Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism novel Chapter 576

On the other end of the line was Liam's mother, Amber.

"Vio, thank you," Amber said.

Violeta replied, "No need to thank me, Mrs. Ridge. I'm glad I could help. Let's proceed according to plan."

Amber was deeply grateful to Violeta. "Alright. I know you're busy, but when you have time, come over to the house. I'll make sure to treat you well."

After they hung up, Violeta set her phone down and looked into the distance.

Her eyelashes fluttered like butterfly wings, and a bright spark flickered in her eyes.

This plan had been in motion for over a year.

It all started when Benson returned from abroad and joined Ridge Group.

As the matriarch of the Ridge family, Amber couldn't openly confront this brother-and-sister duo without risking public scrutiny.

Hattie and Benson had been accepted by Carl, and, officially, they had to call Amber "Mom."

For the sake of the Ridge family's reputation and her own position, Amber had no choice but to tolerate them, even though she saw them as a thorn in her side.

If Carl's mother found out about any hostility, it would only lead to more arguments.

Amber also understood human nature well.

If she went after Hattie and Benson directly, it would only strain her relationship with Carl further.

It might even backfire and drag Liam into the mess, further fueling Carl's sympathy for the siblings and making him even more inclined to favor them.

Hannah, that seductress, was always ready to capitalize on any rift between Amber and Carl.

Amber was in a difficult position.

What good is an unfaithful husband?

But divorce in middle age is no simple matter, especially with the complex web of interests tied to Ridge Group.

So, Amber wasn't planning on divorcing Carl.

She had to secure the future for Liam and ensure he got what he deserved.

Besides, leaving would only play right into Hannah's hands.

As long as Amber was alive, Hannah would never be allowed into the Ridge family, nor would she ever have the chance to get her name on Carl's household registry.

Hannah would forever be the scorned mistress, unworthy of sitting at the family table.

When Amber's people were keeping an eye on Hattie, they happened to witness Zelena taking pictures of her and Alaric in an underground parking garage.

After learning this, Violeta remarked how perfect the situation was!

Dealing with Hattie wouldn't require them to get directly involved—they only needed to guide things in the right direction.

Just as Violeta had previously guided Zelena and Hattie into becoming enemies.

So, Violeta adjusted the plan slightly and strategically nudged things along at every twist and turn, easily directing Zelena's anger toward Hattie.

Now, Hattie's downfall was inevitable.

She was caught in a trap she couldn't escape.

Amber followed Violeta's plan to the letter.

She flew all the way to Icroln under the pretense of attending an art exhibit, but her real purpose was to set the plan in motion.

The news of Amber's visit to the exhibit was deliberately leaked to Hattie.

As Amber is her "stepmother," Hattie would be expected to meet with her in the evening—anything less would be considered disrespectful.