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

answering the conversation,

Frida, who was sitting gracefully beside him, smiled

bring the smoked

the smoked duck

smiled awkwardly.

welcome. Make yourself at

wondered when Hayden had noticed, thinking

chef was excellent. Every dish

took a skilled

hesitate

to Irene with a smile. "Irene, how old is this child

replied, "Sophomore year, she's turning

than Hayden. She looks just

lunch, members of the Spencer and Trivia families arrived, and several poker tables were set up in the

time to celebrate the New Year. But after

and the others teased Nolan about being a big star,

greeting Glen with her parents,

had grown up in the same circles and

Moon Festival,

Violeta might be the long-lost daughter of the White family upon seeing her in a dancing dress. She had

Violeta at the Frost family's house today, Lucy

in their club that Violeta might be the White family's illegitimate child, Zoren's sister, which

those rumors started-they were

her phone, Lucy's eyes frequently darted toward Jasper's