Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism
Chapter 517 Seduction

Violeta thought Hayden was worth it.

Eugene glanced at Violeta, thinking that perhaps she might have a different ending than Lydia.

After all, everyone has their own fate, and Eugene wasn't in a position to say otherwise.

"Alright, if you think he's reliable, then go ahead. I'll handle the party."

Violeta simply nodded and said, "Okay."

The party's day arrived on the weekend.

Mason made an appearance. As expected, many celebrities flocked to toast him.

Among them were Tracy and Evelina, both eager to gain some favor from Mason. However, Mason maintained a strict policy: he refused any drinks but accepted all the well wishes.

It wouldn't have looked good for him to blatantly refuse-who would fall for that? Mason made the excuse that he was feeling under the weather and had taken medication that didn't mix well with alcohol.

After making his rounds and feigning dizziness, Mason excused himself to rest upstairs and made a quick exit from the event.

Meanwhile, Eugene was chatting over drinks with Lance.

Earlier, he had noticed Tracy and Evelina approaching Mason with drinks in hand.

"Seems like those two are very interested in the new movie. Lance, you must have put in a lot of effort, huh?" Eugene remarked.

Lance chuckled, "I've always stood by the company."

The more intensely the company's artists competed, the more delicately they could maintain the balance.

In this industry, there were new faces every year.

You couldn't put all your eggs in one basket.

The company never fully committed its resources to a single artist.

"By the way, where's Violeta today? Does she have another engagement?"

"She had personal matters to attend to, so she couldn't make it."

"Oh, personal matters," Lance teased. "You know, Lydia once said she had personal matters too, and then she just vanished. Be careful, Eugene."

Eugene smirked and said, "Just drink your wine and don't worry about it."

Afterward, Eugene shifted his gaze and noticed the president of Invinne Group across the room.

He glanced over briefly and asked Lance, "Is that the man-Archer Barnett?"

His gaze landed on Archer, who stood out in a deep red suit, holding a glass as he conversed with several senior executives from Apex. His expression was calm and

composed, exuding a strong presence.

Archer was strikingly handsome, his tailored suit accentuating a narrow waist and broad shoulders. The clean, sharp lines of his brows

eyes gave him a commanding and

presence, rivaling that of many male celebrities in the entertainment industry.

"Looks pretty young, doesn't he? Not even thirty, younger than me," Eugene observed.

Lance poured another drink and pointed out, "You have no idea. He's a rich heir. You're just a commoner-comparing yourself to a rich heir is asking for trouble." "Whatever," Eugene muttered.

Lance suddenly grinned and shared some gossip. "I heard he was quite the campus heartthrob back in college." Eugene remained silent, rolling his eyes.

The Barnettes were originally in the construction business, and the family owned substantial assets.

Perhaps replaceing no more room for growth, they decided to partner with Apex Entertainment to enter a new industry.

It's no surprise that those at the top remain there, as they consistently control ninety-eight percent of the resources. Meanwhile, sitting on a couch in the corner, Evelina was staring at Jasper, who stood by the railing on the second floor.

Winona stated, "Tracy has a

godfather, and I've heard Violeta is an heiress from White Group. It's challenging to succeed in life without strong connections. I found out that Jasper used to live it up in Wiltonshire and change girlfriends frequently. That doesn't matter; What truly matters is that he's generous. Evelina, this is a rare chance to meet the company CEO-don't waste it."

Winona handed her a glass of wine, saying, "Go offer him a drink and make a favorable impression. He'll get the hint." Evelina knew what she had to do.

Usually, this sort of interaction was handled discreetly, but doing it in front of so many people made her a bit uneasy.

On second thought, she realized if she missed this golden opportunity, there might not be another one.

She couldn't afford to miss it.

Taking the glass from Winona, she nodded and said, "I understand."

"Go ahead," Winona encouraged.

Evelina adjusted the neckline of her dress, then walked toward Jasper, drink in hand.

Eugene and Lance happened to see this. Eugene smirked, "Only lowlifes resort to these tricks. Really, it's disgraceful."