From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life novel Chapter 329

**Her Rise 329: Falling for You**

Lewis and Nina had both reached the depths of despair, but the one truly suffering in this tangled web of emotions was their son, Dion. Despite his occasional fits of anger, he remained the most innocent soul caught in this chaotic storm.

Dion found himself in a state of confusion, wondering where life would send him next. The uncertainty loomed over him like a dark cloud, casting shadows on his young heart.

Athena, however, didn’t linger too long on those thoughts. While Dion might not have been her biological child, he was undeniably a Belmont, and that connection held weight in her heart.

Bridget would undoubtedly ensure that everything was arranged properly for him. Athena felt a flicker of reassurance at that thought; Bridget was always reliable in matters like these.

In the meantime, the kitchen buzzed with activity as Teri and Zaden, the father-daughter duo, busily prepared dinner. Their laughter and playful banter filled the space, creating an atmosphere of warmth and familial love.

Originally, Athena had envisioned a cozy celebration for the three of them, with her at the helm of the cooking. She hadn’t thought to invite Daisy, believing they could manage just fine. But as it turned out, Teri and Zaden had commandeered the kitchen, leaving her no option but to relinquish her culinary ambitions entirely.

Perhaps it was time for her to embrace the idea of letting go a little, to stop shouldering every burden alone. After all, constantly trying to do everything herself was a surefire way to wear herself thin.

As she waited, feeling a tinge of boredom, Athena instinctively reached for her phone.

Upon opening her social media app, she was nearly overwhelmed by a flood of notifications that threatened to crash the app. Messages poured in from every direction—some congratulatory, others apologetic for their previous doubts about her.

She quickly skimmed through a few, her heart warming at the support but deciding it was best to step back for now. Responding could wait. Sometimes, it was wiser to allow things to settle before diving into the fray.

Just as she was lost in her thoughts, the doorbell rang, jolting her from her reverie.

A frown creased her brow as she wondered who could be visiting at such an hour. The bell chimed insistently several more times, prompting her to finally rise and make her way to the door.

When she opened it, her breath caught in her throat. Standing there was Harriet, an unexpected but delightful sight.

It had been ages since Athena had last seen her friend, and this surprise visit took her completely off guard. She quickly swung the door wider, a smile spreading across her face. “Harriet! What a lovely surprise! Come in, come in!”

“Oh, I heard about your incredible success in that surgery! I simply had to come and celebrate with you! I checked a couple of places before I found you here!” Harriet exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Athena felt her heart swell with gratitude. “Thank you! It means a lot to me. Please, have a seat.”

As Harriet stepped inside, her gaze swept over the quiet house. Noticing the absence of Zaden and Teri, she tilted her head in curiosity. “You’re alone? Where are Zaden and Teri?”

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