Athena picked up the scalpel beside her and suddenly realized her hand didn't feel stiff anymore. The movement was smooth and natural. Kate's method really worked! Her hand had completely recovered. She could finally perform precise surgeries again. The thought thrilled her, but she kept her excitement hidden. She knew every move today would be recorded, and Roxanne would definitely send that footage to Maya. Athena gave a cold, quiet smile. Perfect. That was precisely what she wanted. Let Maya believe she was still struggling; when the truth came out later, Maya's plan to ruin her would completely fall apart. Athena mimicked her first failed attempt. Halfway through the procedure, she loosened her grip and let the scalpel slip from her hand with a sharp clang. Roxanne's lips curved into a faint smirk the second she saw it. She quickly put on a calm face. Roxanne walked over and comforted, "Athena, you dropped it again today. Don't worry, it happens. Keep practicing and you'll get better next time." Athena sighed and looked down, pretending to be frustrated and embarrassed. Seeing that, Roxanne felt even more pleased. She couldn't wait to send the footage to Maya. Once Maya saw it, she'd be thrilled. Maya'd probably helped Roxanne get closer to Preston in return. Athena noticed the faint smile tugging at Roxanne's lips and sneered inwardly. The fish had taken the bait. Roxanne quickly sent the video of Athena's "awful performance" to Maya. Miles away in Vlephia, Maya opened the file, and she couldn't stop the wicked smile that tugged at her lips. Athena looked absolutely pathetic. This time, she was done for. Maya planned to post the video online, stir up the crowd, and make people turn against Athena. Once the hate started spreading, complaints would pour in. When Athena's name was dragged through the mud, not even Zaden would be able to save her. This time Athena was going to crash hard. Maya quickly replied to Roxanne's message. "Roxanne, thank you for your help! By the way, Preston will be back in Vlephia in a few days. Why don't you come visit? I'll make sure you're treated well." Roxanne had been helping her all this time for one reason—Preston. Maya knew exactly what she was doing. She dangled a little reward in front of Roxanne to make sure that woman would stay loyal and keep sending those videos of Athena. Roxanne lit up immediately. "Perfect! I'll come to Vlephia then! Don't worry, I'll keep a close eye on Athena these next few days and send you every video I record." Maya smiled in satisfaction, still waiting for Roxanne's next batch of footage. What she didn't know was that this time, the video was fake. Athena had created it deliberately to mislead her. And after this, there would be no more videos at all. Because Athena was already gone. She had reached the hospital Kate had arranged for her. ... The private hospital stood quietly on the edge of the city. Inside, rows of modern surgical instruments gleamed under soft white lights. It was fully equipped for both simulation and real surgical practice—an ideal place for Athena to recover and train in peace. The hospital director was a middle-aged woman; she came to greet Athena. Miranda Gordon was said to be one of Kate's old classmates. "Professor Gordon, hello. I'm Athena, Professor Warner's student," Athena said politely, her tone warm and respectful. Miranda had heard of Athena many times before but had never met her in person. She remembered her name clearly; Athena was Kate's most talented and promising student. Now, seeing Athena in front of her, Miranda couldn't help but admire her. She also felt a twinge of envy for Kate. If she'd had such a gifted student, she would've done everything to mentor her. But looking at Athena's calm confidence, Miranda realized this young woman hardly needed anyone's help anymore. "I heard from Kate that your hand's been giving you some trouble?" Miranda asked kindly. She nodded lightly and said openly, "Yes, I was injured before, but it's mostly healed now. I just need to do some simulation surgeries to get the feeling back." "No problem," Miranda said with a warm smile. "You can use everything here as you need." "Thank you, Professor Gordon." Under Miranda's guidance, Athena began her first surgical simulation. Miranda assisted Kate and even helped Athena herself when needed. Because Athena trusted Kate, she also trusted Miranda's support. The first simulation went incredibly well. Every movement felt natural, every step smooth. When the procedure ended, Miranda started clapping. "Honestly," she said, "I thought your hand injury would cause problems during training. But I didn't see any sign of weakness—none at all. You performed beautifully." Miranda smiled with genuine admiration. "That was one of the best performances I've ever seen. You've set the standard every intern should strive for."