From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life novel Chapter 320

**TITLE: Her Rise**
**Chapter 320: New Patient**

Athena remained silent, the weight of the moment pressing heavily upon her.

Maya, observing the stillness, felt a swell of pride surge within her, her lips curving into a triumphant smile. “Well, since you have nothing to say, I take that as a clear sign that this challenge has come to a close,” she declared, her tone laced with mockery.

With that, she pivoted on her heel and strode out of the room, her excitement palpable as she anticipated the chance to share the “good news” with the horde of reporters waiting just outside. The thought of announcing Athena’s failure filled her with glee; she could hardly contain her exhilaration.

Once Maya had exited, Barbara turned to Kate, her voice dripping with condescension. “So, Kate, this is your star pupil? Look at her now—she’s lost the trust of the patient. And you thought she could bring you glory again? What a laugh,” she scoffed, relishing the moment.

Barbara didn’t linger; she too exited, leaving the room steeped in a heavy silence.

In that charged atmosphere, only Athena, Kate, and Jaylee remained.

Kate’s fury bubbled over. “That woman is insufferable! The patient’s refusal to go through with the surgery isn’t even your fault, yet she acts like she’s just won a championship!” Her voice was tinged with frustration, her hands clenched into fists at her sides.

She turned sharply to Athena, her eyes blazing with determination. “I’ll go talk to the patient again. Maybe I can change their mind. This is outrageous! They were fully aware of the situation beforehand and agreed to the surgery—even after we reduced their medical fees. How could they suddenly back out like this?”

Athena reached out and gently grasped Kate’s arm, halting her. “Professor, please don’t. Someone is clearly manipulating things behind the scenes. If you go now, you might walk right into their trap. Besides, the patient is likely under immense stress. Pressuring them won’t help at all,” she urged, her voice steady but filled with concern.

Kate’s anxiety only deepened at Athena’s words, her brow furrowing in worry. “Then what do we do? You’ve put in so much effort, and you even practiced with mock surgeries abroad. Are you really going to throw in the towel just like this?”

Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, unable to bear the thought of Athena facing defeat, especially when they were so close to achieving their goal.

Athena lowered her gaze, the silence between them heavy with unspoken emotions.

Sensing the depth of Athena’s distress, Kate exhaled sharply, trying to regain her composure. “Alright, let’s not dwell on this setback. We’ll treat it as a temporary obstacle. Next time, I’ll ensure everything goes flawlessly—no more mistakes,” she vowed, her voice firm.

She then turned to Jaylee, her expression softening. “Take Athena to the lounge for a bit of rest. She needs to regroup.”

Jaylee nodded in agreement. “Dr. Hall, let’s go,” she said, her tone encouraging.

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