Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

Chapter 661 Awkward Dinner

In that instant, Zelena grasped the entire situation. It was Violeta.

Violeta was the mastermind behind Zelena's blacklisting, having manipulated Hayden into doing her dirty work!

That despicable woman can't outshine me directly, so she resorted to underhanded tactics-how repulsive. Dressed sharply in a sleek black suit, Hayden entered alongside a jovial, rotund man wearing a wide smile.

Initially, Anthony Parham had planned to leave the meeting early to join the dinner, but Hayden had unexpectedly intervened, questioning why he was in such a hurry and insisting on tagging along. It was well-known that Hayden had never attended gatherings in the past.

Excited about the prospect of Hayden's company, Anthony had quickly agreed and brought him to the hotel.

Hayden hadn't come to see Zelena; running into her at the dinner was merely a fortunate coincidence.

He had intended to confront them directly, but when he spotted Zelena, he decided to assert his position immediately, shattering any lingering hopes she might have harbored. Anthony personally instructed a waiter to fetch an extra chair.

Hayden took the seat of honor at the table, radiating an unmistakable air of authority.

As he walked past Zelena, her complexion drained of color. In that moment, Hayden appeared almost godlike his attire was simple, yet his presence remained entirely unassailable. Memories of her time at Toland University surged back, reminding her of the moments she'd glimpsed him on the tennis courts.

Zelena lowered her gaze, overwhelmed by a profound sense of regret.

Had she realized that Violeta's true target was not Nolan, she wouldn't have squandered so much time on him.

More than a decade of her life had just slipped through her fingers.

waiter brought over a chair,

a statue. Come on!" Wayne urged quietly.

quick nod, Zelena diverted her eyes and moved

from him, while Zelena positioned herself next to

head bowed, her hair cascading over her face

probe any further. Zelena had already assembled the pieces of the puzzle in her mind; asking more questions would only lead to her embarrassment. Just then, however, someone brought up the very topic she was desperate to

to know who placed Zelena on

expression turned serious at the question. "Victor, why

today, so I thought I'd ask. It shouldn't be a big

reality, very few individuals were privy to the complete story behind

had been blacklisted

offense; she had merely

understanding of the situation. He glanced at Hayden, who was seated beside him, and tactfully suggested, "If you're curious, you might as well inquire

comment effectively redirected everyone's focus

right? Haha." The atmosphere

the rest of the table. In a composed tone, he declared, "I was the one who gave that

Wait, what?

be that straightforward? Have we just confronted

Wayne appeared particularly uneasy.

also seemed bewildered, unsure how to

Hayden why he made such a decision. That would have been a serious

Hayden exhibited no remorse. Instead, he casually