**TITLE: Her Rise 365**
**Chapter 365: Beverly’s Hidden Agenda**
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“Let’s not dance around the issue, shall we? We’re all adults here; it’s time to get to the heart of the matter.”
Athena’s straightforwardness struck Beverly like a cold wind, and a flicker of irritation crossed her features.
With a scoff, she retorted, “Is it so hard to believe that I might just want to invite you to dinner without some hidden agenda? Am I really that intimidating in your eyes?”
Harriet, caught off guard, nearly choked on her own breath at Beverly’s words.
The truth was, Beverly was not merely unapproachable; she was notoriously difficult to handle. That reputation sent shivers down Harriet’s spine, and it was no different for Teri, who also harbored a deep-seated fear of her formidable grandmother.
Athena, however, remained silent, her gaze fixed on Beverly with an intensity that spoke volumes.
Her eyes conveyed a clear message—no more games. They needed to lay everything bare on the table, no pretenses allowed.
Beverly had intended to ease into the conversation, to navigate the waters slowly, but Athena’s unwavering stare compelled her to abandon that strategy. With a resigned sigh, she finally admitted, “Alright then. The truth is, I did bring you here because I have a favor to ask.”
Athena leaned in, her curiosity piqued.
Beverly continued, her tone shifting to one of concern. “I heard about Teri’s injury. How is she doing?”
Harriet’s jaw nearly hit the floor at Beverly’s unexpected inquiry.
Did she really just ask about Teri?
The entire situation felt surreal, as if the world had flipped upside down. It was as if Zaden’s mother had been replaced by an imposter, one who was suddenly interested in Teri’s well-being and had invited Athena for dinner.
Athena’s brow furrowed, caught in a whirlwind of uncertainty. Should she divulge Teri’s condition to Beverly? After all, considering the history between them…
Just as she was about to make a decision, Beverly exhaled a long, heavy sigh. “I recognize that you both harbor resentment towards me. I acknowledge that what happened with Teri was my doing. My intentions were only to provide Zaden with a better life, but I never anticipated that I would end up hurting Teri in the process.”
Beverly’s words rang with an unexpected sincerity, devoid of the usual bitterness one might expect from her.
Athena and Harriet exchanged a glance, a silent communication passing between them, both clearly pondering the same question: Was this genuine remorse?
Beverly continued, her voice tinged with regret, “Because of the fallout, Zaden now sees me in a completely different light. He hasn’t visited me in ages.”
In that moment, Harriet’s understanding crystallized. The purpose of Beverly’s dinner invitation was becoming alarmingly clear!

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