From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life novel Chapter 136

Chapter 136 Hiking

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Thinking back on everything that had happened, Athena’s face softened with gratitude. She said earnestly, “Thank you for stepping in back there. I’m sorry for dragging you into all that.”

Zaden raised an eyebrow. “It’s not like I haven’t caused you trouble myself.”

He was, of course, referring to his mother–how she had openly disapproved of Athena and treated her unfairly more than once.

Athena offered a faint smile. “Then let’s just call it even.”

After a pause, concern creased her brow. “When Lewis grabbed me just now… the cameras probably caught everything.

“The live stream started the moment we entered and met the other families. Harriet even sent me a clip.”

Athena gave a bitter little smile. “We’ll probably be the hot topic tomorrow.”

She wanted to warn him ahead of time so he could be ready.

Zaden’s brows knit together. After a moment, he said, “I’ll speak to the staff and have the footage deleted. You won’t have to worry about it.”

Athena froze. She’d never even thought that was possible.

Zaden had thought of everything.

Thanks to his quiet maneuvering, the altercation at the door never went public. Athena finally allowed herself to breathe.

The first day of camp was meant for rest, with no official activities.

The organizers wanted families to settle in and adjust.

Early the next morning, a knock came at the door. Athena tensed, half–expecting Lewis ag Peering through the peephole, she saw Linda standing there, looking thoughtful.

Athena opened the door.

“Mrs. Blander, is something wrong?”

√ib

“Sorry for disturbing you so early,” Linda said politely, smiling. “Today’s officially a rest day, but since we’re already here, I thought we could make the most of the time.

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Chapter 136 Hiking

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“We’re planning to take Bryan hiking. Would you and Mr. Storm like to join us?”

Hiking?

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Athena hesitated, then replied, “I’ll need to check with my husband first. Can I let you know?”

She realized she was slipping into the role more naturally than before–saying it out loud didn’t make her flustered.

Linda nodded. “Of course.”

Then Athena remembered something and asked quickly, “Mrs. Blander, besides me, who else have you invited?”

Linda noticed the anxious look in Athena’s eyes and immediately understood. After all, news of yesterday’s incident with Lewis had already become casual gossip among the families.

She chuckled. “Don’t worry, Mrs. Storm. Besides you, I only invited Mr. and Mrs. Robinson. No one you’d rather avoid.”

Athena forced an awkward smile.

Bad news really does travel fast—now everyone knows about me and Lewis.

Closing the door, Athena returned inside. Zaden and Teri were already up. Since they’d drawn the best suite, they had two adjoining rooms.

Athena shared one with Teri, while Zaden had a smaller private room.

It worked out perfectly.

At night, they covered the cameras so no one could see anything.

“Mrs. Blander stopped by just now,” Athena said. “She mentioned there aren’t any scheduled activities today and invited us to go hiking. Would you two like to go?”

Zaden set down his utensils and replied evenly, “We’ve got nothing better to do. Let’s go.”

Teri nodded cagerly.

With them on board, Athena didn’t overthink it. She helped Teri change into outdoor clothes, then slipped into a light, comfortable outfit herself.

When she came out, she noticed Zaden had changed too.

It was the first time she’d seen him in anything other than a suit. The sight struck her as unexpectedly refreshing, and she couldn’t help stealing a few glances.

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