From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life novel Chapter 389

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

**Chapter 389: I’m Not As Fragile As You Think**

“Why are you home so early?” Zaden’s voice broke through the silence of the room, laced with a hint of concern.

Athena exhaled deeply, her shoulders sagging slightly under the weight of the day. “Because that ‘rat’ got exposed,” she replied, her tone a mixture of relief and frustration. “Her plan completely backfired. It was absolute chaos at the hospital today, so I decided to come home earlier than usual.”

Zaden’s expression hardened at her words. The term “the rat” was unmistakably directed at the person who had been quietly undermining Athena’s efforts.

His eyes narrowed, a chill settling over him. “Who was it?”

Athena didn’t beat around the bush. “It was Maya.”

At the mention of Maya, Zaden’s brows knitted together, forming a deep furrow across his forehead. Yet, he remained silent, the anger bubbling just beneath the surface.

He had grown weary of Maya’s relentless schemes aimed at Athena, and now, hearing that she was the instigator once more, Zaden felt a surge of protectiveness. Perhaps it was time to confront her and put an end to her antics once and for all.

Before he could voice his thoughts, Athena added, “Elijah suspended her today. Maya’s out of the hospital, so this shouldn’t happen again.”

Zaden blinked, caught off guard by the news.

But with the issue seemingly resolved, he felt a wave of relief wash over him. He turned his gaze back to Athena, a flicker of guilt crossing his features. “I’m sorry. I haven’t been able to do much at the hospital lately. You’ve been through a lot.”

With Drake handing over the reins of the hospital to Elijah, Zaden found himself sidelined, unable to support Athena as he once did.

Athena shook her head gently, dismissing his concerns.

“It’s fine. Everything’s sorted out now,” she said, offering him a reassuring smile. “And I’m not as fragile as you think. Don’t underestimate me.”

Zaden couldn’t help but chuckle softly at her spirited declaration.

Athena was far from fragile, yet the urge to shield her from harm was instinctual. She was his Mrs. Storm, the woman who had captured his heart.

His gaze softened as he studied her, the warmth of affection radiating from him.

However, Athena’s thoughts began to drift, pulling her focus away from their conversation. After a brief pause, she said, “Zaden, I need to go somewhere tomorrow. I probably won’t be home for dinner.”

Zaden’s brow furrowed in surprise. “Where are you headed?”

Athena hesitated, the words catching in her throat. “Harriet wanted to discuss something,” she finally replied, her tone evasive.

Zaden’s frown deepened. He could sense that she was withholding something, but he respected her need for privacy and chose not to pry further.

Still, after a moment’s hesitation, he asked, “Do you want me to pick you up afterward?”

Athena quickly shook her head, her heart racing. “No need,” she replied, her voice firm.

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