The Rise of a Master: It Starts With Rejection

Chapter 457

In a private room, Hector beamed. "Xena, I cleared my evening to celebrate with you. Where are you taking me to dinner?"

Looking at him, Xena felt nothing but gratitude. Without him as her mentor, she would not be where she was today. "Let me cook for you at my place. I can't think of a restaurant worthy of this occasion."

Though she was now Phoenix Warlord and was equal in rank to Hector, her respect for him remained unwavering,

"Sure. I'll try your cooking, then." Noticing her expression, Hector asked, "Is there something on your mind?"

After hesitating, Xena asked, "Lord Hector, did you have Leia bring Felix to my ceremony?"

He thought it was something more serious, so he laughed and said, "Yes. Is that a problem?

pressed

while! He's treated me a few

revelation stunned Xena. Why had Felix never mentioned

Felix is a

orphanage incident proof enough? If he were a coward, he could have walked away from that situation, but he put himself on the line instead." His words struck like lightning to her.

was right. Would a coward

this, she found herself telling

his head. "You've been through a lot. I understand being worried about your grandfather

so we can't prove Felix's innocence. But I believe he's not that kind of man. The rest is up to

he placed a hand on her shoulder. "Trust me. Felix is an exceptional man. If