From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life novel Chapter 299

Chapter 299: A Narrow Escape

Zaden’s kiss was so intense, so consuming, it felt as though he was stealing the very air from Athena’s lungs.

Her mind went utterly blank—thoughts scattered, muscles frozen, resistance impossible. All she could do was surrender to the overwhelming sensation of his lips on hers.

But when he pressed her down onto the bed, reality crashed back in like a wave. Instinctively, she shoved him away with all the strength she could muster and bolted from the room, her heart pounding wildly in her chest.

Zaden sat up slowly, the sound of the door slamming echoed sharply through the quiet space. A faint, helpless smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. He had come dangerously close to losing control just now.

It all stemmed from their earlier argument. The moment he saw Athena again, he was drawn to her irresistibly—wanting to be near her, to claim her as his. But she had rejected him, pushing him away before fleeing.

His eyes flicked down to the phone lying abandoned on the floor.

In her panic, Athena had left it behind.

A small, crooked smile spread across Zaden’s face as he picked up the device and stepped out into the hallway. He pressed the doorbell of the room next door and waited patiently for a response.

“Athena, your phone’s still here. Don’t you want it back?” he called softly.

After a long moment, the door creaked open just a crack, still secured by the chain, as if she suspected him of some mischief.

Zaden slipped the phone through the narrow gap.

“It’s late,” came Athena’s hurried voice. “I need to rest. I have another surgery simulation tomorrow.”

Before he could say anything else, the door shut firmly in his face. He stood there, shaking his head with quiet amusement.

Thankfully, he had insisted she stay in the room next to his. Maybe by morning, her anger would have softened.

Inside her room, Athena leaned back against the door, pressing a hand to her forehead as her heart continued to race. The air felt thick with tension and unresolved feelings.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed with a message from Harriet.

“Hey, Athena, why did the video call cut off? Did something happen between you and Zaden?” the text read.

Just as Athena reached to reply, her phone rang. Harriet’s name flashed across the screen, her voice tinged with worry the moment Athena answered.

“Athena, are you okay?” Harriet’s concern was clear. “Teri was on a video call with you, and it ended abruptly. Did something happen over there?”

“Athena, your skills are already at the level to perform real surgeries,” Miranda said, her eyes shining with genuine excitement. To her, Athena was one of the most gifted doctors she had ever encountered. Even after such a long absence from the operating table, Athena had swiftly regained her precision and calm focus.

If she returned to the medical field now, she would undoubtedly make a significant impact.

Athena felt proud but far from satisfied.

“Professor Gordon,” she said earnestly, “I want to keep practicing a few more days. I don’t want to leave even the smallest margin for error.”

Miranda’s admiration deepened. Athena wasn’t arrogant or complacent—she was humble, determined, and laser-focused. That kind of attitude earned Miranda’s respect all the more.

“That’s the right mindset,” Miranda said kindly. “If you need anything at all, just let me know. I’ll make sure you have it.”

“Thank you, Professor Gordon,” Athena replied gratefully.

She dove back into her next round of surgical simulations, determined to make every movement feel effortless, every step instinctive. She knew she had to be at her absolute best, especially with Maya waiting in the wings, ready to challenge her.

And so, she continued, pushing herself relentlessly.

Meanwhile, Roxanne noticed Athena’s absence. She assumed that Athena must have made a huge mistake the day before and was too discouraged to return. Smirking to herself, Roxanne began typing a message, eager to lure Athena back for another session.