Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism novel Chapter 506

To begin with, dropping by someone's house unannounced? Violeta probably hasn't reached that level of familiarity with Wade.

Their relationship was more like that of a talented student and a talent scout, nothing deeper.

"Mr. Wade, please accept this gift," Violeta said politely.

Wade took off his headphones and accepted the box Violeta handed him. Opening it, he chuckled and said, "You folks really love giving me chess sets."

Violeta smiled warmly and said, "I know you enjoy playing chess, so I thought it would be a fitting gift. Has someone else given you a set, too?"

Wade ran his fingers over the chess pieces and felt the smooth, warm texture.

The material seemed like it was carved from amber. It was a rare and exquisite find.

"Yeah," Wade nodded. "Nolan also recently gave me a chess set. Violeta, you've really put some thought into this. Thank you, I love it."

Violeta smiled and said, "I'm glad you like it. Maybe someday we can play a game together."

Wade smiled back and agreed, "Absolutely. We'll find a time, no rush."

Wade had a whole room dedicated to his collection, almost entirely filled with chess sets made from various materials.

He had a passion for collecting antique chess sets, especially those that had once belonged to ancient kings. These sets, marked by the passage of time, held immense historical and collectible value.

Of course, finding a complete antique chess set was nearly impossible due to the passage of history.

Most auction houses only sold individual pieces, and even those had to be in good condition.

If Wade ever managed to obtain a complete set, he'd be so ecstatic he wouldn't be able to sleep for days—and his appetite would double.

Meanwhile, Zoren and Liam had gone to the airport to pick up Jasper.

Their trip was in vain—Jasper had changed his flight without informing them.

Furious, Zoren and Liam vented in their group chat.

"Jasper, you d*ck! Change your flight without telling us! We wasted half an hour in the freezing cold. You're on our list now!"

Soon after, Jasper sent a photo.

The picture showed a room from the perspective of someone lounging on a sofa, with long legs propped up on a coffee table.

He was wearing black sweatpants, exuding an air of casual defiance.

"It wasn't me," Jasper explained. "My old man changed the flight. I only found out at the last minute. My mom wanted me home early to have lunch with her. Hope you guys understand."

As night fell, Felix dropped Violeta off at the Majestic Hotel. She slipped in quietly and told him he didn't need to wait.

The Majestic Hotel was one of Quinston's most upscale hotels, known for its privacy.

Even if a paparazzi managed to follow her, they'd only be able to snap photos of the hotel entrance. They wouldn't be able to follow her inside.

Violeta entered through the back door, where someone was waiting to escort her. The staff led her to a private room on the third floor.

When she entered the room, Zoren and Jasper were already in the middle of a drinking challenge. Liam was helping Zoren pin Jasper down so he could drink a bottle. Violeta arrived just in time to see all three of them freeze mid-action.

"You've made it, Vio! Come here," Zoren called out.

Violeta took off her mask and hat. For a recent shoot, she had cut her hair short, tucking the strands behind her ears, and showcased her delicate features. Violeta had remained unchanged over the years.

"What are you guys doing?"

Violeta asked, scanning the room. Hayden wasn't there, so he probably hadn't arrived yet.

"We're making Jas drink," Zoren said.

Liam added, "He has to finish three bottles."