THREE

“Alright, everything is back to normal as before. Congratulations, Miss Athena, you have recovered remarkably well,” said Doctor Savana, a bone specialist who had been treating Athena for several years.

The woman with chocolate-colored hair down her back smiled with relief, feeling immense gratitude in her heart. She glanced towards the door, where a man in a black shirt, who had faithfully accompanied her, smiled happily while giving her a thumbs-up.

“You’re amazing, Miss Athena,” praised Sargas Gilgareth, aged 28, two years older than Athena. He was her nephew and also the CEO of Havallary, Inc, a company managed by Athena’s adoptive parents.

“What do you think, Sargas? Do I look ready to appear in public?” Athena asked, her smile perfect.

The man in front of her tidied a few strands of hair that fell to the side of Athena's face, tucking them behind her ear. “You look stunning, Miss. Everyone should see you. The Gilgareth family’s daughter is healthy and ready to return.”

Athena was ecstatic, especially after struggling to heal physically and emotionally for four years. After the birth of her son, who was now 3.5 years old, Athena had focused on healing her emotional wounds and physical conditions to return to normalcy.

“Do I need to carry you to the car?” Sargas offered, reaching for Athena’s bag.

“No need, Sargas. I’ve been healthy for a while,” Athena replied.

“Are you sure?” Sargas chuckled softly. “Well then, I challenge you for tomorrow. You have to agree to go jogging with me.”

Athena laughed, shaking her head. “Cancel your plans; tomorrow, I have to attend my family's first-ever press conference.”

“Oh, my apologies, Miss. How about we go shopping for clothes then? You also need to visit the salon.”

“You're very attentive. You know, I have to look beautiful. I want everyone to look at me tomorrow.”

“Of course, Miss. The Gilgareth family’s daughter must be extraordinary.”

Athena patted the man’s shoulder twice, grateful to have Sargas, who had never left her side since she was adopted by this family. At least there was one man she could trust besides her adoptive father.

Upon arriving home, Ren Gilgareth and Ruby Gilgareth—Athena’s adoptive parents—welcomed their daughter joyfully. They congratulated Athena on her recovery after the accident two years ago.

“Are you ready, dear? You are the daughter of the Gilgareth family; everyone wants to see you,” Ren said.

The young and beautiful woman nodded. “Of course, Dad. Both of you know best about my reasons for hiding and struggling all this time.”

Ruby hugged her daughter lovingly, tears welled up in her eyes as she saw Athena's happy expression. “My precious daughter... you are my most valuable gem. Dad and Mom will always support you against those despicable Willow family members.”

“We apologize for being late to show you to everyone, especially to the Willow family who has neglected you,” Ruby added sorrowfully.

Athena released the hug, gently wiping her mother's tears. “You've never been wrong. You are an honorable family that doesn’t need recognition from others. Everyone knows the great name of Gilgareth as the family that owns the largest business empire in this city, without knowing your appearance or personal life.”

“Dad, Mom... the Willow family might underestimate me, they never knew there was a dangerous monster ready to overthrow them who trampled on my dignity,” Athena said, her lips quivering, her jaw tightening, and her beautiful round eyes radiating the anger that had been pent up within her.

“My dear, get ready to be the center of attention tomorrow. Everyone will see our faces for the first time, including... the despicable man who rejected you,” Ren said.

***

Flashlights and camera sounds focused on the husband, wife, and daughter sitting at the conference table. Dozens of journalists were busy opening laptops, mobile tablets, and notebooks. Reporters were also busy with voice recording devices.

Today was the day when the Gilgareth family appeared in public for the first time, after no one knew what the family dubbed the "Business Empire Monster" looked like.

“Is that their daughter? Is it true?”

“Didn’t she marry into the Willow family?”

“Seriously? Wow, so the rumors about the Willow family abandoning their own daughters are true?”

“Willow is really crazy. They let go of a precious gem like Miss Athena.”

“She’s exceptionally beautiful. Is she still single?”

Athena smiled thinly as she read some comments on social media from news broadcasts on various online platforms. Many praised her, admired her, and even supported her.

“Are you happy?” Ren whispered, speaking softly beside his daughter.

Athena nodded.

“Hold your head high, my dear. The daughter of Ren Gilgareth must look extraordinary today. Everyone must see and remember you.”

Athena nodded more enthusiastically. Her father was right; she had to showcase herself, far better than she did four years ago.

“Good afternoon,” Athena greeted, her smile radiant, the long dress with soft feathers at the chest adding an undeniable elegance to her.

Athena became the center of extraordinary attention, and everything she said could mesmerize anyone who listened. The press praised her calm yet assertive speaking abilities. Athena was like a diamond in everyone’s eyes.

***

SRAKH!

Glenn threw several documents off the table, then slumped down on the sofa while ruffling his own hair.

“She’s back...,” murmured Glenn.

“BUSINESS EMPIRE MONSTER RETURNS, ATHENA GILGARETH PREPARES TO EXPAND HER TOBACCO BUSINESS WINGS IN ASIA AND EUROPE”

Glenn’s hands trembled; he couldn’t believe it... the name of the woman who had almost disappeared from his memory had reappeared in an extraordinary way.

“You are even more beautiful, Athena. You are beautiful and great... Why did you hide for so long? How is our son? I’m sure he looks just like me.”

The sound of knocking interrupted them, and Giselle appeared and sat beside Glenn. “What's wrong with you? You look troubled today.”

“Have you seen the news about Athena today?” Glenn asked.

Giselle sighed, her facial expression changing instantly. “So what? You've seen the news too, right? What's bothering you?”

“She is now the daughter of the Gilgareth family. She is the daughter of a business monster.”

Giselle scoffed. “So, you regret it?”

Glenn realized his demeanor, shook his head, then kissed Giselle's lips to calm his wife down. “I regret nothing. I just don't like it because she’s more extraordinary than me.”

Giselle lifted her legs, then sat on her husband's lap in a very sensual position. She moved aggressively, kissing Glenn's neck passionately then whispered, “You don't need to worry about anything because you two no longer have any relationship.”

Glenn responded to Giselle’s advances, and his muscular hands started caressing her skin. However, their movements stopped when the ringing phone caught their attention.

Glenn lifted Giselle's hips to move her aside, then picked up the phone from the table.

“Hello, what’s up, Kurt?”

PRAKH!

The phone fell as Glenn received news from the person on the line.

***