Back in Vlephia, Maya sat hunched over her laptop, eyes fixed on the screen as she waited impatiently for Roxanne to send the latest surveillance footage of Athena’s latest failed surgery simulation. But the message never arrived. The silence was deafening.
For several days now, Maya had been uploading clips of Athena’s botched attempts onto her social media accounts. Her followers eagerly devoured the content, reveling in Athena’s repeated failures. They were all too happy to watch the rising star stumble and fall. Yet today, no new video appeared, and her inbox quickly filled with curious and anxious messages.
[Where’s today’s video of Athena failing?]
[Did she finally manage to complete the simulation successfully?]
[Wait, are you telling me Athena actually succeeded?]
Maya’s expression twisted with frustration and disbelief. There was no way she would allow Athena to turn the tables so easily. Her entire plan depended on stoking public ridicule and pressure, turning everyone against Athena. If people started believing that Athena had finally succeeded, her carefully crafted scheme would crumble completely.
Unable to contain her growing anxiety, Maya grabbed her phone and dialed Roxanne’s number, her voice sharp and accusing the moment the call connected. “Roxanne, why haven’t you sent me Athena’s video today? Don’t tell me you’ve switched sides! Are you working for Athena now? Have you abandoned Preston?”
By the time she finished, a flicker of doubt crept into her tone. Deep down, she feared Roxanne might have been bought off by Athena’s camp.
On the other end, Roxanne felt a wave of injustice wash over her. “Maya, I swear I haven’t betrayed you. I’m still with you. But Athena didn’t show up today. I think she might have caught wind of us.”
Maya’s face darkened further. Athena was overseas—how could she possibly know what was happening here in Vlephia? Yet, someone must have tipped her off. That explained her sudden wariness and absence from the institute.
Still, Maya reminded herself that Athena had traveled abroad with Zaden. That particular research institute was Athena’s only option—she couldn’t train anywhere else.
Her voice sharpened with irritation. “Fine. If Athena does show up, send me the footage immediately.”
Roxanne nodded quickly. “Understood. I’ll keep you posted.”
After hanging up, Roxanne let out a heavy sigh. Athena had the audacity to skip her training session? Didn’t she realize that missing it could jeopardize her entire simulation? Just as Roxanne was about to search for her, the director of the research institute suddenly appeared before her, his expression cold and unforgiving.

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