Her Rise 289

Athena feels uncertain about taking full responsibility for a surgery due to her limited experience, and she openly admits needing guidance. Conrad reassures her by arranging for an experienced surgeon, Dr. Roxanne Wood, to mentor her. Roxanne, who is roughly Athena’s age and from the same country, will oversee Athena’s training over the next week, helping her gain practical surgical skills.

As Athena prepares to begin her hands-on training, she encounters Zaden waiting quietly in the lobby. They briefly discuss her upcoming training, and Zaden offers to pick her up afterward, which gives Athena some relief. However, when they pass the reception desk, Athena notices Lucy looking at her strangely. Zaden reveals that Lucy flirted with him by giving him her business card, but he firmly rejected her advances, emphasizing his loyalty to Athena.

Athena is left uneasy about the receptionist’s boldness and the potential awkwardness of seeing her regularly during her stay. Despite this, she resolves not to be overly polite since the receptionist initiated the situation. Meanwhile, Roxanne secretly contacts Maya, informing her that Zaden and Athena are at the prestigious Rewha Institute for medical training. Maya, who had hoped to undermine Athena, is surprised and frustrated to learn that Athena is now gaining valuable experience at one of the world’s top medical research centers, which could greatly enhance her career prospects.

289 The Hidden Spy

Athena couldn’t help but feel a wave of doubt creeping over her as she contemplated taking charge of the entire surgery. The weight of responsibility pressed heavily on her shoulders, and she questioned whether she was truly ready for such a challenge.

With a modest tone, she admitted, “I’m still fairly new to this, and my experience is limited. I’m going to need your guidance over the next few days.”

Conrad responded with a courteous smile. “Actually, I’m not the best person to mentor you. But don’t worry—I’ve arranged for an experienced surgeon to oversee your training. You’ll get plenty of hands-on practice soon enough.”

Relieved, Athena returned his smile. “Thank you, Dr. Windal. I appreciate it.”

Without hesitation, Conrad reached for the phone and made a quick call. Moments later, a young woman in a crisp white lab coat entered the room, her face partially hidden behind a surgical mask. She appeared to be about Athena’s age.

“Mrs. Storm, this is Dr. Wood,” Conrad introduced. “She’s from the same country as you, so I thought it might make communication easier if you two worked together.”

Athena nodded politely, though inwardly she thought, *I speak foreign languages fluently; I don’t really need that kind of help.*

Roxanne Wood’s eyes lingered on Athena for a brief moment, her brow furrowing as if deep in thought. She quickly masked whatever she was considering.

“Nice to meet you, Dr. Wood,” Athena said warmly, offering a genuine smile. “Please, call me Athena.”

Roxanne pulled down her mask, revealing a friendly smile in return. “Nice to meet you too, Athena. I’ll be your guide over the next few days. If there’s anything you don’t understand, don’t hesitate to ask.”

They exchanged a few courteous words, gradually getting to know one another. Athena’s confidence stemmed not from needing theoretical help—her academic research and papers were impeccable—but from her lack of hands-on surgical and rehabilitation experience. Still, she chose not to mention this, wary of sounding arrogant.

Conrad spoke again, “Dr. Wood, Mrs. Storm will be training with us for a week. Please provide her with as much guidance as you can.”

“I understand,” Roxanne replied simply.

She asked Athena to wait briefly while she prepared, explaining that they would soon head to the operating room for practical training.

Stepping back into the lobby, Athena spotted Zaden seated quietly in the guest area. He looked composed and elegant, so effortlessly put together that she found herself admiring him for a moment before approaching.

“Zaden, have you been waiting long?” she asked softly.

“Not really,” he replied, standing and walking over to her side. “Are you finished already?”

“It just started,” Athena said with a small smile. “I’ll be in surgery training soon, and it might take some time. Do you want to head back first?”

After a brief pause, Zaden nodded. “Alright. Call me when you’re done. I’ll come pick you up.”

Athena felt a sense of relief wash over her. With him leaving, she wouldn’t have to worry about him lingering around.

She accompanied him to the front entrance. As they passed the reception desk, she caught Lucy’s gaze fixed on her, an odd expression clouding her face.

Had something happened while she was away?

Once outside, Athena frowned and asked, “Did something happen between you and that receptionist? She’s been looking at me strangely.”

Zaden’s lips curved into a cold, almost amused smile. “She gave me her business card,” he said. “Told me to call her anytime if I needed help.”

Athena blinked in surprise. Even though she wasn’t the most sensitive person, the implication was clear. So that was what the woman meant. She couldn’t believe someone could be so bold—flirting with a married man right in front of his wife.

“So,” Athena asked dryly, “what did you say to her?”

Raising an eyebrow, Zaden replied, “I didn’t say much. I just told her my wife is a thousand times better than she’ll ever be. I have no interest in her whatsoever.”

Athena was left speechless.

Wasn’t he just making an enemy for her?

She still had several more days to spend at the research institute. Running into that receptionist every day was bound to be awkward.

But soon, she pushed the thought aside.

*She made the first move; why should I be polite?*

With that resolve, Athena felt a weight lift from her mind.

In a quiet corner of the research institute, Roxanne spoke softly into her phone.

“Hey, Maya, you won’t believe this. I just saw Zaden at the Rewha Institute. He’s here with a woman named Athena. She’s here for medical training.”

Far away in Vlephia, Maya’s expression darkened the moment she heard the news.

She had thought she’d already made things difficult enough for Athena, confident that this challenge would finally bring her down. But she never expected Zaden to take Athena abroad to one of the world’s top medical research institutes.

Maya knew exactly what kind of place the institute was.

It was among the best globally, designed specifically for advanced medical studies. With world-class professors, elite surgeons, and cutting-edge technology, anyone who trained there—even briefly—could easily qualify for positions at major hospitals worldwide.

And now, Athena was right in the middle of it all.

The chapter delicately captures Athena’s internal struggle as she steps into a demanding new role, grappling with self-doubt yet finding reassurance through unexpected support. Her interaction with Roxanne hints at the complexities of trust and collaboration, while the subtle tensions surrounding Zaden’s encounter with the receptionist add layers of emotional nuance. Athena’s quiet determination to face challenges head-on reflects her evolving strength, even as the shadow of external scrutiny looms.

Amidst the professional intensity of the research institute, the story weaves personal dynamics with broader ambitions, underscoring themes of resilience and the pursuit of excellence. Athena’s journey is not only about mastering surgical skills but also navigating the intricate web of relationships and rivalries that shape her path. This chapter leaves readers poised on the edge of transformation, with Athena’s rise marked by both vulnerability and unwavering resolve.

The next chapter promises to delve deeper into Athena’s journey as she navigates the intense world of surgical training under Dr. Wood’s watchful eye. As Athena steps into this high-stakes environment, her confidence will be tested not only by the demanding procedures but also by the subtle tensions simmering beneath the surface. The dynamic between Athena and Roxanne hints at complexities that could challenge Athena’s resolve and force her to confront her own vulnerabilities.

Meanwhile, the undercurrents of jealousy and rivalry are poised to intensify, especially with Maya’s darkening determination and the unexpected presence of Zaden in the same sphere. The emotional landscape grows more intricate as Athena balances professional growth with personal challenges, and the looming possibility of conflicts both within the institute and beyond keeps the stakes high. Readers can expect a blend of professional ambition and emotional intrigue that will push Athena to her limits in ways she never anticipated.

Sara Lili

Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.