Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

He said nonchalantly, "You can go."

"Yes."

The wind and rain gradually become heavier.

Someone would make the trip to the small private cottage daily to deliver their meals.

Hattie had been yearning for a chance to visit the villa, but the incessant storm trapped her in the room.

At noon, a villa staff member arrived with their meal, driving a shuttle bus. After collecting the dishes and leaving, Hattie kept looking out the window to watch their retreating figure.

Benson had noticed her unusual behaviour over the past few days.

He put down his spoon and inquired her, "Hattie, what are you thinking?"

Their sibling bond was strong.

Turning her head, she sighed disappointedly. "Benson, I want to go to the villa and meet Niall.

"Niall is the heir of the White family. Getting along with him could be incredibly beneficial for us. I don't want to miss this great opportunity."

Benson studied the situation calmly. "But he also gets along well with Liam. He may not even consider us."

Hattie walked over to him; her confidence unwavering. "Benson, I just need to make Niall fall for me."

They had both returned from Harbor City with clear goals in mind.

That's why Hattie had never concealed her ambition from Benson.

"If you want to secure the position of the Ridge family head in the future, you'll need strong allies. I will make sure to choose a wife who can help us."

Benson's future wife would also have to be a strategic asset.

Both of them placed a high importance on power, so love became less significant.

Lowering his gaze, Benson contemplated her words.

Hattie had a crush on Niall. She preferred his background.

Benson spoke seriously, "This is the real opportunity."

Hattie continued, "But, I don't know how to get to the villa ... "

Benson replied, "It's easy to go there. Make something yourself and bring it to him as a gesture of thanks. But remember, you'll only have one shot at this. Whether he remembers you or not, it depends on your skills."

Her eyes lit up. "Benson, that's a brilliant idea. I'm going to make a cake."

There are plenty of supplies in the refrigerator, and all the necessary utensils were available in the kitchen.

Hattie gathered a few servants to work in the kitchen to help her bake a chiffon cake.

In the garage, there was a spare shuttle they could use to reach the villa.

...

At the villa, Violeta had been practising and had nearly regained her former proficiency with the equipment over the past few days.

Violeta's movements grew increasingly fluid; her gameplay was almost divine in its precision.

In just several days, they climbed the ranks as a team, and Violeta returned to the top. However, to regain their former national ranking, they would have to wait for next month's leaderboard update. Hayden's skills also improved remarkably. He could fill any role with ease.

Now, he wanted to swap roles with Zoren.

With his arms crossed on his chest, Zoren retorted, "No way, Hade."

"You've already lost to me once. Why do you want to switch again? No way!"

Hayden stared at Zoren indifferently. "Survival of the fittest. I demand another solo match."

Unable to withstand Hayden's icy stare, Zoren turned to Violeta for help. "Vio, Hade is being unfair. He wants to switch roles with me again."

Violeta was holding a tablet and watching the replay of their previous night's ranked match.

She replied offhandedly, "Hayden, you make a great support. You're brave, meticulous, and have excellent awareness. If Zoren were to play support, we'd probably lose. I trust you more than him. You stay as support."

"Alright."

Hayden agreed immediately, settling on the couch without another word about switching roles.

Zoren was taken aback. "What? Just like that? Vio, what do you mean you trust him more than me?"

Violeta glanced at him, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "It's a compliment for you."

Liam walked over and patted Zoren's head. "You're missing the point, idi*t. Hade is a better support than you." "Hmph!"

Zoren wasn't pleased. "Hade, let's solo. I'll prove I'm just as good at support."

Hayden rolled his eyes.

"Get lost."

Zoren was stunned.

"Huhuhu..."

Feeling defeated, Zoren stood up from the couch. "You guys are the worst."

He stormed out of the esports room.

"Is he upset?" Violeta spoke.

Jasper replied lazily, "I doubt it. Knowing him, he'll be back in under thirty seconds."

Sure enough, in less than a minute, Zoren returned, carrying drinks and grinning as if nothing had happened.

Years of friendship meant they never held grudges over trivial matters.

Violeta said, "Actually, I think you're an excellent shooter. We're the best team."

"Give me five!"

They toasted their glass in the esports room.

Meanwhile, Hattie and Benson arrived at the villa's entrance with the cake.

When the servant heard the doorbell and opened the door, they were stunned to see them.

"Mr. Benson, Miss Hattie, what brings you here?"