Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

Although Hayden seemed only slightly older than Violeta, he carried an air of quiet authority that suggested he was a man of promise.

Felix cast a brief glance at him before looking away.

After dropping everyone off at Liberty Grove, Felix anticipated that Violeta might ask Hayden to stay over, which made him feel uneasy. Rather than voice his concerns directly to Violeta, he watched her and Hayden enter before pulling out his phone to call Eugene. Eugene, upon hearing the situation, quickly called Violeta.

As Violeta had just arrived at the estate, she answered Eugene's call. "Hello, Eugene."

Eugene's voice held a note of concern. "Hello, Beauty. You're back?"

Violeta responded, "Yes, I've just arrived at the estate."

Eugene continued, "Felix mentioned that there's a man with you. At this point, you need to be cautious-make sure he doesn't get photographed."

Violeta paused, understanding Eugene's apprehension. "Eugene, he's just someone who had too much to drink and couldn't drive home alone."

Eugene replied sharply, "That's even more reason to be careful. Some men lose all sense of decorum when they're drunk."

Violeta reassured him, "He's also a resident of Liberty Grove."

Eugene sounded surprised. "Oh? A resident of Liberty Grove?"

Violeta added, "Don't worry. He's not coming to my flat. We live in separate buildings."

Eugene sighed in relief. "Ah, I see. That's alright, then. It's getting late, so make sure to get some rest."

The call ended.

Violeta stifled a laugh as she glanced at Hayden.

"My agent seems to think I'm bringing a man home."

Violeta had been photographed at Liberty Grove before, so Eugene's concerns were understandable.

Fortunately, the exclusivity of Liberty Grove made it difficult for paparazzi to breach; they could only stake out the entrances. After a previous incident, Eugene addressed the issue with the property management.

Given the high property values, Liberty Grove was a preferred location for many prominent individuals in Quinston. If Violeta could be photographed there, so could others, causing anxiety among residents with mistresses who feared exposure.

Complaints poured in, leading the management to enhance security with triple the usual staff, including regular patrols with torches and stun guns at the front and back entrances to deter unwanted visitors. Consequently, it was nearly impossible for paparazzi to gain access.

Eugene's warning was a precaution.

He hoped Violeta would stay

focused on her career and avoid ne

being swayed by any charming individuals.

As Hayden listened to Violeta, he glanced at her but remained silent.

He appreciated having such a vigilant agent keeping a close watch over Violeta, ensuring she stayed away from unwanted advances.

Upon reaching a fork in the

path-Violeta to the left and Hayden to the Right-Hayden looked at the fork and turned to Violeta. "Ibwalk you to your door."

Violeta responded, "It's only a short distance. There's no need."

Hayden insisted on accompanying her, so Violeta relented.

As they walked together, Violeta wondered if Hayden genuinely wanted to come all the way to her flat.

He stayed silent, which was quite puzzling.

As they approached the entrance to her building, Hayden finally spoke.

He looked at Violeta and asked, "What about that favour from last time?"

Violeta, with her hands in her coat pockets, slowed her pace and

looked up at him. "Oh? I asked

you

for a favour, and now I'm repaying

you."

Hayden replied, "I remember you saying you'd agree to anything."

Violeta nodded. "Yes."

Although she had made that promise, Violeta didn't think Hayden would request anything overly demanding.

He didn't seem like the type to make unreasonable demands.

She assumed the exchange would be relatively modest.

Hayden stopped walking, and Violeta did the same, their gazes meeting.

"What do you want me to do?"

Hayden's lips curled into a rare smirk, his eyes sparkling with a touch of mischief. "How about I come up and sit for a while?" "Huh?"

"Just kidding."

He glanced away, his eyes falling on a small nightlight casting a warm glow nearby.