From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life novel Chapter 264

Chapter 264 Office Rumors

Barbara must’ve gone off to dig into Athena’s background.

Once she left. Athena turned to Kate, guilt flickering in her eyes.

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From Barbara’s words earlier, it wasn’t hard to imagine how much ridicule Kate must’ve endured after she’d left years ago. Back then, Kate must’ve been deeply disappointed–hurt, even.

Athena realized how wrong she’d been.

If she hadn’t been so stubborn, things wouldn’t have ended that way.

Professor L… “Athena began softly.

Before she could finish, Kate smiled and waved her hand.

Don’t worry about it. You don’t need to apologize. Just focus on your work from now on. I’ll always have your back.”

Athena felt warmth rush through her chest. There was nothing more to say.

She straightened up and said firmly, “I will. I’ll do my best.”

Kate nodded, satisfied. She even assigned Athena a new assistant–a young doctor named Jaylee Dittman, who had a round, sweet face and an upbeat personality.

‘Dr. Hall, just call me Jaylee,” she said cheerfully.

‘Nice to meet you, Jaylee,” Athena replied, smiling.

[aylee had been shadowing Kate for a while. She knew quite a bit about how things worked around the hospital.

As they talked, Athena started to learn more about the current situation.

It turned out, Barbara’s students had won several research awards. Now, she acted untouchable, especially around Kate. She often flaunted her achievements just to make Kate look bad.

Since Kate didn’t have many promising students, all she could do was ignore Barbara’s arrogance.

Athena also learned something surprising–Zaden’s blind date from before was someone working under Barbara too, in the holistic medicine department of all places.

“Professor Warner has been mocked by Professor Gordon for months,” Jaylee said with a grin. “But now that you’re here, Professor Warner finally has backup!”

Jaylee didn’t know much about Athena’s skills, but anyone who became a doctor had to be capable. Even if Athena wasn’t as talented as Barbara’s team, at least Kate had one more person on her side. That alone was helping her up.

After saying that, Jaylee hesitated, glancing at Athena with a mix of curiosity and nerves.

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Chapter 264 Office Rumor!

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Athena noticed that gossip–loving spark in her eyes and chuckled. “Jaylee, is there something you want to

ask me?”

“Hmm…

“Jaylee clasped her hands together. “Dr. Hall, can I ask you a tiny question?”

“Sure,” Athena said, the corner of her lips lifting. “Go ahead.”

Jaylee didn’t seem like someone who played games. After a short time together, Athena already had a favorable impression of her. It made sense; Kate always had a sharp eye for people. Anyone with bad intentions wouldn’t have been allowed to stay, let alone be sent to help her.

Jaylee gave an awkward smile. She leaned closer and whispered, “Are you and Mr. Storm … really together?”

Athena couldn’t help but laugh.

It was clear now; Jaylee really was new to the workplace. She didn’t have that cautious polish that came with experience. Most people, no matter how curious, would never dare to ask such a personal question out loud. But Jaylee had asked it anyway, without a second thought.

Flustered, Jaylee stammered, “I–I was just curious. Everyone’s been saying things about you and Mr. Storm. If it’s not something you want to talk about, that’s totally fine.”

Her face was filled with regret the moment she finished speaking. She knew she’d crossed a line.

Athena didn’t take offense. Instead, she looked at her calmly and asked, “You really want to know?”

Jaylee blinked in surprise. She had expected Athena to be angry. Instead, she seemed easygoing, almost friendly.

Relieved, Jaylee quickly nodded. “I didn’t mean anything by it. Just curious. Everyone’s been talking, and I just blurted it out.”

Athena nodded and smiled faintly. “You’ll find out soon enough.”

She didn’t confirm or deny anything, leaving just enough mystery for Jaylee’s imagination to run wild. The truth was, even Athena didn’t know where her relationship with Zaden was heading.

With Jaylee’s help, Athena quickly got to know more people around the hospital. To her surprise, Jaylee seemed to know everyone–their departments, personalities, and even the little details others would overlook. It was clear she paid close attention to everything and liked to verify what she noticed. Athena realized that behind Jaylee’s gentle smile was someone who quietly observed the world and remembered every piece of it.

Athena couldn’t help thinking she had a little intelligence agent by her side. No wonder Jaylee had been bold enough to ask about Zaden.

Noticing Athena’s shocking glance, Jaylee straightened her back and said earnestly, “Don’t worry, Dr. Hall. I’ll never gossip about you. You practically hold the power of life and death around here!”

The dramatic phrasing made Athena laugh.

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She didn’t really mind the rumors anyway. Her conscience was clear, and she had nothing to hide, except maybe the truth about her and Zaden.

Even if Jaylee did tell others that she and Zaden were really together, Athena doubted anyone would actually believe it.

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