From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life novel Chapter 295

295 The Perfect Simulation

* Pearls *

Athena reached out and picked up the scalpel resting beside her, and immediately she noticed something remarkable—her hand no longer felt stiff or awkward. Instead, her movements flowed with a smooth, natural grace.

Kate’s method had truly worked.

Her hand had fully recovered at last, and with it, the ability to perform surgeries with the precision she had feared lost forever.

A surge of excitement bubbled inside her, but Athena carefully kept it under wraps. She was well aware that every moment of today’s procedure was being recorded, and Roxanne would undoubtedly send the footage to Maya.

A cold, quiet smile played on Athena’s lips.

Perfect. This was exactly the outcome she wanted.

Let Maya continue to believe she was struggling. When the truth finally surfaced, Maya’s carefully laid plans to destroy her would unravel completely.

Athena deliberately mimicked her earlier failed attempts. Halfway through the simulated surgery, she loosened her grip on the scalpel, letting it slip with a sharp clang onto the tray below.

Roxanne’s lips curved into a faint, satisfied smirk the instant she saw it.

Quickly, she masked her expression with a calm, almost sympathetic demeanor. Approaching Athena, Roxanne said gently, “You dropped it again today. Don’t worry, it happens. Keep practicing, and you’ll improve next time.”

Athena sighed softly and glanced down, feigning frustration and embarrassment.

Roxanne’s satisfaction deepened at the sight. She could barely contain her eagerness to send the footage to Maya. Once Maya saw it, she would be delighted—no doubt she had helped Roxanne grow closer to Preston in exchange for this favor.

Athena caught the subtle smile tugging at Roxanne’s mouth and sneered inwardly.

The trap had been sprung.

Without hesitation, Roxanne forwarded the video of Athena’s “terrible performance” to Maya. Thousands of miles away in Vlephia, Maya opened the file and could not suppress the wicked grin spreading across her face.

Athena looked utterly pathetic.

This time, Maya thought, Athena was finished. She planned to post the video online, stirring public outrage and turning everyone against Athena. Once the backlash began, complaints would flood in.

And when Athena’s reputation was dragged through the mud, not even Zaden would be able to rescue her.

This time, Athena was destined to fall hard.

She also felt a pang of envy toward Kate. If she had been blessed with such a gifted student, she would have done everything in her power to nurture her. But looking at Athena’s calm confidence, Miranda realized this young woman barely needed anyone’s help anymore.

“I heard from Kate that your hand has been troubling you?” Miranda asked kindly.

Athena nodded lightly and answered openly, “Yes, I was injured before, but it’s mostly healed now. I just need to do some simulation surgeries to regain the feeling.”

“No problem at all,” Miranda said with a warm smile. “You’re welcome to use everything here as you need.”

“Thank you, Professor Gordon.”

Under Miranda’s guidance, Athena began her first surgical simulation. Miranda had assisted Kate before and was more than willing to help Athena whenever necessary.

Because Athena trusted Kate, she also placed her trust in Miranda’s support.

The initial simulation went exceptionally well. Every motion felt natural, every step executed smoothly.

When the procedure concluded, Miranda clapped her hands softly. “Honestly,” she said, “I expected your hand injury might cause difficulties during training. But I saw no sign of weakness—none at all. You performed beautifully.”

Miranda’s smile was filled with genuine admiration. “That was one of the best performances I’ve ever witnessed. You’ve set a standard that every intern should aspire to reach.”