While Maria was 'making dinner'. The rest of the 'family' were talking. The holiday term was ending in the next day. On Monday, both girls would start their schools and Han was telling his 10- 11 year old daughter to take care of his 13 year old daughter.
It was another happy atmosphere, Helen was excited about her sister attending the same school as her. She will be able to meet her friends and her sister will be able to meet her friend. Thinking of the fun things they could do, Helen was so excited.
On the other hand, Athena on the outside acted really excited, but inside her mind she really didn't care. Form the mysterious memories of her dream or past life, she knew that the school was filled with different types of people.
But nonetheless she didn't plan on putting a lot of effort into her grades. It was important to study and have a good building block for your future career but she knew that there were plenty of other things that she needed to focus on.
Getting an admission was hard in the school and Han might have not cared about whatever school they go to. But Han needed connection with other influential families. His main purpose for having his kids at the IVY was for him to have contacts with other influential people and families.
The conversation carried on until; Maria came to the lounge area to inform everyone that "dinner is ready."
During dinner.
Maria was feeling quite smug because she had 'made' dinner for the 'family'. Han gave an approving look to Maria, who didn't like a woman who was good at cooking.
The food 'made' by Maria was really good. She was praised a lot by her husband about how good the food is. Helen and Athena also said a few good points about Maria's cooking.
Helen was shocked, it really didn't look like her step-mother can actually cook. 'Really can't judge a book by its cover." Helen whispered to herself.
The couple were busy with their food and were chatting to each other, so they didn't hear what Helen had said. Athena on the other hand, had heard it loud and clear. " I have lived with her for the past 12-13 years and as far as I know, she doesn't know how to cook." Athena said to Helen. Helen slightly turned towards her sister "How-" Before Helen could ask her question Athena cut her off. "The maids in the kitchen. Helen nodded slightly, finally solving this mystery.
The couple were too busy talking to each other, that they didn't see the two girls who were secretly talking to each other.
"Today you did well, but be careful around my 'mother'. You were about to talk back to her, you did well but be more careful around her." Athena whispered to Helen.
Helen gave a slight nod. "I understand".
The family finished dinner. But continued to chat to each other.
About the upcoming school and end of the term holidays. How Han had done Athena's admission for her knew school. About the new family. The business management.
After another half an hour of talk, everyone soon retired to their own bedrooms.
-
Helen took a shower and dried her hair while thinking about what her sister had said during their dinner. She knew she had to be careful, Helen thought of how her sister was so smart and cool. Athena had turned into a role-model for Helen.
-
The couple in their own room where talking to each other. Mostly Maria, about how fun today and family things are good for children's growth. All the motherly cr*p she had learnt, from books and random magazines.
Maria went on about how good it was that Helen was accepting her slowly and how they could be a happy family in the near future.
Han was happy with Maria's behavior, she wanted a happy family. "This is how a lady should act" he thought.
-
In Athena's bedroom.
The young teen was lying in the bed, looking relaxed and peaceful.
Athena had taken a shower from the neck down (didn't was her hair) feeling refreshed she had immediately got into bed and fallen asleep. All the acting and faking had really tired her out.
Even though she had fallen asleep, if there was even a squeak in the room she would get p immediately and get ready for battle.
…
The next morning was a Sunday.
When Athena woke up and got dressed. She knew that by today the steward would call Han ask him for the job.
When the real lady of the house had died, Xuan didn't quit he was actually out of town to meet his newborn grandson.
But he had not come back to work for a very long while. Probably her 'father' was mad that her didn't come to work.
But it was not like they could fire the steward because the steward was a very trusted man of Helen's maternal grandpa. He had a 6% share in the company. The steward was also a respected man in the board of directors.
Athena knew that Han would take the steward back, so she didn't really pry into the matter.
But Helen was nervous, she was scared about if her father did not accept grandpa Xuan back into for work. She was also scared if grandpa Xuan faced any difficulties from her step-mother or other people.