Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

Chapter 662 Final Act of Defiance

After a short wait, the waiter arrived, bringing the food.

While the others hesitated with their utensils, unsure of where to begin, Hayden swiftly seized the best piece of sea bass garnished with lemon and herbs-a dish originally intended for Victor. With the fish in Hayden's grasp, who would dare to object?

As Hayden enjoyed his meal, the rest gradually joined in, starting to eat from their plates.

Unbeknownst to them, Zelena had no utensils; only an untouched glass of wine sat in front of her, a bitter reminder of the toast she had failed to make.

Suddenly, Hayden shattered the silence. "What's going on? Is anyone here willing to lend a hand? Be a gallant knight?"

Everyone froze mid-bite, their gazes snapping to Wayne.

Wayne struggled to keep his smile intact. "How could anyone think that? Haha! I didn't mean it like that, Mr. Frost. You've misunderstood!"

Hayden replied coolly, "Good, because if you're willing to help, you can always give it a try."

There were many leading figures in the entertainment industry.

Whether Wayne was there or not would hardly make a difference; his absence would go unnoticed.

Wayne sensed the subtle threat in Hayden's tone and realized he had inadvertently stepped into a trap. He quickly chuckled nervously. "Haha, you're just teasing! I truly didn't mean anything by it. If I've upset anyone, I'll drink three shots as a penalty!" With that, Wayne rose, pouring himself three shots of liquor as a self-imposed punishment.

Zelena felt as if she were sitting on a bed of nails, utterly mortified.

She had hoped Wayne would act as a mediator, but now it seemed he might land himself in trouble. If Hayden was displeased, the consequences for Wayne could be severe.

void, the hope she had clung to extinguished at

still not willing to accept this

No way!

underestimated me. If she aims to ruin my career, then I will ensure that I take her

none of

dinner neared its end, a heavy tension lingered in the

alone in the private room, feeling like a discarded

sprawled across the table, silent tears cascading down her

to check on her status that she stirred from

Zelena didn't even consider

instead, she snatched up her phone and slammed it down onto the table with all her strength, shattering the rotating

the room,

widening in shock at the sight before

to

shouted back, her voice seething

she had lost her senses

in the glass decor that surrounded her, making her appear utterly

to assess the situation. Thankfully, Zelena's phone was durable; although the screen was cracked and the device had frozen, it still powered on. She instructed Clifford to come

to pay for the broken glass, his forehead creased with worry.

she suddenly burst into uncontrollable laughter. "I want to take

talking about? What's going on? Lena, please

and her eyes were red and

teeth, she spat out the name that