**TITLE: Her Rise 377**
**Chapter 377: I Want Zaden!**
Athena’s heart thudded in her chest as the harsh reality of her predicament settled over her like a dark cloud. She felt as if she were standing on the precipice of a great abyss. If she walked into the hospital unprepared, she would be met with a torrent of scrutinizing eyes, each one filled with judgment and suspicion. The very thought of her colleagues whispering behind her back, perhaps convinced that she had somehow triumphed in surgery without the merit to back it up, was utterly unbearable.
The messages that had been circulating in the group chat had slipped away from her grasp like water through her fingers. Had it not been for Zaden pulling her aside to share the news, and her own decision to check her phone, she would have remained blissfully ignorant of the storm brewing in the shadows.
Just then, the stillness was broken by Zaden’s phone vibrating insistently on the table. It was a message from Tommy, and Athena felt a surge of curiosity mixed with anxiety. She leaned closer, her voice barely above a whisper, “What’s the latest? Did you find anything useful?”
Zaden opened the message, his brow knitting together in concern as he read aloud, “Mr. Storm, all the surveillance footage has been deleted.”
A wave of despair crashed over Athena, her stomach knotting at the implications of that statement. It was as if the ground beneath her feet had given way, and she was left hanging in a void. The pieces of this sinister puzzle began to align in her mind. Whoever was behind this had been meticulous, erasing every trace of their actions, ensuring that no incriminating evidence would be left behind.
Zaden’s frown deepened as he typed a quick response, “What about the fake account in the group?”
Tommy’s reply came almost instantaneously. “It has already left the group and deleted the account.”
The realization hit them like a cold slap: they were trapped at a dead end.
If Athena couldn’t clear her name, the insidious rumor would cling to her like a persistent shadow, forever staining her reputation and her hard-earned credibility.
Seeing the weight of despair settling upon her shoulders, Zaden felt a surge of protectiveness. “Hey, don’t stress too much. I’ll find another way to get to the bottom of this,” he reassured her, though he kept the burden of his grandfather’s words to himself. Athena was already so crushed; she didn’t need additional worries to weigh her down.
Navigating this situation required a delicate touch.
But as if a flicker of determination had ignited within her, Athena turned to Zaden, her voice steady and resolute. “I think we need to be strategic. This person is likely to keep taking sneaky photos of me. We should set a trap and wait for them to slip up.”
As the idea crystallized in her mind, Athena felt a surge of empowerment wash over her.
Rather than spiraling into panic and aimless running, it was far more logical to remain patient and wait for the culprit to reveal themselves.
Zaden glanced at her, admiration blooming in his chest. She was not one to crumble at the first sign of trouble; she was a fighter.
“Alright, I’ll take care of it,” he replied, nodding in agreement, feeling a renewed sense of purpose alongside her.
Athena looked up at him, her expression softening with gratitude. “Thank you for believing in me,” she said quietly, her sincerity palpable.
Zaden chuckled lightly, warmth spreading through him. “Of course, I trust you. You’re my wife, remember?”
—
Meanwhile, Maya found herself basking in the glow of her own triumph, a smile plastered across her face as she climbed into bed. The thrill of her latest revelation lingered in her mind, fueling her dreams throughout the night. In her fantasies, Zaden had completely turned against Athena, filing for divorce and returning to Maya’s side, where he belonged. Yet, upon waking, reality jolted her back, reminding her that it was nothing more than a fleeting figment of her imagination.
She had poured too much effort into this plan, even going so far as to tarnish Athena’s reputation at the hospital. To back out now would render all her efforts futile.
Moreover, the very notion of being with Elijah was repulsive to her.
Maya refused to entertain her mother’s suggestion any further; she had no idea why Patricia would propose such a thing and had no desire to discuss it.
“Mom, just drop it. I’m not doing that,” she declared firmly, her resolve unyielding.
**Conclusion**
In the aftermath of the turmoil, Athena’s determination began to pierce through the dark clouds of doubt that had threatened to engulf her. The weight of the rumors and the fear of judgment from her colleagues had initially left her feeling vulnerable, but with Zaden’s unwavering support and her own strategic thinking, she discovered a newfound purpose. As they plotted to expose the truth together, Athena realized that she was not alone in this battle; Zaden’s belief in her was a lifeline, igniting a fire within her to reclaim her narrative. Their bond deepened in this moment of crisis, reminding her that love and trust could serve as powerful allies against the shadows of deceit.
Meanwhile, Maya’s delusions of grandeur crumbled against the harsh reality of her situation. Her dreams of winning Zaden back collided with the stark reminder of Athena’s resilience and the strength of their relationship. As she grappled with her mother’s unexpected suggestion, Maya’s resolve only solidified; she was unwilling to abandon her pursuit. Yet, deep down, seeds of doubt began to sprout—could her relentless ambition lead to her own downfall? With every attempt to undermine Athena, she risked losing not only Zaden but also herself in the process. The chapter closed with a palpable tension, leaving the reader to ponder whether Maya’s obsession would spiral into reckoning or if Athena’s rise would ultimately triumph against the forces conspiring to bring her down.
**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**
In the forthcoming chapter, readers can anticipate a thrilling escalation of tension as Athena and Zaden devise their strategic plan to unmask the shadowy figure behind the rumors. With Athena’s resolve hardening, she is determined to seize control of her narrative rather than remain a victim of circumstance. As they set their trap, the stakes will rise, and the suspense will heighten, leaving readers on the edge of their seats as they wonder who will fall into their carefully laid snare. Will Athena’s instincts lead her to the truth, or will the hidden adversary prove to be more cunning than they anticipated?
Meanwhile, Maya’s desperation to reclaim Zaden will only intensify, and her misguided attempts to undermine Athena may take an unexpected turn. As she grapples with her feelings, the possibility of a confrontation looms, threatening to expose her manipulative schemes. The juxtaposition of Athena’s empowerment against Maya’s spiraling obsession sets the stage for a dramatic clash. Will Maya’s actions backfire, or will she find a way to turn the tide in her favor? The tension between these two women is bound to reach a boiling point, promising explosive revelations and heart-stopping moments in the next chapter.
Prepare for an emotional rollercoaster as loyalties are tested, secrets are unearthed, and the battle for Zaden’s heart heats up. The intricate web of relationships and motivations will unravel, leaving readers craving more as they delve deeper into the chaos surrounding Athena and Maya. What will happen when the truth finally comes to light? The anticipation is palpable, and the next chapter is sure to deliver unexpected twists that will keep everyone guessing.

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