From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life novel Chapter 333

**Her Rise 333**
**Confused by the Past**

In recent days, the bond between Athena and Teri had blossomed into something resembling that of a genuine mother and daughter. The little girl had become an integral part of Athena’s life, and the affection she felt for her was profound. Thus, when the earth-shattering truth struck her like a bolt of lightning, it felt as if her heart had shattered into a million irretrievable pieces.

How was she ever supposed to look Teri in the eye again? How could she navigate the delicate web of emotions that now tangled her thoughts?

The weight of uncertainty pressed heavily upon her chest, refusing to dissipate. She found herself grappling with an unbearable question: if Teri truly belonged to Zaden and Maya, what right did she have to remain in the space between them, obstructing the reunion of a family that had never deserved to be torn apart?

Athena was left with no answers, only a spiraling sense of despair.

Meanwhile, Jaylee, oblivious to the storm brewing within Athena, casually inquired, “Dr. Hall, are you not staying in the hospital dorm anymore? Tomorrow’s the weekend, and I’m planning a thorough cleaning—should I clear out your room?”

“No need,” Athena replied, her voice cutting through the air with a chill that betrayed her inner turmoil. The firmness in her tone was unmistakable. “I’ll move back to the dorm tonight.”

Jaylee picked up on the unusual vibe radiating from Athena. Something was off.

She sounds so resolute, Jaylee thought, a hint of concern creeping into her mind. What could have possibly upset her? Was it that article that had been making waves?

A thought flickered: could Maya have meddled with the journal? Given her history with Zaden, it was only natural for Athena to direct her frustration toward him. The anger must have bubbled over, leading her to give him the cold shoulder.

As Jaylee pieced together the puzzle in her mind, she realized she was not far from the truth.

The hours dragged on as Athena remained ensconced in her thoughts, her mind a whirlpool of confusion and regret. When dinner time arrived, the urge to confront Harriet became too strong to resist. She needed answers about Maya’s departure from Zaden, and she needed them now.

They agreed to meet at a quaint little restaurant tucked away near the hospital. The ambiance was serene, with private rooms that offered a sense of seclusion.

Athena sat alone for a moment, her thoughts swirling like leaves caught in a tempest, until Harriet finally arrived. She plopped down her bag and grabbed the menu with an eager smile. “Did you order already?”

“No, go ahead and choose whatever you like,” Athena responded, her voice steady yet distant.

The moment Harriet heard Athena’s words, her eyes sparkled with excitement. It felt as though Athena was particularly generous tonight.

With a playful grin, she leaned forward. “What’s with the sudden dinner invite? Did something good happen?”

“Let me take a wild guess!” Harriet added, resting her chin on her hand, her curiosity piqued. “Since you invited me, it must have something to do with me. It’s not about your recent successful surgery; I introduced you to Zaden, so it must be related to him!”

Athena listened intently, allowing Harriet’s theories to wash over her without interruption.

Athena shook her head, her resolve unwavering. “That’s not detailed enough. I need you to tell me everything that happened before and after. Don’t leave anything out.”

Harriet’s brow furrowed in confusion. Why was Athena so insistent on this?

Was she trying to gather intel on her rival, preparing herself for a confrontation?

In the back of her mind, Jaylee wondered if Athena felt threatened by Maya’s lingering feelings for Zaden.

But there was no need for such worry.

Athena chuckled softly, trying to lighten the mood. “You don’t need to stress so much. Even if Maya is still hung up on Zaden, she won’t stand a chance. If you give Teri a sibling, he’d never leave you for her!”

Athena realized Harriet must have misunderstood her intentions, but she couldn’t confirm Teri’s identity just yet. It was too soon to speak about it openly, as doing so might give away her own uncertainties and cause Harriet to fret about her situation.

She resolved to uncover the truth on her own first.

Suppressing her swirling thoughts, Athena leaned closer to Harriet, her voice steady. “Don’t worry about all that. Just tell me, are you going to share what you know or not?”