From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life novel Chapter 354

**TITLE: Her Rise 354**
**CONTENT: Chapter 354 Teri’s Fall**

Vivian approached Athena with a sense of trepidation, her voice trembling as she spoke. “Mrs. Storm, I truly apologize for my earlier behavior. I didn’t mean what I said. Please, can you find it in your heart to forgive me?”

Athena’s gaze flickered momentarily to Vivian before shifting to Zaden, as if seeking reassurance from him.

She was acutely aware that something had transpired between them, something that had left Vivian in a state of utter fear. The way she stood there, trembling and vulnerable, hinted at a deeper wound inflicted by Zaden—one that cut to the core.

Vivian, however, held onto a glimmer of hope that Athena would easily grant her forgiveness, believing that her remorse would be enough to mend the rift.

Yet, Athena’s response was chilling, her voice devoid of warmth. “In this world, there is no option to rewind time. Once you choose your path, there’s no turning back. Not everyone will extend their forgiveness for the wrongs you’ve committed.”

“I accept your apology, but I cannot forgive you.”

The weight of her words hung heavy in the air, and Zaden turned his attention to Vivian, his tone sharp and unyielding. “Did you hear that? Don’t ever approach my wife again, or I can’t guarantee that Golden Horizon won’t face even greater losses.”

His mere presence radiated an intimidating aura, and the icy glare he directed at Vivian made her heart race with anxiety.

Vivian felt the heat of shame wash over her, rendering her speechless. Without uttering another word, she turned and fled, her face flushed with embarrassment.

Athena remained composed, her expression as frosty as ever as she watched Vivian retreat.

Zaden, observing her, spoke with a hint of surprise. “I thought you might consider forgiving her.”

Regardless of Athena’s decision, Zaden stood firmly beside her, ready to support whatever choice she made. If she wished to let bygones be bygones and mend the damage he had caused with Golden Horizon, he would not oppose her.

But then, Athena surprised him with her next words.

She let out a resigned sigh. “If it were solely my decision, perhaps I would find it within myself to forgive her. But that cookie was yours, Zaden. Watching her dismiss it so easily makes me uncomfortable, and for that reason, I cannot forgive her.”

Zaden was taken aback, a warmth blossoming in his chest at her revelation. It felt as if a gentle fire was igniting within him, spreading comfort and joy.

This was the first time Athena had shown such vulnerability, revealing her protective instincts—her refusal to forgive was rooted in her desire to shield him.

A soft smile crept onto Zaden’s lips as he felt buoyed by her words. His spirits lifted, he couldn’t help but feel a surge of happiness.

From her vantage point in the corridor, Maya had not taken her eyes off Zaden since he had arrived. The sight of him leaning in close to Athena, engaged in conversation, was like a dagger to her heart.

Teri, positioned on the outer track, surged ahead, her determination propelling her forward.

But soon, two children, whether by accident or design, closed in on her, running on either side. In a cruel twist of fate, they collided with her, causing Teri to stumble and fall hard onto the ground.

Athena’s heart dropped at the sight. Her expression shifted from calm to frantic in an instant. Without a second thought, she dashed toward her daughter. “Teri! Are you okay?”

The moment Teri hit the ground, it felt as though time had frozen for Athena.

She couldn’t quite comprehend why she was so panicked, but the sight of Teri’s head striking the ground and the blood that followed sent her into a whirlwind of fear. Athena pressed her hand against the wound, instinctively scooping Teri into her arms.

Zaden was right behind her, his expression darkening as he assessed Teri’s condition. “We need to get to the hospital immediately!”

He took control, driving them himself with a sense of urgency.

They arrived at Storm Group’s hospital, where Athena, despite her specialization in surgery, relied on her experience handling trauma. She administered basic first aid to Teri right after the fall, her hands trembling slightly as she worked.

Though Teri appeared a bit battered, the bleeding had ceased, suggesting that the injury, while serious, was not life-threatening.