From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life novel Chapter 376

**TITLE: Her Rise 376**

**Chapter 376: Athena and Elijah’s Picture**

As the night wore on, Zaden stood by the edge of the bed, gently pulling the blanket up to Athena’s chin. He made sure she was snug, enveloped in warmth and comfort, a serene expression gracing her features as she slept. He watched her for a moment, captivated by the peaceful rise and fall of her chest, which soothed the tumult in his mind.

With a tender gesture, he leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead, a silent vow of protection that lingered in the stillness of the room. After flicking off the light, he slipped quietly out of the room, his heart heavy with an unshakeable sense of dread.

In the living room, Zaden sank into the worn sofa, its fabric familiar yet somehow suffocating tonight. The weight of the evening pressed down on him, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong. His gaze drifted to his phone, where the troubling images he had seen earlier replayed in his mind like a haunting specter.

Athena lay blissfully unaware of the storm that was brewing around her, and that thought gnawed at him. He knew he had to handle this situation with utmost care, shielding her from the stress that threatened to engulf them both. Time was of the essence, but he needed to tread cautiously.

Without a moment’s hesitation, Zaden reached for his phone, dialing Tommy’s number. The late hour caught Tommy off guard; he had been winding down for the night when Zaden’s name lit up his screen. “Mr. Storm, it’s quite late. Is there something urgent you need?” Tommy’s voice was thick with sleep, but concern threaded through his words.

“Yes, Tommy. I need you to check the hospital’s surveillance footage from nine to midnight,” Zaden instructed, urgency creeping into his voice. “Look for anyone who might have been lurking around during that time…”

Zaden’s heart raced as he scrutinized the photo again, piecing together the timeline. It had to have been taken earlier that night—a sneaky shot of Athena and Elijah that had somehow found its way into the hospital’s group chat. The intent was unmistakable: someone was trying to tarnish their reputations, and he couldn’t help but wonder if the target was him or if Athena was the one being aimed at.

Regardless, he was resolute in his determination to uncover the truth behind this malicious act.

Tommy listened intently, nodding as Zaden laid out the details. Once Zaden finished explaining, he hung up, a dark determination settling in his eyes. This time, he would not rest until he found the culprit.

The following morning arrived too soon, the sun peeking through the curtains as if unaware of the turmoil that had unfolded. Despite the long, grueling night, Athena’s internal clock nudged her awake with the dawn. She hadn’t had much sleep, and the bags under her eyes betrayed her exhaustion.

Fortunately, it was a day off—a small blessing that meant she could indulge in a much-needed afternoon nap. Teri had already left for school with the nanny, leaving the house quiet, with only Zaden and Athena present. After getting herself ready, she made her way downstairs, blissfully unaware that Zaden had taken her phone the previous night, leaving her in the dark about the brewing gossip at the hospital.

Little did she know that she was the center of attention, the hottest topic of discussion among her colleagues.

As she settled at the dining table, Athena glanced over at Zaden, curiosity piqued. “When did you get home last night?” she inquired, her voice light but laced with fatigue.

“Pretty late,” Zaden replied, setting his cup down with a casual air, though his mind was still racing. He decided to probe further, “Was there an incident at the hospital last night?”

Her response came with a nod, “Yeah, there was a serious car accident. Many people were injured, and some were brought to our hospital. I rushed over to help.”

Athena’s heart raced as she processed the implications. No wonder Zaden had asked her those questions earlier. She looked at him, her voice trembling slightly as she explained, “What I said just now is true. This photo was secretly taken while we were in the operating room, and this one was taken in the lounge.”

Her face was etched with distress, a clear reflection of her worry that Zaden might misunderstand the situation.

Yet, Zaden merely smiled softly, reassuring her, “I still have faith in you. You don’t need to worry too much. I’ve already asked Tommy to check the surveillance. If someone was passing by during that time, we’ll know who it is!”

Hearing this, a wave of relief washed over Athena. She hadn’t expected him to trust her so quickly, and it warmed her heart to know he believed in her.

As she examined the pictures on her phone, she realized how misleading they appeared without context. No wonder the hospital staff was buzzing with rumors. At least it was the weekend, giving her a momentary reprieve from the chaos.

In the quiet aftermath of the storm, Athena found solace in Zaden’s unwavering trust, a beacon of light in her moment of darkness. The emotional turmoil that had threatened to engulf her began to dissipate, replaced by a profound sense of gratitude for the man who stood by her side. His gentle reassurances and steadfast belief in her integrity offered a reprieve from the chaos swirling around her, allowing her to breathe again. As she processed the implications of the malicious gossip, Athena felt a renewed strength emerging within her, fueled by the knowledge that Zaden would fight alongside her to uncover the truth. This bond, forged in the fires of adversity, would only serve to deepen their connection.

Meanwhile, Zaden’s determination solidified into a protective resolve, his heart swelling with a fierce loyalty toward Athena. The shadows of doubt that had once crept into his mind were dispelled by her honesty and the trust they shared. He realized that their relationship had evolved into something far more profound than he had anticipated, a partnership built on mutual respect and understanding. As he prepared to confront the challenges ahead, Zaden felt a sense of purpose igniting within him, knowing that together, they could navigate the treacherous waters of gossip and deceit. In this moment, they stood united, ready to face whatever threats loomed on the horizon, their hearts intertwined in a promise of resilience and unwavering support.

**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**
In the upcoming chapter, the tension between Zaden and Athena will escalate as they dive deeper into the mystery surrounding the compromising photos. With Tommy’s investigation underway, readers can expect a gripping exploration of the hospital’s surveillance footage, where secrets may be unearthed that could change everything. Zaden’s protective instincts will clash with Athena’s desire for independence as they navigate the murky waters of trust and jealousy. Will Zaden’s determination to shield Athena from the fallout strengthen their bond, or will it inadvertently drive a wedge between them?
As the day unfolds, Athena will be faced with the harsh reality of workplace gossip and the impact it has on her professional relationships. The chapter will peel back the layers of her interactions with Elijah, revealing whether his intentions are as innocent as they seem or if there’s a more sinister motive at play. With Athena’s reputation on the line, the stakes will rise, forcing her to confront not only the rumors but also her feelings for Zaden and Elijah. Expect moments of vulnerability, fierce loyalty, and unexpected alliances as the characters grapple with their emotions and the truth behind the scandal.