Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

Chapter 263 Because I Didn't Want To

New Year celebrations should have this kind of atmosphere. Inside, several gambling tables were already set up, ready for poker after lunch. Old friends rarely get to gather for New Year.

Everyone's schedules are usually packed, and while they might see each other occasionally, such festive gatherings are very rare.

Among Violeta's generation, Niall and Elaine were the oldest.

Violeta was the youngest.

During lunch, everyone was well-mannered. When the elders chatted, the younger ones rarely interrupted.

Coincidentally, Violeta wasn't very talkative, so she was more interested in the food than the conversation.

The local cuisine of Quinston was served.

Violeta eyed the sugar-coated fruit and smoked duck several times but hesitated to take any.

Irene wrapped a cornbread for Violeta and handed it to her. The cornbread was stuffed with fillings, and one bite was incredibly delicious. Still, Violeta wanted the smoked duck.

There wasn't much smoked duck, and since this wasn't her home, she felt it impolite to reach for it.

While sipping her water, Violeta overheard the conversation shift to Hayden and his peers' prospects.

Hayden's name came up, of course.

Violeta listened intently. Just then, a piece of smoked duck appeared on her plate.

She was startled.

the direction of the fork and saw a clean hand, then

answering the

glanced at Violeta's plate, while Frida, who was sitting gracefully beside

bring the

immediately brought the smoked duck to

smiled awkwardly.

Make

had been eyeing the smoked duck for a while. She wondered when Hayden had noticed,

was excellent. Every

famous nationwide, and it took a skilled chef to prepare

didn't hesitate and started

Violeta enjoy the smoked duck and turned to Irene with a smile. "Irene, how old is

year, she's turning

"She's two years younger than Hayden. She looks just like you when you were

families arrived, and several poker tables were set up in the living room.

New Year. But

teased Nolan about being a

with her parents, sat aside playing on

particularly close, they had grown up in the

Moon Festival,

that Violeta might be the long-lost daughter of the White family upon seeing her in

at the Frost family's house

been rumors in their club that Violeta might be the White

those rumors

phone, Lucy's eyes frequently darted