Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

Chapter 501 Warmth

Violeta stood still and dialed Hayden's number.

As soon as the call connected, Hayden's voice came through. He said, "I see you. Don't move."

Violeta was holding her phone, and she turned slightly to the side.

There he was, strolling toward her from the path beside the main gate. He wore a light gray jacket and appeared casual yet stylish. Even from a distance, his posture was straight, exuding an air of elegance. He carried something with him. Violeta hung up the phone.

As he approached, she fixed her gaze on the item in his hand and asked, "What's that?"

"Fruit tea. It's passionfruit flavor. I got it just for you."

Hayden handed her the thermos bag. Violeta's eyes lit up at that. Just as she was about to say something, he cut her off.

"I know, a superstar has to watch her sugar intake. It's sugar-free, so it might taste a bit tart."

"Amazing, you know that? Impressive, really."

Unfortunately, Violeta was wearing a face mask, which made it inconvenient to drink.

There might be paparazzi lurking around. Therefore, she slouched a bit, took Hayden's hand, and together they slipped away.

Hayden had made a reservation at a nearby rotisserie restaurant.

There were no private rooms, but the ambiance was relatively quiet. Screens separated the tables, providing a decent level of privacy.

They chose a discreet corner, surrounded on all sides by partitions.

seating on all

dinner

to me? You

to be

add to her roll. As she wrapped it up, she said, "I've been so busy lately dubbing over eighty episodes of drama that it has left my head spinning. I checked the calendar and realized it's only June. Why are you here already?" Hayden

quipped, "And why did you come looking for me first? Weren't you

have time

upon returning to Quinston was to

meant that she was his top

peaceful and cozy meal of smoked duck, they still had some time, so their driver took them to a nearby lake where there were fewer

lake, time

seems like you don't

"I do, occasionally."

lowered her head

not like that I

really. If smoking is a way to relieve stress, there's

why aren't you saying

and said, "I was just recalling. I don't think I've ever

the future either. I don't want you to breathe in secondhand

return, Hayden took Violeta's hand and suddenly pulled her

back, then felt a warm

slightly. She cupped his ear and

Thump, thump, thump.

sound of a quickening

was in high spirits as

report

next few days, Violeta was busy finishing up her voiceover work,