Chapter 92 She Looked Like Miss
Gideon’s phone buzzed again, but this time, the images that popped up in the group chat caught the attention of everyone present. Despite his disinterest in the photos, he could sense the tension mounting as his friends whispered among themselves.
“That sweet one’s beautiful, but she’s not really my type,” someone muttered, barely paying attention to the rest of the conversation.
But then another voice interrupted, “Wait a second. The woman in the background… doesn’t she look like Byron’s secretary?”
Gideon’s eyes snapped to the phone, and he quickly recognized who they were talking about. The photo featured Athena in a black dress, her long hair falling in soft curls over her shoulders. A drink was being offered to her, and she lazily extended her hand to take it. There was something about her presence, her effortless charm, that made her stand out even in a crowd.
Realization hit Gideon like a ton of bricks. He had just let a photo of Athena, Byron’s secretary, slip into the group chat.
“Withdraw the photo!” Gideon barked, his voice sharp with sudden panic.
Milo, the person who had shared it, seemed confused at first. “Huh? Why? It’s just a picture of some woman.”
Gideon didn’t have the time or patience for explanations. He quickly explained, “Byron is in this group! You can’t just share pictures of his secretary. Withdraw it now!”
Milo’s eyes widened in understanding. “Ah, okay, sorry!” But as he scrambled to withdraw the post, he realized it was too late. The message had already been sent, and now it was out there.
“OMG, it’s too late, I can’t delete it now…” Milo’s face turned ashen as he realized the gravity of his mistake.
Gideon was too furious to speak. He turned away in frustration, muttering, “Just talk about something else in the group. We need to change the topic fast.”
Despite knowing that Byron probably wasn’t monitoring the group, Gideon couldn’t shake the unease gnawing at him. He hadn’t meant for Athena’s image to be shared so recklessly, and he knew that this could cause unnecessary problems for her.
Meanwhile, the party Athena had attended was winding down. By the time the clock struck one in the morning, the drunk men who had been wooing her were finally stumbling out, one by one. Athena had spent the last hour or so making sure they all got into their cars, handling them with care even as they slurred their words and swayed on their feet.
One of the men, his eyes glassy with alcohol, grabbed Athena’s hand just before he got into the car. “Sister, message me later, okay?” he said, his voice unsteady. “You’re really my type. I’ve never been in a relationship before, so I’m still pure…”
Athena couldn’t suppress her disbelief. “Shut up and get in the car,” she snapped, her patience wearing thin.
Evie, ever the troublemaker, pushed the man’s head down and shoved him into the car. As the car pulled away, the man stuck his head out of the window and yelled, “Sister, I’ll miss you!”
“Like an idiot,” Athena muttered under her breath.
Evie, still giggling from the whole spectacle, leaned on Athena’s shoulder. “Sweetie, you’re still as charming as ever. No, scratch that—you’re more charming than before. Today, you attracted all eight of them!”
Athena rolled her eyes. “You’re something else. You can just find some playboys to play around with, not these innocent guys. You’re hurting them.”
Evie leaned back with a mischievous grin. “Of course, I want to find you a good one! Playboys are unworthy!”
Athena shook her head, laughing despite herself. But before she could say anything more, a voice interrupted her.
“Athena, let me help you,” Baxter said, his voice softer now, closer.
Athena’s smile instantly faded as she turned to face him. There was a tightness in her chest, a lingering discomfort from the past that she couldn’t shake off.
Evie, never one to mince words, slapped Baxter’s hand away. She stood between him and Athena, wrapping her arm around Athena’s shoulder protectively. “What’s your deal, huh, Baxter? Didn’t you tell me you liked Athena so much? Why the hell did you disappear without a word?”
Baxter’s face paled, guilt flashing in his eyes. He turned to Athena, as if searching for some sort of explanation. “Athena, didn’t you…?”
Athena cut him off, her tone cold. “Stop. Let’s go, Evie. I’ll take you home.”
Baxter stood there, his expression conflicted, but he didn’t dare speak again. Athena didn’t have the patience for him tonight. She didn’t want to revisit old wounds, especially not in front of Evie.
Just as she was about to leave, a car came to a stop beside them, its headlights cutting through the night.