Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

Chapter 298 The Affair

The silence left Anton feeling a bit bewildered.

After saying that, Irene decisively hung up and returned her phone to the stand, adjusting the angle.

The competition was running smoothly.

Irene was not only excited about Violeta's performance but also genuinely appreciated the performances of the other competitors.

The talent at the Lotus Award was evident in both the stage design and choreography, making the competition fiercely competitive.

Sitting in the audience, Lucy also keenly observed the event. She was particularly interested in seeing Violeta perform and curious about her skills. Next to Lucy, Vivian had left her bag and coat on the seat.

Vivian had connections with the competition's organisers and asked Lucy to watch her belongings while she mingled.

Just then, a phone started ringing.

Lucy, thinking it was hers, reached into her pocket but realised it was not her phone that was ringing.

The noise was nearby. Lucy glanced around and finally settled her gaze on Vivian's bag.

The sound was emanating from Vivian's bag-she had accidentally left her phone behind.

The call went unanswered, so it was automatically disconnected.

Lucy shifted her gaze, acting as if she had not heard the sound.

However, to her surprise, the phone started ringing again soon after.

The prolonged ringing drew the attention of nearby spectators towards Lucy as the phone's ringtone was bothering others. Reluctantly, she opened Vivian's bag and pulled out the phone, noticing it was a call from Vivian's husband, Declan.

Since it was her teacher's husband on the line, Lucy answered the phone with relief.

"Hello, are you looking for Ms. Montclair? She's not here right now. Yes, you can call back later. Okay. Goodbye."

After ending the call and putting the phone back in the bag, Lucy inadvertently noticed a text message on the lock screen about a bank card deduction—a significant sum of 200 thousand.

Lucy saw it but did not dwell on it, placing the phone back in the bag.

...

On the other side.

In the backstage lounge of the event organiser, there were some low gasps.

The door was firmly shut, and Vivian was leaning on the table, her cheeks flushed.

A slim man in a suit was adjusting his belt.

As the moment passed, Vivian slowly stood up.

There was a smudge of lipstick on her white shirt collar, but she appeared indifferent.

The man was a key leader of the competition's organising team, named Simon Paul.

He held significant decision-making power.

Vivian leaned casually on the table's edge and reminded him, "Don't forget what you promised me."

Simon finished fastening his belt, a

charming smile playing at the corner of his mouth as he stepped closer and wrapped an arm around her waist.

BAUMS

"I'll take care of it. You can trust me.

"After all these years, you've maintained your figure so well. If it weren't for the time pressure ...

Vivian pushed his hand away and snapped, "What else do you want? Get out."NôvelDrama.Org is the owner.

Simon took out the car keys from

his pocket and handed them to Vivian

have the room card in my

car. Go get it later. I'll head out first. You handle it."

Vivian grabbed the keys and placed them on the table.

Simon opened the lounge door and walked out. He had not gone far when he encountered Grace, who was talking with an old friend in the corridor corner.

Grace had been in the industry for many years and had extensive connections with the competition's organisers, like Vivian's.

As Simon approached, both of them noticed.

"Simon, are you slacking off? The competition's already underway."

Simon, ever charming, simply smiled without responding.

Instead, he turned to Grace and greeted her warmly. "Grace, long time no see. You look even more beautiful. It's always nice to see you." Grace was dressed in a black turtleneck that showcased her dancer's figure.

"Long time indeed."

Grace's response was cool and distant, quickly diverting her gaze.

Disappointed by her disinterest, Simon did not linger and walked away.

As they passed, Grace detected a scent and glanced at Simon's back.

Her friend murmured, "He smells like makeup. It's off-putting."

Simon had a history of multiple affairs leading to a divorce, which tarnished his reputation, including a scandal with a student.

Yet, Simon was known for respecting consent.

Despite his flirtatious nature, he never imposes himself on anyone.

He had long harboured feelings for Grace, but given her lack of interest, he made no advances.

Grace did not judge his personal life, but she was curious about the perfume scent that lingered on Simon as he passed.

As Simon walked by earlier, the lingering scent seemed to be Vivian's perfume, which had an appealing name Black Rose.