Her Rise 301

Athena had grown beyond Maya’s control, which deeply unsettled Maya. Determined to prevent Athena from reclaiming her position, Maya devised a plan to stop her from returning to Vlephia for the final surgery challenge. She contacted her remaining ally, Preston, asking him to intervene and ensure Athena could not appear for the test, knowing that absence would mean failure regardless of Athena’s overseas achievements.

Meanwhile, Athena successfully completed three rounds of simulated surgery training with great skill and confidence. Encouraged by Miranda’s support, she planned to take the test the very next day, feeling fully prepared to excel. After their conversation, Athena left to pack, only to find Zaden waiting for her outside in a car. His unexpected presence surprised her, but she sensed his genuine intentions and allowed him to drive her back to the hotel.

Once inside the car, Zaden confronted Athena about her recent coldness and distance, asking if she was still mad at him. Athena tried to deny her feelings, but his direct questions made her reflect on her own behavior. She realized she had been upset but also acknowledged that Zaden’s concern showed he cared deeply. As her anger softened, Zaden revealed he had taken action against Dr. Wood by reporting her to the World Medical Board, resulting in her license being revoked. He then asked Athena to stop being mad at him.

The chapter ends with a moment of emotional reconciliation between Athena and Zaden, highlighting the tension and care in their relationship amid the larger conflicts surrounding Athena’s rise and Maya’s scheming.

Chapter 301: Please Stop Staying Mad at Me

Athena had grown beyond Maya’s influence, and that reality unsettled Maya deeply. The sense of losing control gnawed at her relentlessly. She knew she had to act swiftly—there was no way she could allow Athena to rise again and reclaim her place.

A sudden idea sparked in Maya’s mind, a cold, calculating smile curling her lips. Athena’s plan was to train abroad, recover fully, and then return to Vlephia for the final surgery challenge. Very well. Maya was determined to make certain Athena would never get that chance.

If the day of the challenge came and Athena failed to appear, she would lose by default. It wouldn’t matter if she had aced every simulated surgery overseas—her absence alone would be enough to seal her fate.

Shaking off the dark thoughts, Maya grabbed her phone and dialed Preston’s number. “Hey, Preston,” she said with a saccharine sweetness in her voice, “there’s a woman causing me some trouble. Could you please help me take care of her?”

Since Kit had turned against her and Fabio showed mercy toward Athena, Preston was the only ally left she could trust. He had always indulged her requests, no matter how demanding. Stopping Athena from coming back to Vlephia was a small favor compared to what he’d done before. He would agree without hesitation.

“Understood,” Preston replied calmly. “I’ll have my assistant handle it.”

Maya’s face brightened with pleasure. Her tone grew playful as she added, “You’re coming back to the country soon, right? I’m throwing you a welcome-home party.”

Preston chuckled warmly. “Alright then. Make sure someone picks me up at the airport when I land.”

That very same day, Athena completed three rounds of simulated surgery training, passing each one with remarkable ease. By the time the day drew to a close, even Miranda could hardly conceal her admiration. Athena wasn’t just gifted; she was meticulous, a true perfectionist. At her current level, she was more than ready to pass the simulation test, yet she wasn’t satisfied with just that.

Tilting her head thoughtfully, Miranda asked, “So, when are you planning to take the test?”

Athena paused briefly, then answered with quiet confidence, “Tomorrow.”

She felt fully prepared for the upcoming evaluation and believed she could ace it without breaking a sweat. Achieving a perfect score wouldn’t be difficult; today’s simulation had only sharpened her skills further.

Miranda smiled warmly. “Good. Then I wish you all the success in the world.”

Athena expressed her sincere gratitude for all the support she had received over the past two days. Miranda chuckled softly and teased, “If you really want to thank me, you’d better treat me to a nice dinner when I visit Vlephia next time.”

“Of course!” Athena promised with a bright grin.

After a little more conversation, Athena packed her belongings and stepped outside. The moment she emerged, her eyes caught sight of a familiar car parked right at the entrance. The driver’s side window was rolled down halfway, revealing the sharp, handsome profile of a man.

It was Zaden.

Athena blinked in surprise. How had he found her here?

The memory of last night’s video call with Teri flickered through her mind, sending a blush rushing to her cheeks. She quickly pushed the thought aside and approached the car.

“What are you doing here? Have you been waiting long?” she asked, trying to sound casual.

“Not too long,” Zaden replied easily.

Athena didn’t believe him. Earlier at lunch, she had overheard someone mention a luxury car parked outside the building. Now it was clear—it had been Zaden all along.

He must have been waiting for quite some time.

For reasons she couldn’t explain, that thought softened her heart a little; at least his intentions were sincere.

Zaden stepped out of the car, walked over, and gently took her wrist. He led her to the passenger side and opened the door for her.

He stood there silently, his eyes locked on hers.

There wasn’t much she could do. Ultimately, Athena had no choice but to get inside.

Zaden returned to the driver’s seat, started the engine, and drove them back to the hotel.

When the car came to a stop in the parking lot, he didn’t get out. Instead, he turned toward her, his voice low and steady. “Are you still mad at me?”

Athena’s eyes flickered at his question.

She replied coolly, trying to mask her feelings, “When did I ever get mad?”

Zaden stared at her intently. “If you’re not mad, then why did you refuse to stay with me? Why did you book the room next door? And why did you push me away when I kissed you?”

She fell silent, cheeks flushing pink. She hadn’t expected him to confront her so directly.

Talking about it made her feel awkward.

The truth was, she had been upset. He had accused her without asking what really happened.

But after a moment’s reflection, she realized she wasn’t completely blameless either. She had turned off her phone and disappeared without a word. Of course he would be worried.

Only those who truly care get anxious about your whereabouts.

If someone didn’t care, they wouldn’t even blink if you vanished right in front of them.

Zaden had been watching her expression the entire time.

When he noticed her features soften, he understood her anger was fading.

His tone became gentler. “I’ve already dealt with Dr. Wood. I reported her to the World Medical Board. Her license has been revoked. So, can you stop being mad at me now?”

The chapter delicately explores the tension between past grievances and the possibility of reconciliation, highlighting the vulnerability beneath Athena and Zaden’s interactions. Athena’s journey of growth and determination contrasts with Maya’s relentless attempts to control and undermine her, setting the stage for an emotional reckoning. Despite the shadows cast by mistrust and hurt feelings, the chapter gently reveals the characters’ desire for understanding and connection, underscoring the complexity of their relationships.

In the quiet moments of confrontation and confession, Athena and Zaden begin to bridge the distance that misunderstanding created between them. The subtle shift in Athena’s demeanor and Zaden’s sincere efforts to make amends suggest a hopeful path forward, one where forgiveness might blossom amid the challenges they face. This chapter leaves readers with a sense of cautious optimism, emphasizing that healing often starts with honest communication and the willingness to let go of past resentments.

The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the fragile and complex dynamic between Athena and Zaden, as they navigate the lingering tension and unspoken emotions that have kept them apart. Their confrontation hints at a turning point where honesty and vulnerability might pave the way for healing, but the question remains—can they truly move past their misunderstandings, or will old wounds resurface to complicate matters further?

Meanwhile, Maya’s shadow looms ever larger, her calculated moves setting a trap that could jeopardize Athena’s carefully laid plans. As Athena prepares for the critical test that could define her future, unseen forces are already at work to undermine her success. The stakes have never been higher, and the next chapter will reveal how Athena balances the pressures of ambition, trust, and betrayal in a world where every ally and adversary could change the game.

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.