Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism novel Chapter 107

Hattie's gaze brightened. "Does this information hold true?"

Zelena responded, "It ought to be. Mr. Howell lives near that area, and the sole nearby park is Central Park. Even if we're wrong, it's alright. You and Benson haven't had the opportunity to fully discover Quinston, so it's a splendid suggestion for us to venture to the park together this weekend. I've heard it's impeccably kept."

Hattie agreed, "Indeed. Let's arrange to visit the park this upcoming weekend."

Witnessing Hattie's consent, Zelena's lips formed a slight smile.

In truth, she possessed additional knowledge beyond that. She had unearthed that Wade takes pleasure in playing chess.

In order to accommodate his interest, Zelena had been honing her chess skills in secret for some time, anticipating the opportune moment to dazzle Wade and leave a memorable mark on him.

Nonetheless, to forge a closer bond with Wade, she required a connection, and Hattie served as the ideal link.

...

Soon enough, the weekend rolled around.

Wade requested Nolan to extend an invitation to Violeta, and they anticipated her arrival at the gazebo.

Violeta showed up at the park with Tuna.

Simultaneously, at the park's west gate, Zelena, accompanied by Hattie and Benson, reached Central Park.

Devoid of a set meeting spot, despite being in the park, they could only roam aimlessly, hoping to encounter Wade by chance.

However, Zelena didn't want to come empty-handed, thus she began snapping photos upon their park arrival.

Recently, she has been managing her own Facebook account.

She had posted numerous meticulously edited captivating photos on Facebook, amassing a modest following.

This deviated slightly from her initial intentions, as she had aimed to promote herself as Toland University's campus belle on Facebook.

However, with Violeta claiming the title of this year's campus belle of Toland University, that strategy was no longer feasible, intensifying Zelena's animosity towards her even further.

She was resolute in making her debut before Violeta.

She aspired to attain a higher status in the social circle than Violeta in the times ahead!

Upon locating the gazebo, Violeta strolled over with Tuna.

Nolan was accompanied by Cutie, and as Violeta approached, Cutie wagged her tail eagerly and sniffed Tuna.

However, Tuna simply lay down on the ground, her ears unmoving, ignoring Cutie's advances.

"Mr. Howell, have you been waiting for a while?"

Wade and Nolan were deeply absorbed in their chess match. Upon hearing Violeta's voice, Wade glanced up and grinned. "Violeta, you've arrived. We only just got here. There's a chess tournament happening at the chess club this afternoon, and I invited Nolan to play a few matches with me."

Violeta approached and cast a glance at the chessboard. "Well, you two carry on."

Wade inquired, "Do you know how to play?"