From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life novel Chapter 290

290 Fail Stimulation

Access to that facility was far from easy for ordinary people; it demanded special clearance. And since it was located overseas, most found it inconvenient to reach.

Maya’s grip tightened around her phone, her face shadowed by a storm of anger. If Athena managed to complete her training there and returned successful, she might actually win their bet. That outcome was unacceptable. Maya would never let it happen.

She inhaled deeply, forcing the fury simmering inside her to subside. Then, speaking with calm precision into the phone, she said, “Roxanne, thanks for the heads-up. Let’s not rush into anything just yet. For now, keep a close watch on Athena for me. Next time I’m in Preston, I’ll bring you along.”

“Absolutely. You can count on me,” Roxanne replied without hesitation.

As the call ended, Maya’s lips curled into a cold, cunning smile. Roxanne had once trained under the same program as Maya and had always been eager to please her—likely because Roxanne harbored a crush on Preston, Maya’s brother, who lived abroad. Now, after spotting Zaden and Athena together, Roxanne had wasted no time in reporting back.

Perfect. Maya could use Roxanne as her eyes inside the facility, spying on Athena and Zaden. When the moment was right, Roxanne would help Maya make her move.

Once Athena stumbled, Maya would seize the chance to steal Zaden away.

Meanwhile, unaware of the watchful eyes on her, Athena followed Roxanne into the surgical simulation room. The sterile environment smelled faintly of antiseptic, the bright overhead lights casting sharp shadows on the gleaming instruments.

“Let’s get started. Athena, you’ll be leading the surgery,” Roxanne said, glancing over with a mixture of encouragement and scrutiny.

Athena nodded, slipping into her sterile gown with practiced ease. The scene felt oddly familiar, like stepping back into a life she’d left behind long ago. She had dedicated weeks to needle therapy on her injured hand, loosening nerves and regaining flexibility. She had practiced tirelessly, and the improvements were evident—her hand moved almost as smoothly as before. If this round of stimulation went well, a full recovery was within reach.

With everything prepared, Athena approached the operating table, her mind sharp and focused.

Roxanne stayed back, watching silently from the side as Athena began the simulation. A junior doctor stood nearby, briefing them on the “patient”—a simulated case involving a man with a nerve tumor that required removal.

Athena absorbed every detail, mentally mapping out the surgical steps.

“Let’s begin,” she said with steady confidence.

She instructed the assisting nurse, “Scalpel number one, please.”

The nurse handed her the instrument. Athena grasped it firmly, steady and ready. Suddenly, a sharp, stabbing pain shot through her wrist. Her face twisted in shock. She tried to hold the scalpel tighter to place it back, but her fingers faltered. The blade slipped from her grasp and clattered loudly onto the floor.

Roxanne’s brow knitted in concern. “Athena, what’s happening? How could you make such a basic mistake? You realize in a real surgery, this would be catastrophic!”

Athena’s complexion drained of color. “I’m sorry. Let’s pause the simulation,” she said, voice barely above a whisper.

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