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.

and saw a clean hand, then a black knitted

the conversation, retracted

who was sitting gracefully beside him, smiled and said, "Do you want some

bring the smoked

servant immediately brought the smoked

awkwardly. "Thank

welcome. Make yourself at

a while. She wondered when Hayden had noticed, thinking

Every dish

and it took a skilled chef to prepare it this

didn't hesitate

Irene with a smile. "Irene, how old

year, she's turning 20 this

younger than Hayden. She looks just like

families arrived, and several poker tables were set up

have time to celebrate the New Year. But after this, he would be busy again, likely not returning to school

Nolan about being a big star, saying he

greeting Glen with her parents, sat

their relationships weren't particularly close, they had grown up in

the Moon Festival,

daughter of the White family upon seeing her in a dancing dress. She

at the Frost family's house today, Lucy had to accept

Violeta might be the White family's illegitimate child, Zoren's sister, which Lucy

those rumors started-they

to play on her phone, Lucy's eyes