Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism novel Chapter 674

During her treatment abroad, Nydia formed a strong connection with her attending physician, and the two have quietly tied the knot, enjoying a very happy relationship.

As for Hazel ...

"She still has a crush on Archer!"

"Who said that? I don't! Stop making things up."

Violeta chuckled. "Haha, it seems Archer is quite a tough nut to crack if she's been after him all these years."

Hazel pouted. "I don't think I like him anymore. I just can't shake the obsession of never having been with him."

Nydia teased her. "Yeah, yeah. You're just being stubborn. Once you see Archer again, you'll fall right back under his spell."

Violeta suddenly remembered that Archer still owed her a favor.

She smiled and said, "If you want it, I can help create an opportunity for you."

Hazel's eyes brightened. "Violeta, can you really help me?"

Violeta said, "He owes me a huge favor—one that could be considered a matter of life and death. Kaylee and I are planning to visit Haland for some hot springs after the New Year. I can invite a few friends to join us for a couple of weeks. If you want, I can reach out to him. Given the favor he owes me, he probably won't refuse."

Hazel replied eagerly, "Sounds great! Violeta, I really appreciate your help. I want to give it one last shot. No matter the outcome, I won't regret it. If he turns me down again this time, then I can finally move on."

Violeta nodded. "Okay."

With Kaylee and Zoren's wedding set to take place quietly at the end of April, they decided to embark on a trip beforehand—off to Haland for some hot springs!

The short getaway would last two weeks, with Hayden taking time off, Violeta ready to go, and even Liam and Jasper joining in. Hazel was also added to the group.

At first, Violeta asked the others to contact Archer, but, unsurprisingly, he turned them down.

She then had to pull out her trump card. Although Archer wasn't sure what Violeta was planning, he agreed to take on the easy task. And he happened to have a place in Haland.

Violeta and her group would be staying at his home, taking advantage of the complimentary ocean-view accommodations.

The large floor-to-ceiling window, the wine glasses, the open-air hot spring pool, steaming hot smoke, and the snowy forest outside.

After enjoying the hot springs that evening, they spent the night at the hotel and returned to Archer's property the next day. That evening, they gathered for an outdoor barbecue.

Violeta's phone captured countless moments that she intended to compile into a video to share later.

As expected, they encountered fans along the way. Violeta and Kaylee were recognized and happily posed for photos and signed autographs.

Violeta made several efforts to create opportunities for Hazel, who confidently initiated conversations with Archer.

However, it was clear that Archer had no interest in her. He hadn't been captivated by her in their youth, and it was even harder for any sparks to fly now.

Hazel felt a bit disappointed, but as she had mentioned before, she wasn't going to force anything.

That evening, they gathered on the second-floor terrace to enjoy some wine and chat casually.

Kaylee scrolled through her phone, looking at their photos. "Wow, this one turned out great! Violeta, send it to me!"