Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

At the doorway, Zelena leaned against the frame, listening closely to Lydia's phone call.

A satisfied smirk curled her lips.

She had played her cards well.

Lydia, having been entrenched in the industry for years, undoubtedly had her own network of contacts.

With Zelena having leaked the information, Lydia would certainly verify it herself.

Zelena had done her part and could now simply observe as Lydia took action.

After all, with Violeta having repeatedly overshadowed her, how could Lydia resist the chance to undermine Violeta?

Let the show begin.

That night, Violeta finished her work early and quietly headed to a restaurant for a meeting.

Felix had driven her there.

As she exited the car, Violeta turned to Felix and said, "Felix, you should head back. You could end up waiting for quite some time."

Felix replied, "No problem, Ms. White. I'll wait outside. Eugene insisted that I ensure you get back safely."

"Alright, then." Violeta agreed, closing the car door.

She adjusted her hat and mask before slipping into the restaurant.

A person was waiting at the entrance to guide her upstairs to a private room.

Inside, Hayden, Zoren, and Liam were already present, with the food prepared and ready.

As Violeta entered and removed her mask, she saw the three men waiting.

"You're all here already. Am I the last to arrive?" She greeted them.

Zoren teased, "We haven't been waiting long-just a couple of hours."

"Get out of here. It hasn't been that long," Violeta retorted, gaining a chuckle from Zoren.

Liam looked at her with a mischievous glint. "It's been a while, Vio. It's rare to catch a glimpse of a big star."

"Best Supporting Actress, you mean?" Zoren corrected him.

Liam raised an eyebrow. "Oh, right, Best Supporting Actress! I almost forgot. I watched the awards live. You looked stunning." Hayden added, "Shall we start serving the food?"

Violeta removed her hat and mask placing them on the table before sitting down. "It's not often we get together like this. Is Jasper still abroad?"

Zoren nodded. "Yes. Who knows when he'll return. It seems he's forgotten about us. But then again, Jasper is your boss, Vio." "That's true. I work for him," Violeta replied.

"I just hope he returns soon to support me. With him here, I could run the company however I like," she joked, pouring herself a cup of tea. Turning to Liam, she asked, "Liam, how's everything at the company?"

"Not too bad. It's the usual eight-to-six routine," Liam responded.

Zoren interjected, "Liam's practically a prince at the company. Who would dare cross him? Why do you ask, Vio?"

Taking a sip of her tea, Violeta said slowly, "I've heard that Hattie is trying to get close to wealthy men. If she marries into money and Benson returns from his studies, wilkit pose a threat to you, Liam?"

Hannah had never abandoned the notion of her son vying for power. Sending Benson abroad had been a strategic retreat.

Before Benson could act to seize power, Hattie would likely find him a powerful ally.

Liam frowned. "Last Christmas,

Benson didn't come back but sent

gifts. I heard he's doing well in

school overseas. He should be back

this year."

Benson had left during his sophomore year, and now it was time for him to return, having completed his studies.

Violeta scrutinised Liam closely.

Since joining Ridge Group, he has progressed rapidly, climbing two positions within a year. His manner was now mature and composed. Clearly, his mother was formidable and wouldn't let Hannah's schemes succeed easily.

Still, regardless of whether Benson could surpass Liam, their futures were intertwined through the Ridge name.

Liam's mother held as much resentment towards Hannah as she did towards the men in her own family, pinning all her hopes on Liam.

"Excuse me, the food has arrived," a server announced as three waiters wheeled in carts laden with dishes.

"Finally, let's eat! Enough talk," Zoren declared.

However, Hayden turned to Liam and said seriously, "Liam, if you ever need anything, just let me know."