Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism novel Chapter 507

With a twist of his elbow, Jasper shrugged off Zoren's grasp, freeing himself from the clutches. He muttered, "Hade hasn't even arrived yet; why are you guys in such a rush?"

Violeta pulled out a chair and casually placed her hat on the table.

She glanced at them with a cheerful smile.

"Jasper, you're finally back. How was Wiltonshire?"

Jasper adjusted his collar. He wore a black knit vest over a gray checkered shirt, torn open during the playful scuffle with Zoren and Liam. His face hadn't changed much over the years—sharp eyes, thin lips—but his air had become mature.

Of course, that was only when he wasn't speaking.

In front of his close friends, his composure would vanish in an instant.

"It was alright. Ended up doing some post-grad program while I was there."

Zoren popped a peanut into his mouth and teased, "Haha! I bet you didn't miss a chance to chase after a few girls either!"

The past few years had been quite the adventure for Jasper overseas. He had a habit of spending a lot, usually seven figures per year. When he first arrived in Wiltonshire, he splurged on a property worth eight figures.

His pace of changing girlfriends remained just as brisk.

In Wiltonshire, he managed to wreck three supercars—life was smooth sailing, to say the least.

After all, it was simple to live large when you weren't spending your own money.

Liam sighed and said, "Compared to your life, mine is barely alive!" If I'd known, I would've taken a couple of years off after graduation too."

Zoren snorted and said, "Come on, cut the act. I'm the one who actually built something from scratch, okay?"

Liam retorted, "That was your choice."

Zoren's eyes narrowed and he rebuked, "Hey! That's not something I want to hear!"

Before he could say more, the door to the private room swung open again.

Hayden walked in. He wore a light brown blazer. His tall frame carried a sense of quiet authority, accentuated by the frameless glasses perched on his high bridged nose. He wore black casual pants that highlighted his long legs, and his posture was straight and poised.

He had clearly come straight from work.

"Hey, Hade." Jasper looked up, grinning as he rose to greet him with open arms. "I missed you, man."

They hugged briefly. Hayden gave Jasper's shoulder a light pat and smiled softly.

"Finally decided to come back, huh?"