Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism novel Chapter 108

Hattie felt a wave of delight when she noticed Wade and his group strolling toward her in the park, grinning broadly. It was a stroke of luck to encounter Wade in the park, a fact that filled her with disbelief.

However, her happiness quickly faded when she glimpsed Violeta among Wade's group.

Why did it have to be Violeta again?

What rotten luck!

"Lena, take a look."

Zelena glanced ahead, her face lighting up momentarily before souring. "Why does Violeta have to be here as well?"

Hattie responded, "She is such a conniver. It's no surprise she's acquainted with Mr. Howell. She probably had manipulated Nolan!"

Zelena clenched her jaw.

Nolan was her objective. She had been meticulously monitoring the interactions between Violeta and Nolan at school. She hadn't observed any signs of closeness between them, but she never anticipated Violeta, that detestable individual, to be lurking around on the weekend attempting to cosy up to Nolan.

It's utterly brazen. I've underestimated her far too much!

"Let's go greet them!"

Hattie hesitated. "Mr. Howell despises flattery. If we approach now, he might interpret it as an attempt to ingratiate ourselves with him. It could backfire, and he might end up disliking us."

Zelena suggested, "Last time I was here, I spotted a chess hall adjacent to the park hosting a competition today. They're likely heading there for the competition. Why don't we casually run into them at the chess hall?"

A chess competition would provide the ideal platform for her to showcase her abilities.

Wade, a fervent chess enthusiast, would undoubtedly be impressed by her chess skills upon witnessing it.

This would afford her more opportunities to interact with Wade and engage in diverse conversations.

However, Hattie, not being a chess player herself, didn't have strong feelings about her suggestion.

But then, she turned to Benson beside her, beaming, and exclaimed, "Benson, you're skilled at chess. You should join the competition and make a lasting impression on Mr. Howell!"

Zelena was taken aback, her response trailing off into silence.

If Benson joins too, won't I have a competitor?

Benson simply nodded in agreement, saying, "Okay."

And so, the trio promptly pivoted and opted for a shortcut to exit through the west gate, making their way to the chess hall to complete their registration.

Ten minutes later.

Violeta and her companions arrived at the chess hall accompanied by their pets. They accessed the courtyard through the rear entrance, settling Tuna and Cutie on the second floor before proceeding downstairs to complete their registration.

Observing Nolan, the chess hall staff greeted him with smiles. "Nolan, you are here. Will you be competing today?"

Nolan shook his head. "Not this time."

Glancing at Violeta beside him, the staff inquired, "Is this lovely young lady your girlfriend?"