From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life novel Chapter 107

Chapter 107 Be Careful

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Lewis glanced at the caller ID, and his expression darkened before he leaned toward Athena. “1 need to step out and take this call.”

A few minutes later, Lewis came back in.

“There’s something urgent at the company. I have to deal with it right away. I’ll return when I can.”

With that, he turned and walked out. From the hurried set of his shoulders, it really did look like he was rushing off to handle something serious.

Only then did Athena finally feel she could breathe.

She didn’t know what had pulled him away. She wondered if Harriet was behind this.

Whatever the reason, his absence was a relief.

The only regret was that she hadn’t gotten the chance to ask about her daughter.

Flat on her back, there was nothing else she could do now. She’d have to wait until she was stronger before she could look into it herself.

Still, the fact that her daughter was alive was already a blessing.

The following morning, Athena felt well enough to ask the doctor about being discharged, especially now that Lewis was gone.

The sooner she could leave, the better.

After an examination, the doctor confirmed her worst injuries were to her hand and lower back. They were superficial wounds–painful, but manageable with rest at home.

She had only been kept in the hospital because Zaden had insisted she remain under observation for her safety.

Before heading out, Athena asked Harriet to bring her to the VIP ward to see Teri.

A

“You go in,” Harriet said quickly. “She’s been shutting everyone out, even me. If I walk in, she might start throwing things again. I’ll wait here so I don’t upset her further.”

Through the glass panel in the door, Athena saw a small figure perched on the bed, gazing blankly out the window.

“Alright,” Athena murmured. She pushed the door open and stepped inside. The creak of the

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Chapter 107 Be Careful

hinges didn’t stir Teri. The girl just kept staring through the glass.

There was nothing to see out there–only a few tree branches shifting in the wind.

“Teri, are you doing alright?” Athena asked as she sat gently beside her.

The child didn’t flinch or blink. She didn’t react at all.

Athena’s chest tightened.

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It was heartbreaking to see this empty shell in place of the lively, sweet girl she remembered.

Pushing her emotions aside, she tried again. “Teri, do you remember me? I’m Athena.”

At the sound of her name, Teri finally moved. She turned her head slowly, her eyes flat and dull, like gems that had lost their shine.

Even that tiny response made Athena’s heart lift.

She coaxed softly, “You know me, don’t you?”

Teri

gave the smallest nod.

“How are you feeling? Does anything hurt?”

She shook her head.

Athena’s brows drew together. She had been talking nonstop since walking in, yet this nod was the only response–still no words at all.

Her throat tightened, her eyes stinging.

Then, all at once, Teri reached out her hand.

Athena froze for a moment before she understood–the girl wanted to be held.

She wrapped her arms around her instinctively, forgetting her own injuries.

The sudden strain made her body give way, and she nearly toppled off the bed with Teri in her arms. Strong hands caught her firmly around the waist, steadying them both.

Athena blinked, startled, until she realized who it was.

Zaden.

She found herself pressed against his chest, breathing in the faint, clean scent of him.

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Chapter 107 Be Careful

:.

Her cheeks flamed. Quickly, she let go of Teri and pulled back.

“You’re pretty banged up.” Zaden said evenly. “You should be careful.”

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