From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life novel Chapter 112

Chapter 112 Negotiating a New Project

Hopefully, with time, she will slowly heal.

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Suddenly, Athena heard movement in the living room and quietly slipped out of bed to check.

When she saw the scene before her, she froze.

Zaden was there–and more importantly, he wasn’t wearing a shirt.

He had on only a pair of black slacks. His long, muscular legs were perfectly proportioned, his abs carved into sharp lines. His lean waist was cinched neatly by the waistband, and the defined V–shape of his lower torso trailed downward.

In his hands, his leather belt hung half undone, his actions paused mid–motion.

Clearly, he hadn’t expected Athena to appear.

The sight was like something out of a glossy magazine spread, and Athena felt heat rush through her body so fast she almost thought she’d get a nosebleed.

Usually, just standing near Zaden made him seem tall and intimidating.

I never would have guessed that he’s hiding such a flawless body beneath his usual buttoned–up shirts!

“I thought you were asleep. I was just about to shower,” Zaden explained simply.

Then, with the faintest trace of apology in his eyes, he added, “Did I wake you?”

Athena’s face flamed. She stumbled over her words. “O–oh, I just heard a noise and thought something was wrong. I–I’ll go back to bed.”

She quickly pulled the door shut.

Leaning against it, her heart pounded out of control.

She pressed a hand to her forehead and sighed. A man and woman under one roof–of course, things will feel awkward, maybe even suggestive. What on earth was I thinking, inviting him in the first place?

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Once she returned to the bedroom, she didn’t dare step out again.

She was terrified of catching another glimpse of something she shouldn’t.

The night passed quietly. Athena and Teri slept in the main bedroom, while Zaden stayed in the guest room.

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12:46 Tue, Oct 21

Chapter 112 Negotiating a New Project

+8 Pearls

By morning, when Athena got up, Zaden was already dressed and ready to head out for work.

She and Teri stood together at the door to see him off.

At the threshold, Zaden paused and turned back. “I’ll have lunch and dinner delivered here. You and Teri can just stay in.”

Athena hadn’t expected him to be so considerate, and relief washed over her.

She had been worrying that cating takeout every day wouldn’t be good for Teri.

She waved lightly. “Drive safe.”

Then she looked down at Teri. “Teri, Daddy’s going to work now. Say goodbye.”

Hearing her, Teri mimicked Athena and waved too. Zaden’s lips curved in the faintest smile before he stepped out.

Only after the door closed behind him did Athena realize something.

Wait… why did that feel exactly like a wife and child seeing a man off to work?

Tommy’s car was waiting downstairs.

Zaden opened the door and climbed in. Tommy glanced at him respectfully. “Mr. Storm, straight to the office?”

“To Barton Enterprise.”

Tommy blinked, surprised.

Hasn’t the deal with Barton Enterprise already been finalized?

Still, he didn’t ask questions and simply drove in that direction.

Zaden watched the blur of scenery outside. In truth, Storm Group had more than enough strength to take on the Belmont Group directly, but the two companies had never cooperated.

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That meant he needed an intermediary.

At that same moment, Larry was in his office. In his early 50s, Larry kept himself well–groomed and carried a reputation for both competence and success. Under his leadership, Barton Enterprise’s business in Vlephia had flourished.

When his secretary reported Zaden’s arrival, Larry’s brows shot up in genuine surprise.

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12:46 Tue, Oct 21

Chapter 112 Negotiating a New Project

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“What’s he doing here? Could something have gone wrong with the project?

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