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.

of the fork and saw a clean

casually answering the conversation,

sitting gracefully

the smoked

the smoked

smiled awkwardly. "Thank

Make

while. She wondered

chef was excellent. Every dish on the table was

and it took a skilled chef to

didn't hesitate

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

replied, "Sophomore year, she's turning 20

"She's two years younger than Hayden. She looks just

poker tables were set up in the living room. Nolan was

him to have time to celebrate the New Year. But after this, he would be busy again,

teased Nolan about being a

after greeting Glen with her parents, sat aside playing on

had grown up in the same circles

Moon

of the White family upon seeing her in a dancing dress. She had been reluctant to believe

at the Frost family's house today, Lucy had

been rumors in their club that Violeta might be the White family's illegitimate child,

she wondered where those

Lucy's eyes frequently darted