From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life novel Chapter 263

263 The Return of a Rival

No one dared to take the risk of going against Athena now.

Everyone wore polite smiles, but no one could tell what they were really thinking.

Once Athena left, the room quickly filled with hushed voices.

“That’s the woman who was rumored to be with Mr. Storm, right? I didn’t expect her to be this pretty in

person.”

“Well, Mr. Storm isn’t someone just anyone can win over. She must have something special to make him fall for her.”

Do you think she’s actually his wife?”

Someone scoffed, her tone dripping with jealousy. “Didn’t they already clear that up? They said she was ast hired to temporarily fill in for Mr. Storm’s daughter or something. It all ended quietly. Probably fake.”

Athena’s presence had a way of drawing attention the moment she walked in.

Naturally, that rubbed some people the wrong way, especially those who had clawed their way up, working hard for years just to survive in the field.

Watching Athena, already well–connected and favored, made their hearts twist with envy. One of them scoffed at the others‘ comments but said nothing.

Then another voice chimed in. “Come on, you can’t deny she’s got some serious backing. She’s got Mr. Storm behind her, and even Professor Warner seems to go out of her way to protect her.”

That comment made others nod in agreement. “Yeah! I’ve never seen Professor Warner treat anyone that warmly before. She personally introduced Athena to every department! So many doctors have joined this hospital over the years. Who else received that kind of welcome?”

The group exchanged knowing looks and came to the same conclusion.

Whether Athena and Zaden were truly involved or not, one thing was clear in everyone’s mind: better stay on her good side. No one wanted to mess with Athena.

The group was chatting excitedly when someone suddenly said, “Professor Warner is amazing, sure—but don’t forget about Professor Gordon. Those two have always been enemies. I bet Professor Gordon won’t sit still once she finds out who Professor Warner’s new favorite talent is.”

At the mention of Barbara Gordon, several people exchanged knowing looks.

It seemed there would be plenty of drama to watch in the days ahead,

Meanwhile, Kate had finished introducing Athena to everyone and showing her around most of the departments. Athena now had a good idea of how the hospital worked.

“Athena,” Kate said warmly, “you’ve met almost everyone. From now on, just focus on your work. Don’t worry about a thing.”

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6:44 pm P

M

Chapter 263 The Return of a Rival

Athena looked at her gratefully. “Thank you, professor.”

B

Finished

Her accident years ago forced her to leave the medical field; it had been one of Kate’s biggest regrets.

Now that Athena was back on her feet and returning to medicine, Kate was determined to protect her at all

costs.

Just as they were talking, a woman walked toward them with a sharp smile.

“Well, Kate,” she said mockingly, “isn’t this the student who ruined her hand? How’d she end up back in the hospital? Don’t tell me she can hold a scalpel again. Or did you bring her in just to run some errand?”

Athena turned her head toward that woman and recognized her instantly. Barbara. She was Kate’s ongtime rival.

Both were part of the Storm Group’s extended family, though only distantly related.

Because of competition over research and resources, they had been at odds for years. They often led their students into open and hidden rivalries against each other. Over time, their relationship turned from professional tension into outright hostility.

Back when Athena was a star in the field, she had often outshined Barbara’s students. And that was something Barbara had never forgiven.

After Athena left, Barbara slowly rose up to the top.

Kate didn’t even flinch at Barbara’s sarcastic remarks. Her tone was calm, almost cold. “My most talented student is back,” she said softly. “What’s wrong, Barbara? Scared?”

“Scared?” Barbara let out a sharp laugh. Her gaze was full of disdain as she glanced in the direction Athena had gone.

“If I remember correctly,” she sneered, “her hand is still damaged, isn’t it? You practically begged every surgeon in the city to save it, and even then, it barely works! You think I’d be afraid of someone that broken?”

“Do you really think I’d be scared of a useless cripple?” Barbara snapped, her voice dripping with mockery.

Athena’s face tightened. She couldn’t stand anyone talking to Kate like that and was just about to fire back, but Kate beat her to it.

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