From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life novel Chapter 12

Chapter 12 Dion’s Betrayal

This was the first time Athena had seen Dion since she learned the truth.

For eight years, she had raised him as her son, believing he was her flesh and blood. But eventually, he was Nina’s child.

Dion’s face twisted with disgust as he glared down at her. He grumbled, “I was sick in the hospital. Why didn’t you come see me?”

Athena’s voice was cold. “Isn’t Nina your mom? You have her; that should be enough.”

Nina’s eyes narrowed.

For a moment, she thought Athena had already discovered that Dion was her son.

But no-it must have been coincidence.

If Athena had really known, she would have found out long ago.

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Dion’s anger exploded at her answer. He shouted, “Because you didn’t come, Nina stayed with me the whole time! She told me you were too strict before. You never let me eat spicy food, and now I’m allergic to peppers. This is all your fault!”

His little fists clenched, and his voice grew harsher. “And you bad-mouthed Nina in front of Grandma, making her yell at her. You’re nothing but a mean old witch!”

Athena stared at Dion, stunned by the disgust written all over his face. Her eyes grew red.

For eight years she had cared for him. Eight years of feeding him, teaching him, and comforting him through tantrums. And yet, Nina’s words alone were enough to turn him against her. He believed everything Nina said.

People always claimed the love of raising a child was greater than the love of giving birth.

Now Athena finally understood how false that could be. What she saw in front of her was nothing but an ungrateful child.

Her chest tightened. A metallic taste rose in her throat.

Dion sneered, “Since you hurt Nina, then I’ll take revenge for her!”

He pulled a folded letter from his pocket and flicked open a lighter.

Athena’s pupils shrank sharply. It felt as if the blood in her veins froze in that instant.

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14:36 Sat, Oct 18

Chapter 12 Dion’s Betrayal

“No… don’t…”

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Finished

Ignoring the pain in her injured leg, she grabbed her crutch and stumbled up the stairs in a desperate rush.

A sharp pain shot through Athena’s leg, but she didn’t care. All she wanted was to make sure her father’s letter was still safe.

By the time she reached the second floor, the letter was already burning down to its last corner.

Without thinking, she slapped at the flames, ignoring the sting of the heat.

She managed to put it out, but only scraps were left.

Dion stood with his hands on his hips, cold and smug as he watched her frantic efforts. He snorted, “See? Now you know you were mistaken. Hurry up and apologize to Nina!”

He looked proud, certain that he had her cornered.

Nina told him this letter mattered most to Athena. If he destroyed it, she would do whatever he wanted.

Athena’s eyes burned red. She held the torn, blackened paper as if it were treasure.

Only a few scattered words were still clear, written by her father’s own hand.

It was the blessing he had written for her eighteenth birthday—a letter she had kept as her last piece of warmth from him.

Now, Dion had turned it to ashes.

“Didn’t

you

hear me? I said, “Apologize to Nina!” Dion’s voice was cold. His face twisted with annoyance that Athena didn’t seem to care about his demand.

What’s going on?

Nina told me this letter was everything to Mom. If I burned it, she’s supposed to listen. She was supposed to give in… even say sorry for not visiting me at the hospital.

“Dion Belmont!” Athena looked up at him with reddened eyes. Her voice was sharp. “Didn’t I teach you to respect other people? You never destroy what belongs to someone else!”

Dion flinched at her anger, fear flashing across his face. He shrank a little.

Still, he refused to admit fault. It was only a piece of old paper. Why should she be mad? She had always spoiled me no matter what I had done.

14:36 Sat, Oct 18

Chapter 12 Dion’s Betrayal

She didn’t even come see me when I was sick, and I didn’t make a big deal about it.

So why does she get to be mad at me now?

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