From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life novel Chapter 347

**Her Rise 347**
**From Betrayal to Brilliance: Her Rise to a New Life**

**Chapter 347: Do You Hate Me?**

“I understand. Dr. Hall, you really need to hurry. Mr. Storm is waiting!”

Jaylee’s words hung in the air, and a flicker of uncertainty crossed Athena’s face. Whose allegiance was Jaylee truly pledging? Why did it feel as if Zaden had already captured her heart?

Athena chose silence, her thoughts swirling like autumn leaves caught in a gust of wind. Without uttering another word, she rose gracefully and moved toward Zaden, the weight of the moment pressing down on her.

“Let’s go,” she said, her voice steady despite the turmoil within.

Zaden nodded, a hint of relief washing over him as they left the office side by side. Today, he had opted to drive himself, and his car awaited them in the dimly lit underground garage.

Once inside the vehicle, Athena settled into the passenger seat, and within moments, the engine purred to life, guiding them out of the hospital’s confines.

The atmosphere inside the car was serene, the soft melodies of music weaving through the air, creating a cocoon of calm. Yet, amidst the tranquility, Athena’s mind wandered back to a recent encounter. She recalled the moment when she had been trying so desperately to win Zaden’s approval, only to bump into Maya while exiting the stairwell.

Tentatively, she broke the silence, “I just spotted Maya. I think she was visiting Mrs. Ariana. Did you happen to see her as well?”

Zaden’s brow furrowed slightly, a flicker of discomfort crossing his features.

Maya had become a delicate topic between them, a subject fraught with tension. Their past arguments had spiraled into icy silences that lingered for days, each dispute leaving scars on their relationship.

Now, even though this particular situation had nothing to do with Maya, Zaden felt the fragile threads of their bond just beginning to weave together again. The thought of reigniting another conflict over her was daunting.

Yet, he found himself unable to fabricate a lie.

If Athena were to uncover the truth later, the fury that would erupt would be far worse than the current unease.

After a moment of contemplation, Zaden resolved to be honest.

As the car halted at a red light, he turned to Athena, his expression grave. “Yes, I did see her. She mentioned that Mrs. Ariana was unwell and invited me to visit her with her.”

Maya.

He hesitated, then continued, “But I declined. I’ve already paid my respects to Mrs. Ariana, and there’s no need to go again, especially not with her. If I do visit, it will either be alone or with you.”

Athena initially brushed off the significance of his words, but Zaden’s earnestness stirred something deep within her.

A playful smile crept onto her lips as she teased him, “You seem a bit on edge. Don’t tell me the thought of seeing Maya makes you nervous?”

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