From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life novel Chapter 368

**Her Rise 368**

**Chapter 368: Not Good Enough**

Finished.

Drake had been so entrenched in his own world that he likely wouldn’t have ventured outside if it weren’t for Peyton’s urgent request for assistance. The gravity of family expectations weighed heavily on him, and it was something that shaped his every decision.

Kate, ever observant, understood the depths of Drake’s convictions regarding family lineage. It was no surprise to her that he had coerced Peyton into a union with Beverly, a match that fit the mold of societal approval.

This entire scenario was steeped in regret. Long ago, Peyton had been enamored with a woman who had captured his heart, but alas, she hailed from modest beginnings. Drake’s disapproval had driven a wedge between them, forcing a painful separation that had sent the woman far away from Peyton’s life.

Rumors circulated that she had left not just with a broken heart but also carrying the weight of a child—Peyton’s child. The news of his arranged marriage to Beverly had reached her, and in her sorrow, she had chosen to disappear from his life.

When Peyton eventually learned of her departure, he had abandoned everything, chasing after her with a fervor that spoke volumes of his love.

In a calculated move, Drake and Odette had orchestrated the birth of Zaden, fearing that Peyton would never accept any other outcome. This decision had only deepened the rift between father and son, as it turned Zaden into a symbol of Peyton’s lost love—a barrier that would always loom in the shadows of his heart.

Zaden’s existence was a constant reminder that the child of the woman Peyton loved could never be legitimized in the eyes of society.

As Kate listened to Drake inquiring about Athena’s family background, a wave of helplessness washed over her. Athena was indeed lacking in the pedigree that the Storms deemed acceptable. Despite her countless strengths, her humble origins seemed to overshadow her accomplishments.

“If only she had a background like the Rices,” Kate mused silently, “then she would be a perfect match for the Storms.”

With a gentle smile, she turned to Drake and said, “Her family may be ordinary, but that doesn’t define her worth.”

She continued, “Athena is incredibly bright and capable. She excelled in her simulation exams abroad, securing first place, and upon her return, one of her surgeries was even highlighted in a prestigious medical journal.”

As Kate enumerated Athena’s impressive achievements, she hoped to shift Drake’s perspective, to illuminate the brilliance that lay beneath the surface of her humble background.

Yet, no matter how passionately Kate spoke, Drake remained unmoved, his expression a mask of indifference. It was clear that her words were falling on deaf ears, and she sensed that pushing further would be futile.

Deciding to change the subject, Kate gestured toward Athena, inviting her to sit beside her. Athena, feeling the warmth of Kate’s encouragement, gracefully took a seat next to her. As she settled in, she couldn’t shake the feeling of being scrutinized by a young man nearby.

Athena had been treating Ariana, who, despite having regained the ability to walk, was advised against standing for too long. Remembering this, Athena quickly rose, seeking a chair for Ariana. “Mrs. Ariana, please, have a seat,” she offered with sincerity.

Ariana’s face lit up with a warm smile as she replied, “Look at how sweet and thoughtful this girl is.”

Maya, who had been observing the interaction, felt a rush of realization. Her grandmother was clearly supporting Athena, a stark contrast to the tense situation that had unfolded moments before.

When they had entered, it had been evident that Drake was upset, likely due to Athena’s presence. But now, Ariana’s words were nothing short of a shield, defending Athena against the storm of Drake’s discontent.

Maya’s hands clenched at her sides, a mix of frustration and confusion swirling within her. She yearned to remind her grandmother of the complexities at play, but with so many eyes upon them, she refrained. The fear of ridicule kept her silent, forcing her to swallow her concerns.

As Ariana settled into her chair, she turned to Drake and explained, “I had a nasty fall and sustained an injury. I heard Dr. Hall’s medical skills are top-notch, so I came specifically to your hospital for treatment.”

Drake’s expression shifted as he processed her words. It made sense why Ariana was at the Storm hospital, despite the Rices having their own medical facilities. Both families held elite status, and such decisions were not uncommon.

His gaze flickered to Maya, and suddenly, the connection between Zaden and Maya came rushing back to him. The thought of Zaden being linked to someone of Maya’s caliber only served to deepen his disdain for Athena. In his eyes, Maya and Zaden were a match made in heaven, perfectly aligned in social standing—far superior to being paired with a woman of little status and no family legacy.