From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life novel Chapter 310

**Chapter 310 The Countdown Begins**

As the crowd buzzed with excitement, Kate stepped forward, her eyes sparkling with joy. She wrapped her arms around Athena in a warm embrace, almost lifting her off the ground. “Athena, congratulations!” she exclaimed, her voice filled with warmth. “You’ve made it through the storm! Look at you now; you’re stronger than ever!”

Athena felt a rush of emotions swell within her. For so long, she had been sidelined, unable to return to the operating room due to her injured hand. The struggle had been tough, and now, standing here with Kate, she felt a sense of triumph wash over her.

With a soft smile, she replied, “Thank you, Professor. I promise I won’t let you down.”

Nearby, Maya stood with her fists clenched, her irritation palpable. She could hardly contain her disdain as she interjected sharply, “Athena, just because you’re back from abroad doesn’t mean this is all over. If you want to step back into the surgical department, you still have to complete the challenge we agreed upon!”

A wicked smirk danced across Maya’s lips as she leaned in, her tone dripping with mockery. “So, have you found a patient yet?”

Maya was convinced that Athena had not. After the scandalous videos Athena had posted, it was hard to imagine anyone in their right mind trusting her with their life on the operating table. The thought of Athena failing filled her with glee.

Once she stumbled, Maya knew it would be the end for her. The mere idea sent a wave of satisfaction coursing through her, and her grin widened.

Just then, Barbara approached from behind, her presence commanding and her voice cutting through the air like a knife. “That’s right, Athena,” she said coldly. “If you can’t find a patient willing to let you perform surgery within three days, you lose this challenge, and you’ll never set foot in the surgical wing again!”

Maya and Barbara were like two sides of the same coin, their animosity towards Athena uniting them in a common cause. Both women shared a single-minded determination: to eliminate Athena from the hospital for good. They stood together, a formidable duo, eager to ensure that Athena would never reclaim her place in the surgical department.

Maya suddenly softened her tone, feigning kindness as she looked at Athena with a faux sigh. “Athena,” she said gently, “we’ve all seen your simulation surgery videos from abroad. It’s perfectly acceptable to fail. You could always work in support or administration here at the hospital. There’s no need to push yourself back into surgery. That would be irresponsible—not just to yourself, but to your future patients.”

She added, her voice dripping with false sincerity, “Why don’t you just admit defeat and call off this challenge?”

Barbara chimed in quickly, her praise laced with venom. “Professor Rice, you’re so compassionate! If it were up to me, I would have had her fired ages ago. You’re actually willing to let her stay in the hospital? You truly are kind-hearted.”

Athena stood silently, observing the two women as they teamed up against her, refusing to let their taunts provoke her into a hasty response.

Deep down, she knew her skills were more than sufficient to silence Maya for good. Allowing them to bask in their moment of triumph would only make their eventual defeat that much sweeter.

Once Maya and Barbara finished their little tirade, Athena took a deep breath and spoke slowly, her tone calm yet edged with determination. “I’m sorry to disappoint you,” she said, a faint smile gracing her lips. “But I’ve already found a patient who has agreed to let me perform the surgery. So if your plan was to talk me out of it, you might as well save your breath.”

The more she mulled it over, the calmer she felt.

Athena wouldn’t win. Not a chance in hell.

Barbara’s gaze flicked toward Kate, and a light of understanding flickered in her eyes. It was clear that Kate had been the one to help Athena find a patient. With Kate’s esteemed reputation, it made perfect sense that someone would trust Athena with their life.

An idea began to form in Barbara’s mind, though she kept her expression neutral. “Since you’ve found a patient, the challenge officially begins,” she stated evenly. “You have three days to complete the examination and proceed with the surgery. If it’s successful, you’ll win the challenge.”

Athena nodded, her demeanor unwavering. “Alright. Let’s wait and see.”

But Maya wasn’t finished. She cut in sharply, “No way! The surgery has to be done by tomorrow! Who knows what tricks Athena might pull if we give her more time? If you can finish and succeed before tomorrow ends, then you win.”

The tension in the air thickened, and the countdown to Athena’s challenge had officially begun.