Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism novel Chapter 108

Hattie felt a wave of delight when she noticed Wade and his group strolling toward her in the park, grinning broadly. It was a stroke of luck to encounter Wade in the park, a fact that filled her with disbelief.

However, her happiness quickly faded when she glimpsed Violeta among Wade's group.

Why did it have to be Violeta again?

What rotten luck!

"Lena, take a look."

Zelena glanced ahead, her face lighting up momentarily before souring. "Why does Violeta have to be here as well?"

Hattie responded, "She is such a conniver. It's no surprise she's acquainted with Mr. Howell. She probably had manipulated Nolan!"

Zelena clenched her jaw.

Nolan was her objective. She had been meticulously monitoring the interactions between Violeta and Nolan at school. She hadn't observed any signs of closeness between them, but she never anticipated Violeta, that detestable individual, to be lurking around on the weekend attempting to cosy up to Nolan.

It's utterly brazen. I've underestimated her far too much!

"Let's go greet them!"

Hattie hesitated. "Mr. Howell despises flattery. If we approach now, he might interpret it as an attempt to ingratiate ourselves with him. It could backfire, and he might end up disliking us."

Zelena suggested, "Last time I was here, I spotted a chess hall adjacent to the park hosting a competition today. They're likely heading there for the competition. Why don't we casually run into them at the chess hall?"

A chess competition would provide the ideal platform for her to showcase her abilities.

Wade, a fervent chess enthusiast, would undoubtedly be impressed by her chess skills upon witnessing it.

This would afford her more opportunities to interact with Wade and engage in diverse conversations.

However, Hattie, not being a chess player herself, didn't have strong feelings about her suggestion.

But then, she turned to Benson beside her, beaming, and exclaimed, "Benson, you're skilled at chess. You should join the competition and make a lasting impression on Mr. Howell!"

Zelena was taken aback, her response trailing off into silence.

If Benson joins too, won't I have a competitor?

Benson simply nodded in agreement, saying, "Okay."

And so, the trio promptly pivoted and opted for a shortcut to exit through the west gate, making their way to the chess hall to complete their registration.

Ten minutes later.

Violeta and her companions arrived at the chess hall accompanied by their pets. They accessed the courtyard through the rear entrance, settling Tuna and Cutie on the second floor before proceeding downstairs to complete their registration.

Observing Nolan, the chess hall staff greeted him with smiles. "Nolan, you are here. Will you be competing today?"

Nolan shook his head. "Not this time."

Glancing at Violeta beside him, the staff inquired, "Is this lovely young lady your girlfriend?"

Her luck indeed played a significant role, as at that time, she was the only one in the industry who fit the criteria for the female lead role in "Spring in Moon City".

Moreover, with her prior experience in filming historical dramas and an established fan base, Wade chose her to play a pivotal role in "Spring in Moon City".

From then on, Zelena's career took off like a rocket, with each drama series and movie propelling her further into stardom. In just a year since her debut, she had already become one of the most prominent top-tier actors, her path to success paved with endless opportunities. Her schedule was booked solid for the next three years, a testament to her rising star status.

Yet, Violeta, who graduated top of her class, found herself relegated to being a stunt double, barely scraping by.

As memories flooded back, Violeta's eyes darkened with resentment, but she pushed it aside and continued filling out the form.

In this lifetime, she vowed not to let any opportunity that belonged to her slip away.

...

Later, Violeta entered the inner hall and took a seat at the side.

Zelena and the others immediately noticed her, exchanging whispers.

"Does Violeta play chess?"

"No, she doesn't," Zelena stated firmly.

It could be said that no one understood Violeta better than her. She knew Violeta's strengths and weaknesses inside out.

For she shone as brightly as the sun, outshining everything in her path, leaving Zelena completely eclipsed.