From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life novel Chapter 384

**TITLE: Her Rise 384**
**Chapter 384 I Don’t Want to Be Suspended**

Maya stood resolute, a fierce determination radiating from her very core. She would not allow herself to be painted as guilty—not now, not ever. With a vehement shake of her head, she attempted to project an aura of innocence that felt almost desperate, as though her sheer willpower could somehow bend the harsh reality that loomed like a storm cloud overhead.

“Professor Gordon, I truly have no idea what you’re talking about,” she declared, her voice an unsettling mix of feigned confusion and raw anxiety, each syllable tinged with frantic urgency.

Across the room, Barbara’s piercing gaze bore into Maya, her irritation simmering just beneath the surface. The audacity of Maya’s actions left her utterly incredulous. It was one thing to weave intricate schemes from the shadows, but to take such reckless risks without even consulting her assistant was not just audacious; it bordered on the edge of madness.

The evidence against Maya was stark and unyielding, a relentless trail that offered her no viable escape. It felt as if the walls were closing in around her, echoing the gravity of her mistakes and amplifying her sense of entrapment.

Driven by her own relentless ambition, Kate now stood firmly advocating for Maya to face the music. The tension in the room was palpable, thick enough to cut with a knife, each heartbeat stretching into a drawn-out eternity.

Barbara had arrived early, her heart weighed down by the anticipation of witnessing Maya’s demeanor. She had no desire to see Kate revel in a moment of triumph, especially if it came at Maya’s expense. To Barbara, it was glaringly evident that Maya had made a catastrophic error by getting her own hands dirty. Yet, what Barbara failed to understand was the depth of Maya’s fear. Once, Maya had placed her unwavering trust in her brother, Kit, believing he would assist her in undermining Athena and Zaden’s relationship. But that trust had been shattered, leaving her feeling betrayed and utterly alone.

Then, she had turned to Preston, convinced he would stand by her side against Athena. Instead, he too had abandoned her, deepening her sense of isolation and vulnerability. Even her grandmother, once her staunchest ally, now seemed to favor Athena. It was heartbreaking for Maya to hear her grandmother speak of Athena with such fondness, urging her to reconcile rather than engage in conflict.

In her desperation, Maya had taken it upon herself to navigate this treacherous landscape, convinced that she could manage everything alone. But despite her best intentions, everything had spiraled out of control, leaving her teetering on the brink of disaster.

As Maya clung to her fabricated narrative, Barbara pressed on, her voice steady and uncompromising. “There’s a mountain of evidence stacked against you, Maya. You must take responsibility for your actions; otherwise, the repercussions will only worsen. Please, come with me to the conference room.”

A wave of panic surged within Maya, constricting her chest like a vice. She grasped Barbara’s arm, her eyes wide with pleading desperation. “Professor Gordon, do I really have to go? Is there any way I can just skip this?”

In that instant, Barbara recognized the cracks forming in Maya’s facade. “So, you’re admitting to your actions?” she inquired, her tone shifting slightly, a hint of surprise creeping into her voice.

Maya hesitated, her mind racing. With incriminating videos and photos of Athena now circulating, denying her involvement would only make matters worse. The weight of her situation pressed down on her like a heavy shroud, and she relented. Turning to Barbara, vulnerability etched across her features, she pleaded, “Professor Gordon, I’m begging you. Can’t you just let this slide? Please?”

Barbara let out a heavy sigh, recognizing Maya’s capitulation. “This isn’t solely my decision anymore. You need to gather your things and come with me to the conference room. I’ll do what I can to help you.”

With that, Barbara exited, leaving Maya feeling deflated and defeated as she slowly made her way to the conference room, each step heavier than the last.

Upon entering, she was greeted by a sea of stern faces, Athena among them, her presence a constant reminder of the chaos Maya had unleashed. The atmosphere was thick with unspoken judgments, each gaze a silent accusation that bore down on her.

Dr. Rick Bennett, the chief physician with his trademark glasses perched on his nose, was the first to break the oppressive silence. “Professor Rice, your recent actions have had significant repercussions for the hospital. This matter requires serious attention.”

Maya kept her gaze lowered, her silence betraying the dread that clawed at her insides. She could feel the weight of their scrutiny, each moment stretching into an eternity as she fought to maintain her composure.

Barbara interjected, attempting to soften the blow. “Dr. Bennett, perhaps we could consider that Professor Rice simply made a mistake. A sincere apology might suffice, along with a warning?”

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