She Outshines Them All

She Outshines 384

Soon, driving his second–hand Audi, Brandon appeared in front of Athena. He got out of the car and opened the passenger door for her. “Are you hungry? Do you want to eat first?”

Athena said, “I’ve been staying at school for several days. I miss the food at home. Let’s go home and eat.”

“I’ll get the restaurant to send the food over,” said Brandon.

Donovan’s Restaurant did not provide take–out service except for their home. Brandon nodded. “Okay, let’s go home.”

Athena got into the passenger seat and immediately saw a beautiful white–collar beauty sitting in the back seat, who was actually Lindsay. She was a little surprised. “Hello, Miss Dudley

Lindsay smiled and said, “I was in Acloria for the past few months, acting as a liaison between the company and the manufacturers of the imported production line.

“Brandon happened to be on a business trip to Aeloria, so we came back together.”

Such an expensive and advanced production line was not simply trouble–free immediately after it was installed and calibrated.

Various issues tended to arise during operation, and the company was not familiar enough with the equipment yet. When problems occurred, they needed to consult with the manufacturers about operation, maintenance, repairs, and parts replacement.

These consultations happened frequently, and since the company did not pay the full amount in one payment, ongoing communication between the two parties was necessary. Additionally, she applied

for a PhD program in Aeloria and will be stationed there long–term starting in the second half of the year

Athena said politely, “Soon it’ll be Christmas. You’re back at the right time.”

Brandon smiled and said, “Athena, I think I have to formally introduce you. Lindsay is my girlfriend now.”

Athena exclaimed softly and said sincerely, “Congratulations! You two really make a great match.”

Lindsay blushed and said sweetly, “Thank you.” a

Athena looked at Brandon and then Lindsay, and said, “Brandon, I think I should change seats with Miss Dudley.”

“No, no need.” Brandon waved his hand. “I nearly spent every day with Lindsay lately, but I haven’t seen you in months. Honestly, I’d like to see you more right now.

“Besides, Lindsay was sitting in the front passenger seat the whole ride and only switched to the back when we arrived at the school.”

Athena was speechless. ‘What should I say to Brandon?‘ she thought. She then looked at the backseat and said, “Miss Dudley, you should take the passenger seat.”

Lindsay smiled. “No need. You two haven’t seen each other for so long, and must have a lot to talk about.” While Linsay was speaking, Brandon had already started the car.

Athena secretly shook her head, thinking how difficult it was for Lindsay to put up with Brandon’s temper.

Just as she was reflecting on this, Brandon suddenly slammed on the brakes, threw the car door open, and jumped out, staring intently at something at the back.

Athena asked in a puzzle, “Brandon, what are you looking at?”

G

“I… I think I saw someone familiar…” Brandon was breathing heavily, staring in a particular direction with an odd expression, a mix of joy and sorrow, along with excitement, nervousness, and uncase. “But how could it be… I must have been mistaken…”

Athena leaned over, poking her head out to look as well, and was taken aback.

Joy was chatting with several boys dragging suitcases, likely saying goodbye for the winter break. The world was small, and the campus even smaller, and this scene had been spotted by Brandon.

Soon, Joy finished bidding goodbyes with the boys and turned to leave. Without thinking, Brandon dashed forward. Luckily, there were many students around, blocking his path.

Without hesitation, Athena jumped out of the car, quickly caught up, and grabbed his arm. “Brandon, where are you going?”

In a low voice, Brandon said, “That girl looks a lot like… someone important. I need to ask her.”

“Don’t go!” Athena’s expression turned serious. “Don’t meet her, don’t approach her, don’t ask anything about her, and don’t even mention her.”

She looked directly into Brandon’s eyes. “At least, not now.”

It was the first time Brandon had seen her so serious, so he stopped moving. “Why? Do you… know who that girl is?”

“I can’t tell you now,” Athena shook her head, “but you must trust me. I’m saying this for your sake as well as our family.”

She did not seem to have said much, yet the meaning behind her words was enough to make Brandon feel uneasy. Brandon did not ignore Athena’s words. He stood there silently, just watching Joy’s back view from afar, lost in thought. Athena stood by him, sharing the silence.

After a while, Lindsay poked her head out of the car and asked, “What are you two looking at? Is there anything interesting?”

Only then did Brandon retract his gaze and reveal a seemingly calm smile. “Nothing. I got the wrong person.” He patted

home.” Athena’s shoulder and smiled. “Let’s go

The two got into the car, and the car moved slowly, but they did not say a thing.

Lindsay did not hear what they had just said, but he could tell that they must be talking about something very important. Brandon’s expression was obviously not right.

She wondered what it could be that Brandon could not tell her. She truly wished that Brandon would open his heart to her, with no secrets, no reservations.

‘And when Brandon smiles, the one he shows to me is more like a formality, but the one he shows to Athena is so gentle. That difference makes me feel uncomfortable,’ Lindsay thought

During the ride, Lindsay tried to make conversation, but the other two seemed disinterested, responding half–heartedly. After a few attempts, she stopped talking.

In this dull atmosphere, the car finally pulled into the Donovan family’s villa. Lindsay had known this was a high–end villa neighborhood, but seeing the Donovan family’s villa still surprised her.

A place like this must have been worth no less than 60 million dollars. The garage had two cars, both of which looked new, likely just purchased. They were luxury cars worth tens of thousands of dollars.

When she stepped into the family hall, its elegance and style also took her aback. She asked Athena, “How long have you guys bought this villa?”

Athena replied with a smile, “At most two and a half years.”

GT

Lindsay asked further. If you don’t mind, how much did it cost?

Athena chuckled, “We bought it second–hand. The location was said to be not so great, so the previous owner sold it at a cheap price. We only paid around five or six million dollars.”

Lindsay’s face clearly showed her disbelief, but she said nothing Brandon then gave Lindsay a tour of the villa, even showing her his room. After that, they sat in the living room, and Brandon offered her snacks and a drink

“My Mom made these snacks; you should try them,” Brandon said. While they were chatting, Alaric returned with Maria and Josie, holding a basketball. Brandon introduced Lindsay to them, and they all looked surprised but happy. NôvelDrama.Org owns all © content.

Alaric winked at Brandon, wrapping an arm around Brandon’s shoulder, and said, “Well, who would’ve thought you’d be the first to bring home a girlfriend? Not bad!”

Maria excitedly added, “Welcome, Lindsay, You’re beautiful and talented, Brandon is really lucky.”

Josie clapped her hands and chimed in, “Bello and Dolli are happy to see Lindsay too.” She pointed at a German Shepherd in the doghouse, “That’s Bello, a military dog.”

Then she picked up Dolli, which had been hiding under the sofa, and presented it to Lindsay like a treasure, “This is Dolli, isn’t it the cutest? Do you want to hold it?”

Dolli stared at Lindsay with wide eyes, meowing, “Meow, meow meow…”

Lindsay’s eyes flashed with disgust, but she quickly masked it, smiling politely. “I just got back from abroad; I probably still have a scent on me. Maybe next time.”