From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life novel Chapter 269

Chapter 269 The Uninvited Guest

Athena struggled for a moment but couldn’t break free from Zaden’s arms

So she stopped moving and just stood there, letting him hold her.

Right then, the doorbell suddenly rang. The sound cut through the quiet air, breaking the warmthy between them and snapping Athena back to reality.

She pushed gently against Zaden’s chest and said, “Someone’s here. I’ll get the door.”

Finished

At this hour, who would come over? It didn’t make any sense. Still, Athena didn’t think much about it and went to open the door.

The moment she did, a flash of red appeared in her sight.

Athena’s body tensed the moment she saw who it was.

Standing on the doorstep was Maya.

Maya recovered faster than Athena did. She didn’t even glance at her but looked straight past her into the house.

Maya spoke in a calm, almost casual tone. “Is Zaden home? I have something I need to talk to him about.”

She had come all the way here; what was the point of Athena trying to stop her now?

So this was what Zaden had been preparing tonight?

The candles, the fancy dinner–all of it was for Maya?

Athena almost laughed at herself. For a brief second, she had actually wondered if it was meant for her. Turns out, she was just the fool in someone else’s story.

Pushing down every emotion rising in her chest, Athena took a small step back and opened the door wide.

“He’s here,” she said softly. “Come on in.”

Maya smiled faintly. “Thank you, Ms. Hall.”

She didn’t call her Mrs. Storm. In Maya’s heart, she believed she was the real Mrs. Storm. Athena didn’t even count in her eyes.

Athena turned away without a word. She didn’t go back to the living room but went upstairs, leaving the space for Maya and Zaden.

Zaden heard a familiar voice from the hallway. The moment Athena opened the door and went upstairs, Maya appeared in front of him.

His face darkened instantly. “What are you doing here?” he asked coldly.

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4:54 pm

1. MN.

Chapter 269 The Uninvited Guest

Finished

Maya’s eyes swept over the dining table, taking in the flickering candles and nearly arranged dinner. Jealousy burned in her chest

The soft candlelight and the neatly arranged plates–it all screamed romance. Everything Athena had now -the warmth, the care, the attention–were things Maya believed once belonged to her.

And now, looking at Zaden’s cold face, a sharp pain stabbed her chest.

Did Zaden really hate her that much?

Maya took a slow breath, trying to steady her emotions. “I came to apologize,” she said softly. “I shouldn’t have shown up at your office without telling you first. I might’ve caused a misunderstanding and made things awkward for you. I’m truly sorry.”

Zaden’s face stayed cold. His voice carried no warmth at all. “If you know you’re a bother,” he said, “then you shouldn’t be standing here in front of me.”

Maya froze, her eyes darkening with hurt.

Zaden continued, his tone sharper, “I made myself clear earlier today. If you still have any self–respect, you should know what to do and stop making this harder for me.”

He had hoped tonight would be different. He wanted to explain everything to Athena and clear up their misunderstanding once and for all.

But Maya’s sudden arrival ruined everything.

Athena had run upstairs without a word. She must’ve misunderstood what happened between him and Maya again. That thought left Zaden feeling helpless and frustrated. No wonder his attitude toward Maya had turned cold. He couldn’t maintain his politeness anymore.

“You can leave on your own,” he said flatly, “or do you want me to have someone escort you out?”

Maya stared at him for a moment and said, “Since you’re busy, I’ll go. Goodbye, Zaden.”

But before stepping out, she paused and turned back slightly.

“I know you hate me,” she said softly, “but they say hate and love are just two sides of the same coin. I’ve never stopped thinking about you. I believe you feel the same. I’ll wait for the day you come back to me.”

Without another glance, Maya walked out and closed the door behind her.

Once the villa was silent again, Zaden yanked at his tie in frustration.

Everything had gone completely wrong. Things have turned into a total mess.

He looked up toward the second floor, sighed, and started up the stairs.

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