Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

Chapter 161 The Crumbling Hope

Violeta recalled when she had taunted Hattie during their last gaming session.

Imagining her upcoming meeting with Hattie, she wondered who would be embarrassed.

"Whatever. If they come, they come. It's got nothing to do with us."

Liam, glancing at the rain splattering against the window. He never thought the island would sink, but here they were.

At first, he didn't want to run into them, but now it seemed unavoidable.

Niall tried to ease their concerns. "Rest assured. Hattie, her brother, and the other servants from the island will stay in the house next to the villa. Once the rain stops, they'll leave. Our staff will bring them meals daily so they won't bother you."

"That's a relief," Liam replied.

...

As the White Sunset docked, Hattie was so emotionally overwhelmed that her tears threatened to fall. "Benson, look at that enormous yacht! Dad must have sent Niall to rescue us. Let's hurry and get on board."

They boarded the White Sunset together with the other servants on the island.

Hattie had been pondering how they'd managed to get on the yacht before, but she never expected to board it in such a sorry state.

Although she was embarrassed, a flicker of pride ignited within her.

Once aboard, Hattie wasted no time. She struck poses from every angle, snapping photos and pairing them with haughty captions before posting them online.

Before they arrived at the island, she crafted a plan. As soon as she saw Niall, she'd chat with him, aiming to leave the best possible impression, maybe even charm him.

she put on a waterproof full-face makeup look in the yacht room, hoping to appear delicately

her excitement plummeted. Niall was nowhere in

"Where's Niall?"

them in a shuttle bus, answered, "Mr. Niall isn't here. So, hurry up and get into

many servants beside her and Benson got off

inevitable for them to squeeze with the servants. The thought of squeezing in with the drenched, sour smelly servants with

there another bus? Do we have to

is here. You can squeeze enough in these three buses. We don't have the luxury ones for you to pick and choose. Unless you want to wait

Hattie was speechless.

her, "Hattie, just get on the

she was more afraid of

is so dark. The wind and rain are so strong.

"Fine."

only climb into

vacation villa loomed closer,

shuttle suddenly veered off, heading

Aren't we

driver in front said, "Mr. Niell arranged for you to stay in a

"What?!"

taken aback and immensely

might be nice, but it meant she couldn't see

for special treatment. We don't need to

driver glanced at her through the rearview mirror, rolling

Hattie, I can't make decisions

say

hopes of meeting Niall crumbled before they even