From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life novel Chapter 337

**TITLE: Her Rise 337**

The Rices were a family of striking similarities, their shared temperament almost palpable. It was as if a single thread wove them together, binding their personalities and emotions into a tapestry of familiarity.

Athena had crossed paths with Maya’s mother only once before, and that brief encounter had left a lasting impression. The woman had scrutinized her from head to toe, much like Ariana had done, her gaze filled with an unmistakable contempt that made her disdain painfully clear.

But there was a nagging thought in the back of Athena’s mind: Ariana likely knew who she was. She might even be aware of the tumultuous history between Athena and Maya. And yet, here she was, approaching Athena with a deliberate intent that felt almost like a challenge.

Was this a calculated move? Was Ariana trying to provoke her, to draw her into a confrontation?

Athena had steeled herself for the worst, anticipating that this meeting would be anything but smooth. So, when she stood before Ariana, she wore a mask of calm, betraying no hint of the storm brewing within.

As Ariana concluded her tirade, Athena responded with a serene, almost imperceptible smile.

“Perhaps you haven’t kept up with the news,” she began, her voice steady. “Professor Rice and I faced a medical challenge, and I emerged victorious. If you haven’t come across the article, I’d be more than happy to send it your way.”

“Maybe then you’ll grasp the true extent of my abilities.”

Ariana’s expression twisted into a dark scowl, fury radiating from her like heat from a fire. Athena’s words were a deliberate jab, a reminder that Maya had been bested, and the memory of her daughter’s tears, her sobs about being bullied, surged in Ariana’s mind, igniting a fresh wave of heartache.

Maya was the sole daughter in a family that had lavished her with affection and protection since childhood, never allowing her to feel the sting of injustice. Yet here she was, humiliated by someone outside their tightly-knit circle.

With her lips pressed into a thin line, Ariana’s voice turned icy as she retorted, “I have no interest in your little victories. My only concern is your treatment. If you fail to help me, I assure you, there will be consequences!”

Athena remained silent, absorbing the weight of Ariana’s words with an air of acceptance.

Once she sensed that Ariana’s anger had simmered down, she addressed her in a measured tone, “Shall we proceed with the examination now?”

Ariana let out a derisive snort, clearly unimpressed.

Turning to Jaylee, Athena instructed, “Please escort Mrs. Ariana to the CT room.”

Jaylee, who had been a quiet observer throughout the encounter, flinched at the command. The sternness of Ariana’s earlier demeanor had unnerved her, and she marveled at how Athena maintained her composure while deftly navigating the older woman’s prickly personality.

If the situation had been hers to handle, Jaylee doubted she would have dared to act with such boldness.

In that moment, her admiration for Athena deepened, as she stepped forward with a gentle tone, “Mrs. Ariana, let me assist you in getting out of bed.”

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