Her Rise 294

Zaden discovers a connection between Roxamin and Maya and prepares to confront Roxamin, but an urgent call at work distracts him. Meanwhile, Athena is unsettled by the constant surveillance at the research institute, feeling it is no longer a safe place despite the advanced equipment. She notices how much Zaden is already burdened and decides it might be better to seek help from Kate instead.

Athena calls Kate, who warmly encourages her and offers precise advice on treating her injured hand. Following Kate’s guidance with acupuncture needles, Athena experiences remarkable improvement as the stiffness in her hand disappears, allowing her to move freely and confidently. Relieved and grateful, Athena shares her concerns about Roxamin possibly discovering her recovery, and Kate promises to help her find a secret place to practice.

Later, Athena returns to the research institute and requests that only Roxamin assist her during the simulation, a request quickly approved due to Zaden’s influence. When Roxamin arrives, she notices the usual assistants are absent and becomes annoyed, but Athena explains she sent them away to avoid embarrassment. Roxamin accepts this and warns Athena she will need to work harder alone. Despite the tension, Athena is determined to use this opportunity to prove herself.

294 A Call for Help

Zaden had just uncovered the link between Roxamin and Maya, and he was steeling himself to confront her about it. Yet, before he could take any action, an urgent call came through at work, demanding his immediate attention.

Reluctantly, he had no choice but to divert his focus.

Handling someone like Roxanne was nothing new to him, something he could manage easily.

Meanwhile, Athena sat quietly in her room at the hotel, her mind swirling with the recent events. The research institute no longer felt like a safe haven. Although the equipment was state-of-the-art, the constant surveillance by Maya’s people made it impossible for her to truly relax or feel secure.

Zaden had arranged the place for her, doing everything he could to assist. She could see how overwhelmed he already was, juggling so many responsibilities. The last thing she wanted was to add to his burden.

Perhaps it would be wiser to seek help from Kate instead.

After a moment of contemplation, Athena picked up her phone and dialed Kate’s number.

The moment the call connected, Kate’s bright and encouraging voice greeted her. “Athena! How’s your training coming along? Made any progress?”

The warmth in Kate’s tone softened Athena’s heart instantly.

If there was anyone in this world who genuinely cared for her, it was Kate — a woman who was like both a professor and a mother to her.

“I’m doing okay,” Athena replied quietly, “though I ran into a little accident recently.”

Kate’s voice grew serious. “I saw the video Maya posted. I studied it closely afterward. Your hand still needs one more round of treatment to fully restore the nerves and muscle control.”

Athena had expected a casual chat but not such valuable, precise advice. This could be the missing piece, the final step toward fully healing her hand.

Her heart quickened as she listened intently to every detail Kate explained.

Following Kate’s guidance, Athena carefully inserted the slender silver needles into specific points on her hand. Almost immediately, she felt a gentle warmth spreading from the areas where the needles touched — exactly where her hand had felt stiff before, the spots that had made holding the scalpel so difficult.

When she finally withdrew the needles and flexed her fingers, her eyes widened in astonishment. The stiffness had vanished. Her hand moved freely, effortlessly.

A surge of joy swelled within her chest.

It worked! This was incredible!

Kate’s voice came through the phone again, calm and steady. “Athena, how does it feel? Is your hand more flexible than before?”

Excitement broke through Athena’s voice as she answered, “Professor, my hands feel completely normal now. I can move them smoothly. Next time I pick up a scalpel, I won’t make another mistake!”

After expressing her gratitude several times, Athena suddenly remembered Roxanne.

She couldn’t let Roxanne discover that she had recovered. If Roxanne found out, Maya would learn too. The best strategy was to mislead Roxanne and practice somewhere else in secret.

She shared her concerns with Kate.

Without hesitation, Kate said, “Finding a new place to practice? That’s no problem. I have plenty of contacts. Don’t worry, I’ll arrange it for you.”

“Thank you so much, professor!” Athena said, her heart swelling with relief and happiness as she ended the call.

She glanced down at her hands once more, still amazed by how natural they felt. It seemed almost unreal. With a few more days of practice, she’d be back to her old level — maybe even better.

Then her thoughts drifted to Roxanne, and a cold, determined smile crept onto her lips.

This time, she would expose Roxanne for what she truly was.

That afternoon, Athena returned to the research institute.

She walked straight to the director’s office and made a simple request: she didn’t want any assistant doctors, only Roxanne.

Thanks to Zaden’s influence, the director didn’t hesitate or question her. He agreed immediately.

Feeling satisfied, Athena headed back to the operating room.

Roxanne was already there, waiting. The moment their eyes met, Roxanne spoke briskly, “Let’s start the simulation.”

Athena nodded. “Alright.”

But as Roxanne glanced around, her expression quickly shifted. The assistants who usually stood nearby were nowhere to be seen.

Her face darkened. “Where is everyone? Don’t they know we have a session this afternoon?” she demanded, clearly annoyed.

She was about to storm out to find them.

Athena stopped her gently. “I told them not to come.”

Roxanne’s brows knitted tightly in confusion. Then she paused, considering that Athena might still be embarrassed about her earlier mistakes.

Perhaps Athena had sent them away to avoid anyone witnessing another failure.

Slowly, Roxanne’s frown softened. She looked at Athena and said, “Alright then. But that means you’ll have to work a bit harder on your own.”

Athena didn’t reply. Together, they entered the operating room.

Without the usual assistants around, the space felt colder, quieter — more intense.

But Athena welcomed it. This was her moment to prove herself.

The chapter closes on a note of quiet determination and renewed hope. Athena’s journey through pain and uncertainty has brought her to a pivotal moment where she regains control over her own healing and her future. With Kate’s guidance and Zaden’s support, she finds the strength to face her challenges head-on, even in the shadow of Roxanne’s watchful presence. The warmth and encouragement from those who care for her contrast sharply with the cold, tense atmosphere of the research institute, highlighting the emotional stakes at play.

As Athena steps into the operating room alone with Roxanne, the silence and absence of others underscore the intensity of her resolve. This is no longer just about recovery; it is about reclaiming her confidence and asserting her place. The chapter leaves her poised on the edge of transformation, ready to prove her worth and expose the truth, fueled by a quiet but fierce determination that promises change.

Next chapter promises to deepen the tension between Athena and Roxanne as their uneasy alliance is put to the test in the operating room. With Athena’s secret recovery now a powerful advantage, the dynamics between them are poised to shift, revealing new layers of determination and rivalry. The absence of assistants creates a charged atmosphere, amplifying every glance and word exchanged, hinting at a battle of wills beneath the surface.

Meanwhile, Zaden’s role remains pivotal, his influence quietly shaping the unfolding events even as he grapples with his own burdens. The stakes feel higher, and the emotional undercurrents run strong—will Athena’s renewed strength be enough to outmaneuver Roxanne, or will hidden obstacles arise to challenge her progress? Readers can anticipate a chapter filled with subtle power plays, personal resolve, and the simmering anticipation of a confrontation that could change everything.

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.