From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life novel Chapter 267

Chapter 267 The Viral Post

Tommy kept a close eye on Maya, afraid she might suddenly do something reckless.

But Maya stayed quiet for a moment, then turned and walked away.

He watched her step into the elevator before returning to the office. The moment he saw Zaden, he admitted his mistake. “Mr. Storm, it’s all my fault. I didn’t notice Ms. Rice coming in. Please punish me.”

Zaden shot him a cold glance. “Your bonus for this month is gone.”

Tommy almost sighed in relief. He’d messed up twice; he thought for sure he’d be fired. Losing his bonus felt like a blessing compared to losing his job.

Still, when he realized that meant no extra pay, he almost cried again.

It was Athena’s first day at the hospital. She spent the whole day getting used to the new environment and didn’t take on any patients yet.

She followed Jaylee around until the end of the day. By the time she finally clocked out, she was exhausted –but calmer. All day, she kept her focus on work, pushing thoughts of Zaden out of her mind.

Athena realized that staying busy really was the best cure for a troubled heart.

She should’ve done this sooner.

When she checked her phone, she noticed a missed call from Harriet. She must’ve called earlier while Athena’s phone was on silent at work.

But that wasn’t what caught her attention.

She opened Instagram and froze. Maya had posted something three hours ago.

Maya posted a photo. A glass jar with an old, yellowed note inside, looking like it had been there for years.

The caption read, “Will you keep the promise from the past?”

Just one simple sentence was enough to spark everyone’s curiosity. People began guessing what it meant, connecting it to Maya’s recent high–profile return to Vlephia. Her announcement that she planned to stay there long–term.

It didn’t take much imagination for everyone to link that wish jar to Zaden.

Someone in the comments asked, [Professor Rice, is that wish jar the one you buried with Mr. Storm?]

Maya replied with nothing but a smiling emoji.

She didn’t need to say more; it was as good as admitting it. Within minutes, her comment section exploded. People flooded in with excitement and speculation.

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Chapter 267 The Viral Post

[So it really was a promise between Mr. Storm and Professor Ricell

[Professor Rice, is that the wish jar you and Mr. Storm made back then? What did you wish for?!

[What was Mr. Storm’s reaction when he saw it?]

[Will you two get back together?]

Finished

The idea of two former lovers reuniting, with one bringing back a long–lost wish jar, was far too romantic. The message behind it couldn’t be clearer.

Everyone online seemed convinced that Zaden and Maya were getting back together.

The comments sections were full of congratulations; some even wished they started a family soon.

Athena let out a long sigh as she locked her phone and set it aside.

No wonder Jaylee had been giving her those strange looks earlier. She thought it was about this morning’s events, but now she understood; Jaylee must’ve already seen the post.

Maybe keeping the staff housing had been the right choice after all. It was time to start preparing her exit. Watching Zaden and Maya’s love story rekindle should’ve made her happy for them, yet all Athena felt was a dull ache in her chest.

She steadied her breath, tucked her phone away, and began packing her things. It was time to go back to the villa and pack her stuff.

Athena pushed open the door to the villa. The house was pitch dark.

Zaden wasn’t home yet, at least, that’s what she thought. Maybe he was with Maya right now, enjoying some rome evening together.

Just as Athena was lost in her thoughts, the lights inside the villa suddenly flicked on.

Zaden appeared before her, dressed sharply in a suit. He looked effortlessly handsome, the kind of refined charm that came from long days at work. It seemed he hadn’t even had time to change into something more casual after getting home.

The mix of elegance and restraint gave him an air that was hard to look away from.

In front of him was a table full of beautifully plated dishes. Each one looked like it had been made by a professional chef.

Athena’s eyes caught the unlit candles placed neatly in the center. For a second, her mind jumped to one thought. A candlelight dinner?

She cleared her throat, pushing her thoughts aside. Athena asked in surprise, “What are you doing here?”

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