Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism
Chapter 520 Acceptance into the Family

The dining table was a long, rectangular wooden piece, with the two families seated across from each other.

Hayden was right in front of Violet.

As they began to dine, Hayden poured some wine for everyone.

"Mom, Dad, the reason I invited Anton and Irene over today is to share some news. Vio and I are together, and I wanted to take this opportunity, on Mom's birthday, to let you all know."

Anton and Glen were already prepared for this news.

Both families were prominent in Quinston, and because they were family friends, there was nothing they couldn't accept if their children were happy together.

For them, their children's happiness was enough.

"This is wonderful news!" Frida beamed with joy. "Irene, it seems we weren't meant to be good friends-we're going to be in-laws! Haha, your daughter is about to become my daughter-in-law; how delightful!"

Glen had done his homework on Violeta. She had earned her place at Toland University through her own efforts, and she excelled academically. Though her career required some public exposure, her reputation in the entertainment industry was solid. Glen had no objections to accepting her as a future daughter-in-law.

He suggested, "Let's all have a toast together!"

Irene raised her glass and said, "To Frida, happy birthday."

The two families clinked glasses, and the atmosphere was warm and joyful.

In Glen and Frida's hearts, they had already accepted Violeta as their future daughter-in-law.

...

Later in the afternoon, around two o'clock, they left the estate.

Violeta had already informed Eugene that she wouldn't be going to the office today.

Hayden had the day off and personally drove Violeta back to Liberty Grove.

Violeta had had a couple of drinks at lunch, and with music softly playing in the car, she soon dozed off.

When she woke up, she realized they weren't at Liberty Grove, and Hayden was still driving.

Rubbing her eyes, her voice still drowsy, she asked, "Hayden, where are we going?"

Hayden glanced at her warmly and asked, "You're awake?"

"Mm-hmm."

"There's a spot behind my workplace with a wonderful view. I thought I'd take you to see it."

Hayden worked at a branch office in West City, where there was a hill that offered a panoramic view of two-thirds of Mapleton.

The view was fantastic. Since they had some free time that afternoon, Hayden decided to show it to Violeta.

"To see the view? Sure," Violeta said, turning to look out the window. She narrowed her eyes slightly ande asked, "Is this the route you take to work every day?"

"Mm-hmm."

Violeta gazed out and admired the scenery for a while.

Soon, the car's music changed to the song 'The Promise'.

Violeta blinked and couldn't help but hum along.

The car quickly made its way up the hill. They walked up a wooden staircase built into the slope and arrived at a lookout point with an exceptional view. "Wow!"

Violeta stood by the railing and took in the distant sights.

"You can actually see the city center from here! Isn't that my office over there? The sign is huge, haha."

Hayden stood beside her. He chimed in, "It's a wonderful spot. I've never been here before."

Hayden had brought Violeta here on a whim, and it turned out to be quite a rewarding experience.

Violeta spread her arms wide, embracing the wind.

"If we brought Hera here and let it fly while we whistled it back, it would be amazing. It could soar over the city."

Hayden turned his head slightly to look at Violeta, the sunlight casting a gentle glow on her face. From this close, he could see every delicate feature.

She closed her eyes, feeling the breeze. Then, she slowly opened them again.

As if something had crossed her mind, she turned to look in another direction, toward another mountain peak.

In Violeta's eyes, there was a mix of emotions Hayden couldn't quite decipher.

There was longing, mixed with a subtle hint of sadness.

This kind of expression didn't seem to fit with how Violeta usually carried herself.

There were things in her heart that Hayden didn't know about.

Violeta turned back and met

Hayden's gaze. She asked with anet

smile, Why are you looking at me

like that? We came here to enjoy the view, not to look at me."

Hayden reached out to gently touch her face. He tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and said, "The view is in my eyes. If I say

someone's part of it, then they are."