Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism novel Chapter 165

Hattie hurriedly hid the bottle back in her sleeve.

"I found it in the bathroom on the island."

"What?" he asked.

Back in the day, Hannah used to throw wild parties on the island, where there were no rules.

They partied hard, and it seemed a servant missed this bottle during the cleanup, which Hattie had found.

Benson immediately got Hattie's plan and objected. "Hattie, don't do this."

"Why not?"

"You want Niall to fall for you, but this isn't the way. Using your body like this won't earn his respect. No man will respect a woman who does this. As your brother, I can't allow it."

Hattie laughed, almost mocking Benson's innocence.

"Benson, do you think I want some romantic relationship with him? This is just business. This opportunity is rare. I might never get this close to Niall again, so I can't miss it."

The entertainment industry was tough, and Hattie had accepted that.

To gain status and fame, some sacrifices were necessary.

Being timid wouldn't get her anywhere.

Seeing Hattie's determination, Benson felt conflicted. "Hattie, do you really have to do this? There are other options besides Niall."

"But Niall is the best option right now. You know how unappealing most of the men on those rich lists are. Niall is the best choice," she argued.

It's better to go for Niall than those other men!

Benson didn't know what else to say.

"Hattie, I just hope you won't regret this."

"I won't."

"Okay," he replied, hesitant.

Benson then sighed and left the kitchen.

Hattie knew she couldn't put the drug into the cake. She would find another chance to get Niall to take it.

The weather outside was worsening.

In the esports room, Violeta stood by the window, watching the storm rage outside.

She had a guess about the reason behind Hattie's odd behaviour.

Has Hattie set her sights on Niall?

Violeta frowned. She had always known that the island's collapse wouldn't harm Hattie and Benson.

Violeta was surprised but kept her face neutral as she looked at Hayden.

After a moment, Violeta teased, "You've got quite the calculating mind."

In theory, Violeta had an advantage because of her past memories.

But Hayden didn't have those memories. Besides, he had no prior conflicts with Hattie and didn't know her that well.

At least Hayden and Hattie had never gotten into a fight, and on the surface, Hattie and Benson hadn't revealed their true intentions yet.

The fact that Hayden had drawn such a conclusion showed his impressive insight and ability to read people.

He had both good and bad sides.

"If you're right, would you stop them?"

"Why should I?" Hayden said calmly.

"Everyone has their own goals. Even in the closest relationships, people have their own agendas. As long as it doesn't affect me, there's no reason to interfere."

"That's true."

Violeta nodded, fully agreeing.

But since their target was Niall, it was already affecting her.