffled. "Grandma said she was going to find you a lady from a good family. And the new mom wouldn't like me. So Grandma said she'd send me away so I wouldn't get in the way of you and the new mom." Zaden blinked, speechless. So that's where this whole blind date thing came from. He spoke gently, his tone soft. "That was Grandma's idea, not mine. Daddy isn't dating anyone. I'd never send you away. Don't be scared, okay?" His words weren't just for Teri; they were also meant for Athena. Finally, Athena understood. It turned out Zaden's mother had been the one eager to see him remarried. She must have arranged everything behind his back, and poor Teri overheard it. Zaden himself didn't even know about it. So, she had blamed him wrongly. Wonderful. She'd just scolded the man for something he hadn't even done. Now what? How was she supposed to fix this mess? Athena glanced at Zaden, her cheeks burning. "I'm sorry," she said quietly. "I thought ... " Zaden didn't argue with Athena. He simply said in a calm voice, "Sorry for the misunderstanding, Ms. Hall." Since it was all just a misunderstanding, Athena couldn't say much more. She turned to Teri and said gently, "Teri, you should go home with your dad. He already promised he won't send you away." But Teri only hugged Athena tighter and shook her head hard. It was a stalemate, Athena looked down at the little girl clinging to her leg and had no idea what to do. She couldn't just pull her off by force, could she? After a moment of thought, she tried again softly. "How about this? I'll take you home myself, just to make sure you're safe. Okay?" Teri looked up at her. 2/3 14:42 Sat, Oct 18 Chapter 37 The Misunderstanding 46 67 Finished Athena gave her a warm smile, her eyes filled with kindness. After hesitating for a few seconds, Teri finally nodded. Zaden watched as Athena calmed Teri down with just a few gentle words. His face was unreadable, but there was something complicated in his eyes. Teri was usually a well-behaved child, but when she got emotional, no one could handle her, not even him. Yet somehow, she trusted Athena completely. She even ran away from home just to find her. Athena's influence on his daughter was unexpected. So, Athena went back to the villa with them. During the ride, Teri sat in the back seat beside Athena. The little girl was holding her hand tightly the whole way. She never once let go. When they arrived, Teri still refused to release her grip. Athena sighed softly. Since she had already come this far, she decided to stay a little longer and tuck Teri into bed. Teri's bedroom looked like something straight out of a fairy tale-soft pink walls, stuffed animals everywhere, and rows of dolls and plush toys neatly arranged. Athena's gaze soon fell on a small wooden puppet sitting carefully inside a glass cabinet. It was the one she had carved for Dion. Teri seemed to cherish it well. Athena used to think that little wooden puppet wasn't all that ugly. But now, seeing it sitting among Teri's expensive toys and perfectly polished dolls, she had to admit. Yeah, it was pretty ugly. Compared to everything else in the room, it almost looked out of place-like a scruffy outsider among royalty. Teri caught Athena staring at it and proudly said, "That's the puppet you gave me! I keep it really safe!" Athena's heart softened. A warm smile touched her lips. "Teri, you're such a sweet and lovely girl," she said gently. If her daughter hadn't been killed by Lewis, if she had lived and grown up, maybe she would've been just like Teri. Kind. Innocent. Adorable. Send Gifts 150 3/3 14:42 Sat, Oct 18 From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life