Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism novel Chapter 185

Zelena's competitive nature wouldn't allow her to be outdone, so even at a premium, she had to be the first to get the latest fashion. However, finding Hattie wearing the same outfit irritated her, though she had no choice but to grin and bear it.

Gillian and Candy were quick to show their appreciation.

Seeing their outfits, they exclaimed, "Hattie, Lena, this series is the latest autumn collection, right? The cuffs on the international supply have a plaid pattern, so you must have bought these abroad?"

Zelena responded, "Yes."

Hattie added, "Of course."

In truth, the international versions weren't necessarily better than those from Hoiten.

Jour 24 was a Hoiten brand, renowned as the pride of Hoiten.

The problem was that it was so popular that it was impossible to find at local boutiques, forcing them to pay a premium to buy it abroad.

Rumors online suggested that the quality abroad differed from Hoiten's, not only in cuff design but also in fabric.

Hoiten preferred cotton and linen for comfort, custom-made for the Hoitenese market.

Foreign factories didn't consider this, resulting in stiffer fabrics.

In the entire class, only Zelena and Hattie were wearing the latest designs.

They were basking in the envious looks from their classmates when Violeta and Kaylee walked in, immediately stealing the spotlight.

"Look, Violeta is wearing another custom Jour 24 piece. See, the logo is different."

"That's several pieces now. She didn't repeat any outfits last week either ... "

"So enviable. If I had that many, I'd post photos online and get tons of attention."

This was a not-so-subtle jab at Zelena and Hattie.

They frequently flaunted their clothes on social media, especially luxury items and selfies, wearing their vanity on their sleeves while calling it their "daily life."

Violeta's custom-made outfits swept through the performing arts department, making Zelena and Hattie's latest purchases look insignificant in comparison.

In addition to Zelena and Hattie, many others were secretly jealous of Violeta.

By the afternoon, the school forum was buzzing with posts suggesting that Violeta's Jour 24 clothes were fake.

People also questioned how she could afford not to repeat outfits for an entire week.

"What's Violeta's family business? How are they so rich?"

"Am I the only one who thinks her Jour 24 looks fake? I saw the logo on her shoulder at the playground, and it seemed off."

"Wow, I thought I was the only one who noticed. She's too popular on the forum for me to say anything."

"Definitely looks fake. The official website doesn't sell that design. No way hers is different from the rest. Hilarious."