Ms. Silverleaf took a few steps forward and then retreated, saying respectfully, "Ms. Violeta, the gardener will be here this afternoon to tend to the garden and transplant some new plants. I'll make sure they keep it quiet. Also, Tuna and Hera will be delivered by Mrs. White this morning. Do you prefer to keep the birdcage upstairs or downstairs?"
Violeta picked up the bowl of oatmeal from the table and ate while listening.
"Let's keep it upstairs."
"Got it."
"Ms. Silverleaf, I'm not going out today. Have the gardener come tomorrow instead. I want to watch a drama."
"Okay, I'll let you enjoy your breakfast."
A good butler knows how to move almost silently when the master is home.
Ms. Silverleaf left quietly.
Zoren discovered he was on a trendy search but didn't call Violeta. Instead, he tagged her in the group chat.
Zoren writes, 'Hey, being on the trendy search with a big star feels amazing! I look so awful in those photos. That paparazzi must be a total idiot—following me around while I eat. Is there no such thing as privacy anymore?'
Violeta glanced at her phone and saw Zoren's complaints in the chat.
She couldn't be bothered to type, so she sent a voice message instead.
"Zoren, you're not the one who's really suffering here. Did you see what people are saying about me online? They're even accusing me of looking for a sugar daddy. How about this? If you throw some money my way, we can prove those claims valid."
Soon, Zoren sent back a voice message.
"Ugh, if only I could throw money your way. Both my pockets are empty. I'm practically broke!"
Pet Haven recently took on a piece of land in West City to build a pet facility and plans to plant an orchard on the hillside.
So, Zoren has poured all his money into this project—he's been funding it from his own pocket.
At first, Violeta uses her Christmas money to support him, but she's almost run out of it. Zoren didn't ask for more from Violeta; the guys are all chipping in as best as they can on their own.
The White family, of course, disapproves of Zoren's venture. His parents think he's just wasting his time.
But Zoren was determined. He felt rescuing animals was meaningful.
Isn't life about doing what you think matters?
Even if he's not making money now, he believes it will pay off eventually.
The two continued chatting in the group.
Before long, Liam chimed in.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism