From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life novel Chapter 364

**Chapter 364: Dinner at the Storms**

“Finished?”

Harriet’s voice quivered with uncertainty, her brow furrowed in disbelief. “Are you absolutely certain we’re really going to Mrs. Storm’s for dinner? You didn’t mishear her, did you? Or perhaps there was some sort of misunderstanding?”

The thought of Beverly extending an invitation to Athena seemed utterly ludicrous to Harriet. Given the history of animosity between them, it felt like a cruel joke. Surely, this couldn’t be right.

Athena, however, merely offered a resigned smile, her confidence unwavering. “I assure you, I didn’t misinterpret anything. Come on, let’s go.”

With a reluctant sigh, Harriet pressed down on the accelerator, her heart racing as they sped toward Beverly’s villa.

After what felt like an eternity, they finally pulled up to the grand entrance of the Storm residence. As they approached the front door, Harriet’s stomach churned with anxiety, bracing herself for the possibility of being turned away. To her astonishment, the guards merely nodded, allowing them to pass without a word.

“I can’t believe we actually made it inside without a hitch,” Harriet whispered, her voice barely audible.

Athena chuckled softly, rolling her eyes at Harriet’s dramatics. “You’re being a bit over the top, don’t you think?”

Once they exited the car, they were greeted by Daisy, who stood at the front door with a look of mild surprise.

“Ms. Hall, Mrs. Storm truly means no offense. She simply wishes to share a meal with you,” Daisy said, a hint of awkwardness in her tone as she glanced between the two women.

Athena remained unfazed, her demeanor calm. “Harriet just happened to accompany me. When she learned I was invited to dinner, she decided to join. Is that alright?”

“Of course!” Harriet interjected quickly, feigning innocence. “What, am I not welcome here?”

She linked her arm with Athena’s, playfully pretending to turn back toward the car. “Well then, I guess we’ll just leave.”

Daisy’s eyes widened in panic. “Ms. Crawford, wait! That’s not what I meant at all. You’re practically family to the Storms. Mrs. Storm would be delighted to have you.”

Harriet’s expression softened at that reassurance, and she nodded in agreement, her earlier tension easing slightly.

“Please, do come in,” Daisy urged, her voice warm. “Beverly has been eagerly awaiting your arrival.”

As they stepped into the lavish home, the air felt thick with unspoken words and underlying tension.

Beverly was already seated at the dining table, an array of meticulously arranged dishes laid out before her, each one a testament to the effort that had gone into their preparation, likely long before their arrival.

When her gaze landed on Harriet, Beverly offered a small, almost sardonic smile.

“I thought you were braver than this. Seems you’re just as timid as the rest,” Beverly remarked, her tone laced with a challenge.

Instantly, Harriet bristled, realizing Beverly was referring to Athena. “That’s not fair at all! Athena simply wanted some company. How does that make her timid?” she shot back defiantly.

“I don’t want to linger here much longer either,” Athena admitted, rising from her chair. “Mrs. Storm, Teri is probably missing me, so I think I’ll head home now.”

Beverly’s expression shifted, a frown marring her features. “No need to rush. Sit down and have a drink.”

Without waiting for any input, she instructed Daisy to prepare drinks, not even bothering to ask if they were interested.

Athena contemplated her options, realizing that since she was already here, it might be wise to uncover Beverly’s true intentions behind this dinner invitation.

There was no sense in leaving without getting some clarity.

With that thought, a sense of ease washed over Athena. She turned to Harriet, her voice steady. “In that case, let’s stay for a little while longer.”

Harriet felt a wave of frustration wash over her.

Wasn’t Teri missing Athena? Shouldn’t they be heading back to check on her right now?

Yet, with Athena’s decision made, all Harriet could do was comply and settle back into her seat beside her friend.

Daisy swiftly prepared drinks, pouring a cup for each of them. Athena took a few sips, then set her glass down and fixed her gaze on Beverly. “Mrs. Storm,” she began, her tone calm yet firm, “could you please share the real reason you invited me to dinner today?”