From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life novel Chapter 318

**Her Rise 318**

“Mom, why is Dad being so nice to Athena?” Preston asked, his voice laced with curiosity and a hint of concern.

Patricia paused, her mind racing. She grappled with the dilemma of whether to reveal the truth about that woman’s mother. The thought of Fabio finding out sent a shiver down her spine; his temper was legendary, and she knew all too well how quickly things could spiral into chaos. After a moment’s hesitation, she opted for a safer route. “Your father thinks that woman reminds him of his first love. That’s probably why he’s treating her better than usual,” she replied, attempting to sound casual.

To her relief, that explanation seemed to resonate with Preston. His brows furrowed slightly as he processed her words. “Mom, if that’s the case, then there’s really no issue with letting her work in our family’s hospital. You shouldn’t overthink it,” he said, his tone calm and reassuring.

Patricia offered a vague nod, grateful for his understanding, even if it didn’t quite ease her worries.

Once he had quelled his mother’s anxiety, Preston retreated to his room. The door clicked shut behind him, and he plopped down on his bed, pulling out his phone. His gaze fixated on Serena’s latest post, the weight of his thoughts pressing down on him. The fate of Athena—whether she could still wield a scalpel—hung in the balance, resting on the events of the following day.

Morning broke, and the hospital entrance buzzed with an unusual energy.

It seemed the wager between Athena and Maya had ignited a firestorm of interest. Reporters had flocked to the scene, their cameras poised, ready to capture what they anticipated would be a sensational headline.

After all, Athena might have been an ordinary doctor, but Maya was a prominent figure in elite circles. The gossip surrounding their rivalry was as tantalizing as any Hollywood scandal, and the high society scene thrived on such drama.

As soon as Athena made her entrance, she found herself engulfed by a throng of reporters.

Zaden had foreseen this frenzy and had instructed Tommy to bring along additional bodyguards. As the crowd surged forward, the guards swiftly formed a barrier, preventing the reporters from closing in.

“Sorry, Dr. Hall needs to prepare for surgery. Please don’t disturb her,” one of the guards asserted, his voice firm and unwavering.

With a heavy escort, Athena navigated through the chaos and stepped inside the hospital, leaving the reporters clamoring outside, their questions hanging in the air like a thick fog.

Moments later, Maya arrived on the scene, and the crowd instantly shifted focus, swarming around her like moths to a flame.

“Professor Rice, do you think Athena will manage to complete the challenge you set?” one reporter shouted, excitement crackling in the air.

“Earlier, you released a video showing Dr. Hall’s failed simulation. Was that real?” another pressed, eyes wide with anticipation.

“If she fails today, will you have her removed from the hospital?” a third asked, their voice dripping with intrigue.

“Good,” Athena replied softly, her voice steady. “Let’s get started.”

But as Jaylee turned to leave, a chill crept into Athena’s eyes. The test results were tampered with—she could feel it in her bones.

Although Kate had assigned Jaylee to assist her, Athena knew better than to place her full trust in anyone. That lesson had been etched into her memory through painful experience.

Just then, Kate entered the room, her presence a welcome distraction.

“Athena, how’s the prep going?” she asked, her tone light yet filled with genuine concern.

Athena smiled warmly, feeling a flicker of reassurance. “Everything’s ready, Professor.”

“Good,” Kate encouraged, her eyes sparkling with determination. “Give it your all. If you pull this off, you’ll have your second chance.”

The weight of those words settled heavily on Athena’s shoulders, but she felt a surge of resolve. She was ready to fight for her future.