From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life novel Chapter 375

**TITLE: Her Rise 375**
**Chapter 375 A Father’s True Colors**

With a resounding crash, Peyton hurled his phone onto the coffee table, the sound reverberating through the air like a thunderclap. His eyes blazed with a mix of anger and disbelief as he turned his attention to Zaden, his voice dripping with urgency. “You need to explain yourself right now! What on earth is happening here?”

Zaden’s gaze flicked momentarily to the phone, but he maintained a stoic expression, hiding the storm of emotions that swirled within him. “I don’t see what there is to explain,” he responded, his tone measured, though the tension in his body betrayed his inner turmoil.

Peyton’s voice escalated, filled with indignation and a sense of betrayal. “That woman you’re with is nothing but a disaster waiting to happen! After meeting Elijah today, she’s already trying to latch onto him as if he’s her lifeline! She’s the very definition of a shameless gold digger! A woman like that has no place in the Storm family.”

Drake, Zaden’s grandfather, had been silently observing the confrontation unfold. He was aware of the recent debacle in their group chat, but he hadn’t yet seen the incriminating photos that had ignited this firestorm. His disappointment in Zaden’s choice of partner had always been palpable, but now, as he listened to Peyton’s accusations, he felt compelled to act. Picking up the phone, he scrolled through the images, his curiosity piqued.

As the shocking visuals filled the screen, his expression morphed into one of grave concern. A deep frown etched itself onto his face as he cast a disapproving look at Zaden. “Zaden, I warned you about women from humble beginnings. They lack any sense of propriety. And now this? It’s all over the place! Do you really want people to mock us?”

Drake’s voice turned icy as he continued, “Just divorce her and find someone who belongs to our social class.”

Peyton, burdened by the weight of his own failures, added, “Dad, I admit I’ve been negligent in guiding Zaden all these years. This is the result—an illegitimate child, and now a wife who is clearly unworthy.”

Drake nodded, his disappointment palpable, as he reflected on the past. “No matter how much you disapproved, disappearing completely was not the answer. Zaden is still your son.”

“You’re right, Dad. I’ve made mistakes. I’ll take full responsibility and ensure Zaden understands the gravity of his actions from now on,” Peyton conceded, his tone shifting to one of resolution, though the shadows of regret lingered in his eyes.

The two of them continued their back-and-forth, oblivious to Zaden’s growing frustration. They both seemed convinced that Athena had betrayed him, a notion that darkened Zaden’s expression further. “Grandpa, how can you assume Athena was unfaithful? She is a principled woman. She could never do something like this!”

Peyton’s face hardened at Zaden’s passionate defense. He scoffed, “What are you implying? That I’m fabricating this? The proof is right in front of us!”

Zaden, unwavering in his belief, felt a surge of protectiveness for Athena. He didn’t need to see the photos to know there had to be a misunderstanding. “I expect an apology to Athena when this is all cleared up,” he declared firmly, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside him.

Turning to Drake, he added with determination, “I will investigate this matter thoroughly!” With that, he stood up abruptly, his frustration boiling over, and left the room, leaving behind a palpable tension.

Once Zaden had exited, Peyton turned to Drake, his voice laced with disdain. “Dad, look at how arrogant he’s become! He’s not nearly as obedient or sensible as Elijah. I really don’t think you should hand over the Storm Group to him. It would be wiser to give it to Elijah, so you won’t regret it later.”

Curiosity piqued, Zaden ascended the stairs, his heart racing with concern. He opened the door to Teri’s room, and there, to his astonishment, he found Athena and Teri entwined in a peaceful embrace on the bed.

Athena appeared utterly exhausted, her body slumped in slumber, her phone still clutched in her hand as if she had succumbed to sleep mid-message. Zaden’s heart ached at the sight; he knew the hospital had been chaotic that day. For her to be so worn out, she must have faced something significant.

She had likely been too drained to even check on the commotion surrounding him. Gently, Zaden took the phone from her grasp and placed it carefully on the nightstand, hoping she would find peace in her dreams, unaware of the storm brewing outside.

As Zaden stood in the doorway, he felt a profound sense of relief wash over him at the sight of Athena and Teri, their innocent bond a stark contrast to the chaos he had just endured. The harsh words exchanged between his father and Peyton echoed in his mind, but in this moment, he chose to focus on the love and trust he had for Athena. She was not the villain they painted her to be; rather, she was a steadfast partner, embodying strength and resilience amidst the turmoil. Zaden’s heart swelled with determination to defend her honor, to shield their relationship from the misguided judgments of his family. He knew that together they could weather any storm, and that their love was worth fighting for.

In that quiet moment, as he watched Athena sleep, Zaden’s resolve crystallized. He would not allow his father’s prejudices or Peyton’s ambitions to dictate his life or undermine the family he was building with Athena. Instead, he would confront the challenges ahead, armed with the belief that true worth is not defined by social class or lineage, but by loyalty, love, and integrity. As he leaned down to kiss Athena’s forehead, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. He was ready to face whatever battles lay ahead, not just for himself, but for the future they envisioned together—a future free from the shadows of the past and filled with hope and promise.

**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**
As tensions escalate within the Storm family, the next chapter promises to delve deeper into the emotional turmoil that Zaden faces. With his loyalty to Athena being tested against the backdrop of his family’s harsh judgments, readers can anticipate a fierce confrontation. Zaden’s determination to clear Athena’s name will set the stage for a dramatic showdown, as he seeks not only to defend her honor but also to assert his place within the family legacy. The stakes are higher than ever, and Zaden’s protective instincts will lead him to uncover secrets that could change everything.

Meanwhile, the dynamics between Peyton, Drake, and Zaden will continue to unravel. With Peyton’s ulterior motives becoming more apparent, the chapter will explore the lengths he is willing to go to reclaim control of the Storm Group. Expect a clash of ideologies as Zaden grapples with his father’s ambitions and the weight of his own responsibilities. As alliances shift and the truth comes to light, the family will be forced to confront the consequences of their actions, leading to revelations that could either tear them apart or forge an unexpected unity. The tension is palpable, and readers will be left on the edge of their seats, eager to see how the fallout unfolds.