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.

the hope she

she was still not

No way!

If she aims to ruin my career, then I will ensure that

to that, none of us will

end, a heavy tension

the private

across the table, silent tears cascading down her

only when Clifford called to check on her status

Zelena didn't even consider

it down onto the table with

the room, startling a waiter

eyes widening in shock

you doing? You'll have to pay

back, her voice

lost her senses and quickly radioed for the

her image warped in the glass decor

although the screen was cracked and the device had frozen, it still powered on.

he was ready to pay for the broken glass, his forehead creased with worry. "What happened? What's going on

burst into

bewildered. "Who are you talking about? What's going on?

raw from the earlier chaos, and

teeth, she spat out