Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism novel Chapter 184

As soon as the Chess Association president mentioned Violeta on stage, the audience erupted in applause.

However, the first-year performing arts students sitting on the left were confused and surprised.

"What's going on? Isn't Zelena part of the Chess Association? Why is it Violeta instead?"

"Didn't we hear that the Chess Association president had taken a photo with Zelena and that she was a chess prodigy?"

Many eyes turned to look at Zelena in the front row.

She was seething, her teeth clenched in anger.

It finally dawned on her that Violeta had been working with Nolan under the Chess Association's direction to prepare for the lecture.

Violeta wasn't trying to seduce Nolan as Zelena had thought.

Now, all of Zelena's efforts had inadvertently given credit to Violeta in the eyes of the unaware Chess Association president.

The president's public acknowledgment of Violeta felt like a slap in the face. Violeta had stolen her glory!

This wretch!

Zelena turned her head, glaring darkly at Violeta from a distance.

Violeta happened to meet her gaze, her light-colored eyes reflecting the auditorium lights.

If anger could take form, Zelena would have turned into a vengeful spirit, ready to pounce on Violeta and tear her apart.

Violeta, with her smug expression, had taken Zelena's credit, and it was infuriating.

After the event, everyone started to leave the auditorium. Zelena and her friends overheard some student council members talking up ahead.

"It's great that so many people showed up for the lecture today."

"Just a few days ago, we were brainstorming ways to get more attendees. We never expected to fill all the seats."

Zelena's face turned pale with anger.

The auditorium was full because she had promised everyone a seafood feast if they attended the lecture. She even booked the East City seafood buffet restaurant for the weekend so the whole class could go.

She had spent money, only for Violeta to get the credit.

The more she thought about it, the angrier she became.

Back in the classroom, Hattie heard about what happened and couldn't help but laugh. "Lena, you really messed up this time. You didn't check the situation before acting. At the very least, you should have let Nolan know about your efforts.

"But then again, if the lecture had been poorly attended, it would have been Violeta's failure. But with so many people showing up, of course, the president would praise her."

Candy chimed in, "It was probably Violeta's plan all along. When we went to the office, she deliberately showed me the computer screen! She's so manipulative."