From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life novel Chapter 257

Athena took a deep breath and said to Harriet, “I saw Zaden’s ex–girlfriend at the mall today.”

Harriet gasped and asked in surprise, “Wait–she’s back?”

“Yeah.”

“Oh my gosh! I thought she’d never come back to Vlephia!”

Athena kept her tone calm. “There’s a news article about her. You should check it out.”

“Hold on,” Harriet said, and quickly switched screens. A moment later, she came back fuming.

“Maya is unbelievable!”

She slammed her words out. “She’s out there saying she broke up with Zaden because of her research? Please! She dumped him because she thought he was going nowhere and ran off with some rich guy! And now that she’s realized she got played and ended up with nothing, she’s crawling back like nothing happened.”

Athena had already heard different versions of the story.

But hearing the full details now, she couldn’t believe Maya had actually done that. How could she still act so bold today, like she had nothing to be ashamed of?

Harriet sighed heavily. “You know what’s crazy? Back then, you were the one everyone talked about. Your medical papers were published all over the world. Maya was just a nobody. If it hadn’t been for your accident, she never would’ve become a professor.”

Even after all these years, Harriet still felt sorry for Athena.

She’d done so much for Lewis, yet ended up like this.

If Athena hadn’t quit the field, she would’ve left Maya in the dust. But so many years had passed; the world had forgotten about her. She used the alias “Serena” back then.

No one knew that the famous Serena from back then was now living quietly as a homemaker named

Athena.

What a waste.

When it came to the past, Athena could only sigh helplessly. Things hadn’t ended well for her, but she’d learned to pick herself up and face life again.

“It’s fine,” Athena said softly. “I’ve already talked to the professor. I’ll report to the hospital in a few days. Whether I end up in surgery or holistic medicine, it doesn’t really matter.”

Harriet exhaled, relieved. “That’s good. At least it’s a new beginning.”

But suddenly she remembered something and quickly added, “Oh, by the way, I saw Maya visiting Zaden’s mom earlier. Looks like she’s back for him this time. You need to be careful!”

1/3

Athena’s tone stayed calm. “I know.”

“I’m always on your side, okay? Whatever happens, you can count on me,” Harriet encouraged.

“I know. Go ahead and finish your work.”

Athena hung up.

After that call, she had a clearer picture of who Maya was.

She thought for a moment, then decided she needed to talk to Zaden openly. If they were going to start something real, she didn’t want any misunderstandings between them.

With that thought, Athena grabbed her bag, left the house, and called a cab to Storm Group.

At the hospital, things between Beverly and Maya were surprisingly pleasant.

Beverly had been confined there by her own son, unable to leave. She was furious and heartbroken, but there was nothing she could do about this.

When she had nearly lost all hope, Maya suddenly appeared and brought some light into her darkest days.

Using her family’s influence, Maya had managed to help free her. Although Beverly had once blamed Maya for the past, all resentment faded now.

When she found out it was Fabio who had helped arrange her release, Beverly’s emotions grew even more complicated.

Back at the Storm Estate, another storm was quietly brewing.

Maya saw the flood of supportive comments online and let out a quiet, mocking smile.

The public clearly wasn’t on Athena’s side. It wouldn’t take long before she completely overshadowed her.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify