Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism novel Chapter 635

The stark contrast between their receptions made Ophelia even more bitter toward Violeta. She grabbed a nearby glass of wine and gulped it down, trying to drown her frustrations.

Meanwhile, Violeta clinked glasses and shared drinks with Jay and others at the gathering.

From her spot in the corner, Zelena watched the scene unfold with a sense of satisfaction.

She drank it! That's perfect!

A smile began to form on her lips.

However, just then, Violeta's gaze swept over and locked with hers.

Zelena froze; Violeta's clear eyes seemed to pierce through her, knowing and controlled. Then, casually, Violeta raised her glass again and took a sip.

For some reason, Zelena felt as if Violeta had everything under control, just from that look in her eyes.

In an instant, Violeta looked away, making Zelena wonder if that intense eye contact had been just her imagination.

Zelena had attempted to outmaneuver Violeta multiple times before, always without success.

Will it fail this time too?

No, it won't. This time, Violeta can't possibly escape.

She's already drank the wine, so how would she get away from this?

Shaking off her doubts, Zelena turned away to engage with another group.

Violeta, holding her glass, noticed Zelena moving away. She continued her conversation, her thumb absently stroking the rim of her glass.

At a pause, she looked over to where her glass had been earlier, only to find it missing.

Giulia noticed Violeta's distracted look and asked, "What's wrong?"

Violeta responded, "The glass of wine I had placed there is gone."

Giulia reassured her, "It was probably taken by a waiter. It's just a dirty glass of wine, no need to worry about it."

"Hmm," Violeta murmured thoughtfully.

Earlier, as she and Giulia approached the gathering, Violeta had made an excuse that there was ash in her wine and nonchalantly set the glass down on a table.