Chapter 430
A lot happened on Athena’s archaeological expedition to Karnakale, and it yielded remarkable discoveries.
True to form, Joy found a way to discreetly copy the codes of prehistoric civilizations in Franco’s possession. Athena knew exactly what Joy was up to, but she played along, letting Joy leave with the information.
With the dig wrapped up, Christmas was approaching fast. Athena made it back just in time for Christmas Eve, where the Donovan family and the Vission Group team were waiting for her arrival. Her presence ignited the holiday spirit, and everyone enjoyed dinner together, chatting and catching up.
In the months Athena had been away, the Donovan family’s businesses had taken impressive strides forward.
The new mansion, built and managed by Harry, was now completed and ready for move–in.
Normally, a new house would need to air out to remove any lingering formaldehyde, but with Vission Group’s advanced technology, there was no chance of using materials containing harmful chemicals. Even if there were traces in some materials or new furniture, Vission Group had methods to remove them quickly. Therefore, the mansion’s air quality met all health standards.
Harry shared a video tour of the mansion, and everyone admired it. He noted, “The flowers and plants we planted a few months back are thriving. By spring, they’ll be in full bloom, creating a stunning view.”
Everyone watched in awe. The younger kids gaped in disbelief, the older ones felt as if they were dreaming, and the adults were astonished at how quickly life had changed. In just a few years, they’d gone from squeezing into a 750–square–foot home to owning a mansion on its own hillside.
Jaden turned to Athena. “When do you plan to move in?”
Athena replied, “I’ve grown attached to this place after three years. But if we don’t move, we won’t even have enough parking space for all our cars. And with fans and influencers always dropping by, especially with Zayn’s new movie coming out, it’s only going to get more crowded. If everyone’s good with it, how about we move in a few days?”
As the weather cooled, the number of fans and photographers showing up at the Donovan villa dwindled, but the ones who did come were the most dedicated, making it hard for the family to feel at ease.
Everyone agreed moving sooner was best. Wesley added, “We’ve all got time with the Christmas break–it’s the perfect chance to move. And if there’s anything you want to buy, go ahead and get it over the next few days; no need to worry about the money.”
Perhaps because last Christmas had been a snowstorm–filled ordeal, depleting the bad weather for the year ahead, this Christmas brought exceptionally pleasant weather–almost every day was sunny, with gentle, warm sunlight. Everyone in town flocked outdoors to enjoy it. The Donovan family was no exception.
However, Athena didn’t see Matthew until after the Christmas holiday had ended.
Matthew had driven to Kitmore City by himself to meet her. They had lunch together, then went to watch “The Last Blood“, a film that Zayn co–wrote, directed, and starred in.
This film didn’t have a premiere. It was released directly on Christmas Day. And then, it exploded.
Most of the audience rated the movie five stars or a solid 9 out of 10, eagerly recommending it to everyone they knew.
Audience reviews included comments like: [The action was amazing and nonstop! There were no dull moments. The villain was so detestable you couldn’t help but grind your teeth, and when Zayn took him on, it was pure satisfaction!]
[The tanks are real, and Zayn driving one is real; the fighter jets are real, and so is the lead actress flying one. The aircraft carrier scenes and the entire battle sequence were authentic. Missing out on a blockbuster like this would be a huge regret!]
08:50 Tue, Nov 26
Chapter 430
82%
[From start to finish, it was a non–stop action thrill ride with just the right amount of drama–no over–the–top emotions, no forced sentiment, and no preachiness.]
[When Zayn and his comrades swore allegiance to the flag, pledging to shed their last drop of blood for their country, the whole theater was in tears.]
[To defend the country as a soldier, to protect your family at home–what a powerful message.]
The media and critics echoed the praise: [Although it’s a military action–packed blockbuster, the film is incredibly well- made, avoiding the usual pitfalls of local films that can’t even tell a story without lecturing.]
[The screenplay is seamless, with excellent dialogue. I saw that Samira was one of the screenwriters, and that’s why the story feels so complete.]
[“The Last Blood” is thrilling, but it’s grounded in core values of patriotism, collectivism, and sacrifice. How many people cheered and cried at the same time? The photos speak for themselves.]
These reviews were no exaggeration. Many viewers cried, posting photos of themselves teary–eyed in the theater.
On opening day, the box office hit 100 million dollars.
In response to this success, theaters scrambled to increase screenings for the film, especially during prime–time evening slots.
By the time Matthew and Athena entered the 4:30 PM showing, the theater was packed, and the real–time box office had already surpassed the previous day’s 100 million dollars. Analysts had raised their projections for the film’s total box office to one billion dollars.
Given Matthew’s status, they could’ve booked a private screening. However, with “The Last Blood” nearly sold out everywhere, no prime theaters or showtimes were available. Plus, they wanted to experience the genuine reactions of the audience and feel the collective anger, tears, and cheers firsthand. So, they skipped the private screening and joined the packed theater.
The movie moved at a rapid pace, opening with terrorists hijacking Osceiton scientists and killing Osceiton guards. Soon after, the lead actor was given a covert mission, where he and his fellow retired soldiers infiltrated the border of three countries to rescue the Osceiton scientists.
Athena and Matthew were completely engrossed in the film, their attention fixed solely on the screen.
Of course, no matter how engaging a movie might be, some audience inevitably lost focus, distracted by their phones. One such audience sat in the row ahead. As the movie transitioned to a lighter, more humorous scene where the main character fought a rabbit whose young had been killed, the man pulled out his phone. He turned around, curious to see how many people were wiping away tears.
To his surprise, as soon as he glanced behind him, he was struck by the sight of an extraordinarily beautiful, álmost ethereal face. He was so mesmerized that his eyes seemed frozen in place.
Earlier, while watching the film, he’d thought the female lead was stunning, but now, gazing at the woman behind him, he realized she was even more breathtaking. Without any makeup, she exuded pure, natural beauty.
He wondered if he would have the courage to speak to her after the movie ended.
Still lost in his thoughts, the man beside the enchanting woman handed her a cup of coffee. She took a sip, then shook her head, signaling she was done. The man calmly took the cup from her and finished the rest.
The audience couldn’t help but be struck by the woman’s companion, almost moved to tears. He thought, ‘This man is even more striking than the lead actor in the film.‘
He couldn’t help but wonder if they were some famous celebrities. Regardless, he decided to capture this rare moment with
08:50 Tue, Nov 26
Chapter 430
3
82%1
such an impressive couple. He discreetly snapped a few photos, frequently glancing at the stunning pair while watching the film.
When the movie ended, he saw them put on masks and walk out together, hand in hand.
He took a photo of their backs and posted it online, along with the pictures and videos he’d taken: [I spotted an unbelievably good–looking couple at “The Last Blood” tonight. I couldn’t take my eyes off them. I heard a lot of celebrities were at the movie. Could these two be famous stars or models?]
Given how striking the couple was–almost like something out of a dream–and the overwhelming buzz around “The Last Blood“, his post quickly caught the attention of others. People shared it and marveled at how stunning the couple appeared.
Then someone recognized them. [Oh my goodness! Isn’t that Mr. Graham? He’s at the movie with a woman after the Christmas holiday, holding hands and looking so affectionate. Their relationship must be something serious.]
[No way, it’s really Mr. Graham! Just a few months ago, his girlfriend had a miscarriage, and now he’s already with someone else?]
[This woman is ridiculously beautiful, even more stunning and graceful than Jaylin. Any man would be drawn to her.] [Who said Mr. Graham wasn’t into women and lived a clean life? Come on, step forward, I promise I won’t hurt you.]
о
