From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life novel Chapter 346

**TITLE: Her Rise 346**
**Chapter 346 Maya Is Bitter**

Maya found herself lost in thought, contemplating the best way to repair the fragile bond she once shared with Zaden. The chill that had settled between them felt insurmountable, an icy barrier that left her feeling isolated and yearning for warmth. She couldn’t shake the feeling that this distance was becoming unbearable; the status quo simply couldn’t persist any longer.

When she had brought up her grandmother’s recent hospitalization, expecting a flicker of concern or empathy, Zaden’s response had been blunt and devoid of emotion. “I already visited,” he had stated matter-of-factly, as if that were the end of the conversation.

Maya’s heart sank. She hadn’t anticipated that he would have already gone to see Ariana. Now, she felt even more disconnected, the weight of his indifference pressing heavily on her chest.

Her expression darkened as she desperately searched her mind for another way to engage him, to breach the wall he had erected between them. She felt like a chess piece, maneuvering for the right moment to make her move, but Zaden seemed to have no intention of allowing her that opportunity.

Before she could voice her thoughts, he interrupted her with a curt, “I’ve got to go; something came up.”

Without a second glance in her direction, he turned on his heel and strode away, leaving Maya standing there, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. She could feel her nails biting into her palms as frustration flooded through her.

“I swear! I’ll win Zaden back one day!” she vowed silently, her determination hardening. She watched his indifferent back retreat down the hall, a painful reminder of how far apart they had grown.

Suppressing the urge to scream, Maya made her way toward Ariana’s ward. As she pushed the door open and entered, she immediately approached her grandmother’s bedside, her heart aching with concern. “Grandma, I’m here,” she said softly, her voice laced with affection.

Ariana’s face lit up with a gentle smile upon hearing her granddaughter’s voice. “Maya!” she exclaimed, her tone warm and welcoming.

“Grandma, you promised you’d stand up for me, right? Have you had a chance to meet Athena yet?” Maya asked, her eyes searching her grandmother’s face for any sign of disapproval.

“I did,” Ariana replied, her voice soft but tinged with uncertainty. After a moment’s hesitation, she added, “Maya, I think Athena doesn’t seem as terrible as you described.”

Maya’s heart dropped, her face paling instantly. A sharp frown creased her brow as she demanded, “Grandma, what do you mean? Did Athena say something to you?”

Panic surged within her; until recently, her grandmother had held a strong disdain for Athena. Why would she suddenly change her stance? What could have transpired in Maya’s absence?

Her mind raced, realizing that she had delayed visiting Ariana after the incident, too preoccupied with damage control and worried about her own reputation. It seemed Athena had seized the opportunity to worm her way into her grandmother’s good graces.

With urgency, Maya stepped closer, her tone shifting to one of desperation. “Grandma, please, why are you saying that? Did Athena manipulate you somehow? You can’t trust her! She’s an expert at spinning lies!”

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