From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life novel Chapter 118

Chapter 118 Didn’t Look All That Happy

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Finished

Athena’s tone was icy. “Bridget, what exactly are you doing here? If you’ve come to apologize, then do it properly. If you’ve come to gloat or threaten me, save your energy and leave. That won’t work on me.”

“Don’t pretend. I know the truth–you only divorced Lewis because you latched onto Zaden! And now you’re still acting like the victim? If people found out, what do you think they’ll say?”

Bridget’s words dripped with smug satisfaction, as though she had Athena trapped.

Athena’s expression darkened immediately.

She could sense the threat behind Bridget’s tone. Yes, she was staying close to Zaden for now because of Teri, but their relationship was pure–absolutely nothing like what Bridget was implying.

Still, if Bridget twisted the story and spread it around, no matter how hard Athena tried to defend herself, no one would believe her.

Her jaw tightened with unease.

Before she could speak, a low, commanding voice cut through the tension. “Go ahead and spread it. Let’s see how that works out for you.”

Zaden was walking toward them, slow and deliberate.

The moment Teri spotted him, she bolted across the room and tugged gently at his hand. She looked up at him pleadingly, as if to say, Daddy, someone’s bothering Athena.

Zaden rested a hand lightly on her head, soothing her, then turned toward Athena.

His gaze landed on Bridget, sharp and piercing, yet calm.

“I’m not scared because I’ve got nothing to hide. Go ahead and spread your story. Let’s see who panics first.”

His words sounded casual, almost offhand, but the underlying weight carried a chill that filled the room, making hearts skip a beat.

The tension thickened, suffocating in the still air.

Bridget’s face drained of color. She had come to intimidate Athena, yet now she couldn’t step forward.

She had no idea what Zaden was truly capable of.

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Chapter 118 Didn’t Look All That Happy

She couldn’t even begin to measure his influence.

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Larry had already been a nightmare–if more people like him appeared, the Belmonts would be finished.

Her expressions shifted rapidly, from defiance to shock, until finally, she sagged in defeat, utterly resigned.

Humiliation etched across her features, she muttered, “I–I was wrong earlier. The Belmonts already released a statement restoring Athena’s reputation. Please … stop going after the Belmonts. I’m begging you …

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Athena looked at the woman who had once lorded over her, now bowed in shame. A flicker of reflection stirred within her.

Her voice was calm and steady. “This ends here. Lewis and I are even.

“From now on, we go our separate ways. We have nothing to do with each other.”

After sending Bridget away, Athena and Zaden sat quietly in the living room.

She cleared her throat softly. “Did you do all of this?”

“Yes.”

“Thank you.”

She almost asked why he had gone to such lengths, but before the words left her lips, she caught the faint curve of his smile.

Then he said casually, “Harriet came to me. She said you were in danger. And besides, Teri still needs you.”

Athena’s cheeks stiffened with embarrassment.

So it was all because of Teri. I overthought the situation. Gosh, now I feel awkward and stupid.

Heat rose to her face, and she couldn’t sit still.

She stood abruptly. “Um … I’ll go read with Teri.”

Without waiting, she left the room.

Zaden watched her retreat, almost as if she were running away, a faint crease forming between

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Chapter 118 Didn’t Look All That Happy

his brows.

(1),

Finished

The truth was, it hadn’t been solely because of Harriet. Even if Harriet hadn’t asked, he would have stepped in to help Athena anyway.

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