Her Rise 290

Access to the overseas training facility was highly restricted, making it difficult for most people to enter. Maya, filled with anger and determination, was upset at the possibility that Athena might succeed in her training and win their bet. She controlled her fury and instructed Roxanne to keep a close watch on Athena, planning to use Roxanne’s loyalty and insider position to spy on Athena and Zaden.

Meanwhile, Athena began her surgical simulation confidently, having worked hard to regain strength and dexterity in her injured hand. However, during the procedure, she suddenly experienced sharp pain and weakness, causing her to drop the scalpel and fail the simulation. This failure was a devastating blow to Athena, as it highlighted how far she still had to go to fully recover and perform in real surgery.

Roxanne quickly sent footage of Athena’s mistake to Maya, who reveled in the opportunity to undermine Athena’s reputation. Maya viewed the video as proof that Athena was not the formidable competitor she had been rumored to be, and she planned to use this to her advantage.

Athena, feeling defeated, called Zaden to pick her up and sat quietly in the lounge, reflecting on her struggles. Her sense of vulnerability deepened when Harriet informed her that Maya had publicly posted the video of her failure on Instagram, leading to harsh criticism and widespread negativity. Athena was shocked and dismayed that Maya had discovered their secret training trip and was using it to attack her.

290 Fail Stimulation

Access to that facility was far from easy for ordinary people; it demanded special clearance. And since it was located overseas, most found it inconvenient to reach.

Maya’s grip tightened around her phone, her face shadowed by a storm of anger. If Athena managed to complete her training there and returned successful, she might actually win their bet. That outcome was unacceptable. Maya would never let it happen.

She inhaled deeply, forcing the fury simmering inside her to subside. Then, speaking with calm precision into the phone, she said, “Roxanne, thanks for the heads-up. Let’s not rush into anything just yet. For now, keep a close watch on Athena for me. Next time I’m in Preston, I’ll bring you along.”

“Absolutely. You can count on me,” Roxanne replied without hesitation.

As the call ended, Maya’s lips curled into a cold, cunning smile. Roxanne had once trained under the same program as Maya and had always been eager to please her—likely because Roxanne harbored a crush on Preston, Maya’s brother, who lived abroad. Now, after spotting Zaden and Athena together, Roxanne had wasted no time in reporting back.

Perfect. Maya could use Roxanne as her eyes inside the facility, spying on Athena and Zaden. When the moment was right, Roxanne would help Maya make her move.

Once Athena stumbled, Maya would seize the chance to steal Zaden away.

Meanwhile, unaware of the watchful eyes on her, Athena followed Roxanne into the surgical simulation room. The sterile environment smelled faintly of antiseptic, the bright overhead lights casting sharp shadows on the gleaming instruments.

“Let’s get started. Athena, you’ll be leading the surgery,” Roxanne said, glancing over with a mixture of encouragement and scrutiny.

Athena nodded, slipping into her sterile gown with practiced ease. The scene felt oddly familiar, like stepping back into a life she’d left behind long ago. She had dedicated weeks to needle therapy on her injured hand, loosening nerves and regaining flexibility. She had practiced tirelessly, and the improvements were evident—her hand moved almost as smoothly as before. If this round of stimulation went well, a full recovery was within reach.

With everything prepared, Athena approached the operating table, her mind sharp and focused.

Roxanne stayed back, watching silently from the side as Athena began the simulation. A junior doctor stood nearby, briefing them on the “patient”—a simulated case involving a man with a nerve tumor that required removal.

Athena absorbed every detail, mentally mapping out the surgical steps.

“Let’s begin,” she said with steady confidence.

She instructed the assisting nurse, “Scalpel number one, please.”

The nurse handed her the instrument. Athena grasped it firmly, steady and ready. Suddenly, a sharp, stabbing pain shot through her wrist. Her face twisted in shock. She tried to hold the scalpel tighter to place it back, but her fingers faltered. The blade slipped from her grasp and clattered loudly onto the floor.

Roxanne’s brow knitted in concern. “Athena, what’s happening? How could you make such a basic mistake? You realize in a real surgery, this would be catastrophic!”

Athena’s complexion drained of color. “I’m sorry. Let’s pause the simulation,” she said, voice barely above a whisper.

Her hand had completely lost strength. If this was how she performed in a simulation, an actual operation would be disastrous.

At least simulations could be paused—real life offered no such mercy.

A heavy weight settled on Athena’s chest as the stimulation ended abruptly, leaving her in quiet defeat.

The footage of her mistake didn’t remain confidential for long. Roxanne immediately sent the recording to Maya. Far away in Vlephia, Maya watched the clip and couldn’t suppress a triumphant laugh.

So this was the legendary Athena everyone had praised? Turns out, she wasn’t nearly as impressive as rumored.

Years ago, Athena’s hand injury had been so severe she couldn’t even hold a scalpel. When Maya first heard Athena was training overseas, she’d been anxious, fearing Athena might stage a comeback.

But now? It seemed Athena posed no real threat.

Maya’s smirk deepened. This video would be the perfect weapon to shatter Athena’s reputation once and for all.

Athena dialed Zaden, asking him to come pick her up. While waiting, she sat quietly in the research institute’s lounge, the sterile hum of the air conditioning filling the silence. Lucy glanced at her repeatedly, concern flickering in her eyes.

Athena recalled Zaden’s words before he left and sighed, feeling helpless.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed—it was Harriet.

She answered immediately. “Hey, Harriet.”

“Athena!” Harriet’s voice was tense, laced with urgency. “How did Maya find out you and Zaden went overseas for training?”

Athena was taken aback.

They had left quietly early that morning; hardly anyone had seen them. Besides Harriet and Jaylee, no one else should have known.

How on earth did Maya discover this?

“How do you know she found out?” Athena asked.

“She just posted a video on her Instagram,” Harriet explained quickly. “It shows you failing your simulation training abroad. The comments are brutal—everyone’s tearing you apart.”

Athena didn’t even have a local phone plan, and internet access here was limited.

Her heart sank deeper as the weight of the situation pressed down on her.

The chapter closes on a poignant note, capturing Athena’s vulnerability and the harsh reality of her struggle. Despite her dedication and hard work to overcome her injury, the sudden failure in the simulation casts a shadow over her progress, leaving her feeling exposed and defeated. The emotional toll is palpable as Athena confronts not only her physical limitations but also the public scrutiny that threatens to unravel her reputation. Meanwhile, Maya’s cold calculation and triumph highlight the ruthless stakes of their rivalry, underscoring the tension that drives the narrative forward.

This moment of setback and exposure serves as a crucial turning point, emphasizing themes of resilience, rivalry, and the fragility of hope. Athena’s quiet despair contrasts sharply with Maya’s scheming, painting a vivid picture of the emotional and psychological battles beneath the surface. Yet, within this struggle lies the potential for growth and redemption, hinting at the strength Athena must summon to face the challenges ahead. The chapter leaves readers invested in her journey, eager to see how she will rise above the obstacles that threaten to crush her spirit.

The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the consequences of Athena’s faltering moment during her simulation. As Maya’s calculated plan gains momentum, Athena finds herself not only battling physical setbacks but also the harsh scrutiny of public opinion. The emotional toll of failure, coupled with the sting of betrayal and exposure, will test Athena’s resilience in ways she hasn’t faced before.

Meanwhile, the intricate web of alliances and rivalries tightens, with Roxanne’s role becoming more pivotal and ambiguous. Trust will be questioned, and the stakes will rise as Athena grapples with the reality that her challenges are no longer just about recovery—they are about survival in a world where every mistake can be weaponized. The next chapter will explore how Athena confronts these mounting pressures and whether she can find strength amid the growing storm.

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.