From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life novel Chapter 369

**Title: Her Rise 369**
**Chapter 369: The Announcement**

What thoughts were swirling in Zaden’s mind at this moment? It was hard to say.

A tempest of anger brewed within him, yet he was absent from the scene, unable to unleash his frustration on anyone present.

Drake, his face taut with irritation, turned to Peyton, his voice laced with impatience. “Has Zaden still not shown up?”

Peyton shook his head, his expression mirroring Drake’s concern. “Not yet.”

At this news, Drake’s lips tightened into a thin line. He slammed his palm onto the table with a force that echoed in the room, his voice rising in anger. “He’s becoming far too arrogant! I summoned him, and yet he dawdles!”

Just as Drake’s words hung in the air, the door to the conference room swung open, and in strode Zaden, the weight of every gaze in the room upon him. He scanned the faces of his colleagues, each one a silent observer, before making his way toward Drake with a calm demeanor that belied the tension in the air.

Standing before his grandfather, Zaden offered a respectful nod. “Grandpa.”

Drake’s displeasure was palpable. He let out a derisive scoff, his voice dripping with disappointment. “Didn’t I instruct you to be here on time? What’s the reason for your tardiness? Now that you’re at the helm of the Storm Group, do you think you can disregard me? I may be aging, but I’m still very much alive!” Without holding back, he chastised Zaden in front of everyone, his words sharp and cutting.

Athena, sitting quietly nearby, felt a pang of sympathy for Zaden.

When Harriet had previously mentioned that Zaden faced challenges within the Storm family, Athena had failed to grasp the full weight of those words. But now, a stark realization dawned on her: Zaden’s struggles were far more profound than she had ever imagined.

Despite the verbal onslaught, Zaden maintained his composure. He stood tall, a picture of resilience, and replied, “Grandpa, today is the annual review for the company. I did everything I could to arrive as quickly as possible.”

Drake, momentarily taken aback by Zaden’s calmness, found himself at a loss for words.

The annual review was a crucial event for the Storm Group. This day marked the gathering of shareholders and branch managers, a logistical feat that required meticulous planning. Typically, such an event would never be postponed or canceled unless an emergency arose.

And yet, today, it had been delayed because of Zaden’s late arrival.

No matter how furious Drake felt, he recognized the gravity of the situation. With a heavy sigh, he muttered, “Just sit down already.”

Zaden walked over to the empty chair beside Athena and settled into it. Athena cast a quick glance his way, silently inquiring if he was alright.

In response, Zaden discreetly reached under the table, intertwining his fingers with hers, a subtle gesture that answered her unspoken question.

Athena was taken aback, her body tensing at the unexpected boldness of his actions in such a public setting. Her heart raced, and her expression shifted to one of unease, yet she remained frozen, afraid that someone might catch them holding hands beneath the table.

Elijah’s gaze drifted toward the duo, a flicker of intrigue dancing in his eyes. When Athena caught his amused glance, a wave of panic washed over her.

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