From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life novel Chapter 282

Even though Zaden said he was sorry, there wasn’t the slightest hint of guilt in his face.

In fact, he almost looked pleased with himself.

He’d sent those flowers on purpose and tried to make sure everyone could see it. That way, no one would even think about getting close to Athena. It was his version of a “warning sign.”

Athena heard his apology but didn’t want to argue anymore. Finally, she sighed helplessly.

“Fine. I’ll let it go this time. But don’t send flowers again.”

“What do you like, then?” Zaden asked.

Athena was speechless.

“I mean,” she added quickly, “you don’t have to keep sending me things.”

She didn’t even know how to explain it. The way he was acting, it almost felt like he was trying to win her heart.

But just as she had that thought, Zaden continued, his voice low and sincere. “This whole thing really is my fault. I didn’t completely erase Maya from my life, and I know that bothers you. I just want to do everything possible to make it right and earn your forgiveness.”

Athena couldn’t help but laugh softly in disbelief.

So this is his plan? Dinners and flowers are his way of asking for forgiveness?

She started to wonder where he even got these ideas from. Maybe that’s how Maya liked to be treated?

Zaden’s tone softened even more. “I really do want to grow old with you. But because of this mess, we’ve had so many misunderstandings. I don’t know what else I can do.”

His voice was deep and heartfelt, and it tugged at something inside her.

Athena wasn’t made of stone; of course she felt something.

After a moment of silence, she asked quietly, “So… Who’s been teaching you all this stuff?”

Harriet, maybe? This girl always coming up with the worst ideas.

Zaden might have meant well, but Athena didn’t agree with his approach. It was starting to feel like he was invading her personal space instead of improving things.

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“It was Tommy,” Zaden finally admitted, revealing the mastermind behind it all.

Athena froze for a second, unsure how to respond. Her temples started to throb.

Tommy!

Zaden’s assistant always giving him the most ridiculous ideas.

She sighed helplessly. “Alright, I get it. But I really hope this doesn’t happen again. Things like this can cause trouble for my job and my personal life.”

Athena knew Zaden understood what she meant.

At least he hadn’t gone overboard by sending the flowers directly to her workplace. Otherwise, by tomorrow, the entire hospital would be buzzing with gossip about her.

Zaden’s voice dropped, sounding a little disappointed. “I understand.”

Hearing the sorrow in his tone, Athena suddenly felt her heart soften. Before she could even think, the words slipped out of her mouth. “I didn’t mean it that way. You can try to make it up to me. Just, maybe, do it in a quieter way.”

“So, you mean, if I do well enough to move you, you’ll forgive me?”

That wasn’t what I meant.

What kind of logic is that?

But when she thought about it, his interpretation wasn’t entirely wrong. If she was letting him try, wasn’t that the same as giving him a chance to win her forgiveness?

Athena thought about it and decided not to argue with him.

Athena sighed again. “Fine.”

Zaden chuckled softly, clearly satisfied. “Shouldn’t you be heading back to work now?”

“I’m hanging up.” Athena ended the call before he could say anything else.

Athena suddenly felt her mood lift. The corners of her lips curved into a small smile.

Maybe Zaden’s actions weren’t as infuriating as she’d thought. When he’d seen Maya earlier, he hadn’t even looked at her properly.

Maybe there really wasn’t anything between them anymore.

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