Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

He opened the car door and let Violeta get in.

Violeta quickly said, "Anything's fine. Oh, that barbeque place in the East City is really good. It's been ages since I had it." "Alright, let's go get some barbecue."

Zoren closed the car door, walked around the front, and entered.

The silver sports car sped away like a lightning bolt into the night.

However, neither of them noticed the black car at the intersection, with paparazzi inside filming Violeta and Zoren with their phones.

The paparazzi followed them all the way to the famous restaurant in the East City.

While in the car, Violeta called Kaylee, asking her to join them for dinner.

It had been long since they had all gotten together, so now was the perfect opportunity.

Kaylee received the call and hailed a cab to join them.

The BBQ Artisan in the East City was bustling with business at this time.

Violeta got out of the car, put on her mask, and couldn't help but get teased by Zoren.

"Oh no, what if we get caught by the paparazzi? Dining with a big star, am I going to make headlines?"

Violeta pinched his arm with two fingers and gave it a twist that made Zoren gasp in pain.

"Stop it, or I'll strangle you.

"Hurry up and get out, I can already smell the food."

Violeta opened the door and got out, walking into the restaurant with Zoren. They booked a private room upstairs.

Before long, Kaylee arrived by taxi and joined them upstairs.

A black van parked in the shadows captured everything with paparazzi inside.

Inside the private room, Kaylee was thrilled to see Violeta.

"Vio! I've missed you!"

Violeta grabbed Kaylee's hand. "How have you been? It's been a while. School treating you well?"

"Of course! Ever since those troublemakers, Zelena and Hattie, left, my class life has been great.

"Oh my, 'The Quiet Ode' is just too good! I've been watching it day and night after classes! It's so so so good!"

Violeta was delighted to hear Kaylee's praise.

Zoren said, "Kaylee, have you landed any roles lately?"

Kaylee blinked and replied honestly, "I auditioned for a movie recently but haven't heard back yet. I think I did pretty well, though."

Violeta patted Kaylee's hand. "Don't worry, Kat. If you don't get that role, come and work on my project. I'm planning to invest in a drama soon, and it will be a big hit."

Zoren raised an eyebrow, "What kind of drama? Are you switching from being in front of the camera to behind it so soon?"

Violeta chuckled, "Not exactly. This

project is quite special and probably

hard to fund within the industry.

want to fund it myself. If it works out reserve a role for Kay

en FindNovel

SWITO

Kaylee was pleasantly surprised. "Really, Vio, you're amazing!"

Violeta nodded, "Of course! Didn't I promise you before that I'd save a good role for you?"

At that moment, the waiter brought out the food.

There was smoked brisket, crispy chicken wings, and spicy mac and cheese.

While serving, the waiter glanced at Violeta and recognized her, "You're ... you're Layla, right?"

Violeta was taken aback. It wasn't surprising to be recognized but a bit sudden.

"Ah, yes, that's me," Violeta confirmed.

The waiter exclaimed in excitement, "Ah!! I've met Layla! I've met..."

"Shh!" Violeta hushed him gently.

Blushing, the waiter apologized, "I'm sorry, I got too excited. Can I take a photo with you?"

Violeta nodded, "Of course, your smoked brisket is delicious."

The waiter, trembling with excitement, took out his phone and activated the beauty mode before taking a selfie with Violeta. Violeta's face looked noticeably smaller on the screen, and she fell silent momentarily.

"All done," the waiter retrieved his phone, "Enjoy your meal! I won't disturb you any longer."

Violeta smiled, "I'm here on a private outing with friends. Please don't mention it to anyone else. Thank you."

The waiter nodded immediately, "Of course, of course. You can count on me."

Then, with three quick glances back, the waiter left until he closed the private room door behind him. "Phew," Violeta sighed softly.

Once the waiter had left, Kaylee

breathed, "Oh my goodness,

You're really famous. I'm Womet

we'll be stalked when we leave."

QUMS

Violeta reassured her, "I don't think so. Didn't she promise me before she left?"

Zoren picked up his utensils, "Let's eat first and talk."

The three of them enjoyed their conversation in the private room.

Two hours later, Zoren went to settle the bill.

They left together.

Kaylee hailed a cab and left while Zoren accompanied Violeta to Liberty Grove.

As Violeta exited the car, she asked, "Zoren, I forgot to ask you why you came to Liberty Grove today?"

Zoren replied, "To pick up

something. The notary stamp from

Pet Haven was ready, so I came over to get it from Hade's place."

IMS