Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism novel Chapter 501

Violeta stood still and dialed Hayden's number.

As soon as the call connected, Hayden's voice came through. He said, "I see you. Don't move."

Violeta was holding her phone, and she turned slightly to the side.

There he was, strolling toward her from the path beside the main gate. He wore a light gray jacket and appeared casual yet stylish. Even from a distance, his posture was straight, exuding an air of elegance. He carried something with him.

Violeta hung up the phone.

As he approached, she fixed her gaze on the item in his hand and asked, "What's that?"

"Fruit tea. It's passionfruit flavor. I got it just for you."

Hayden handed her the thermos bag. Violeta's eyes lit up at that. Just as she was about to say something, he cut her off.

"I know, a superstar has to watch her sugar intake. It's sugar-free, so it might taste a bit tart."

"Amazing, you know that? Impressive, really."

Unfortunately, Violeta was wearing a face mask, which made it inconvenient to drink.

There might be paparazzi lurking around. Therefore, she slouched a bit, took Hayden's hand, and together they slipped away.

Hayden had made a reservation at a nearby rotisserie restaurant.

There were no private rooms, but the ambiance was relatively quiet. Screens separated the tables, providing a decent level of privacy.

They chose a discreet corner, surrounded on all sides by partitions.

The table was small and square, with seating on all four sides, but Hayden opted to sit to Violeta's left.

As she reached for the bagel dinner rolls, Violeta felt a bit cramped.

"Why are you sitting next to me? You could sit across."

"I wanted to be closer to you."

Violeta smiled. She picked up some butter to add to her roll. As she wrapped it up, she said, "I've been so busy lately dubbing over eighty episodes of drama that it has left my head spinning. I checked the calendar and realized it's only June. Why are you here already?"

Hayden replied, "Am I not allowed to return early?"

Violeta quipped, "And why did you come looking for me first? Weren't you supposed to report in?"

Hayden shrugged and said, "No rush. I have time to have a meal with you."

Violeta glanced at him, guessing that the first thing Hayden did upon returning to Quinston was to find her. He hadn't even gone home first, and the thought filled her with joy.

It meant that she was his top priority.

After a peaceful and cozy meal of smoked duck, they still had some time, so their driver took them to a nearby lake where there were fewer people to take a walk.