Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism novel Chapter 218

Zelena, brimming with confidence, had meticulously prepared two sets of strategies for the finals. She had prepared one strategy to defeat Violeta and another to neutralise Hattie.

As the live broadcast commenced, the four captains took the stage for the draw.

Zelena feigned politeness, gesturing to Violeta, "Vio, you first."

Violeta, not one for formalities, stepped forward and selected a number ball.

The live comments flooded in.

"She sounds a bit fake."

"What's the deal between Zelena and Violeta? Why does she call her Vio?"

"Maybe they're close off-camera? There's nothing wrong with calling someone intimate."

Violeta drew number 1, Evelyn drew number 3, and Hattie drew number 4, leaving Zelena with number 2.

The matchups were set.

The host announced, "Alright! 'The Mighty Dragons' vs. 'Eternal Warriors', 'Spring Blossom' vs. 'Flame Vanguard'! Let's give them some time to prepare."

Descending the stage, Violeta exchanged a meaningful glance with Zelena.

Zelena was inwardly gloating.

"Think you'll win?" Violeta asked.

"Vio, I'm not the one who'll lose," Zelena replied.

"We shall see."

Meanwhile, Evelyn and Hattie exited the stage together, their tension palpable.

Hattie sneered, "A piece of trash is still trash, even if it manages to crawl out of the garbage. Don't think you're anything special just because you've had a bit of luck."

Evelyn's eyes hardened, a smirk playing on her lips. "Being ordinary isn't the issue. The issue is thinking you're a goddess when you're merely a mortal."

She paused, then added, "Hattie, do you honestly think you're worthy to be my enemy?"

"You!"

Evelyn turned and left.

Online viewers buzzed with speculation.

"What was that about? Hattie and Evelyn looked ready to fight."

As the four captains exited, music filled the stage, signalling the start of the 20-minute preparation period.

Zelena backed into the lounge and immediately messaged Six.

She instructed Six to leak Violeta's scandalous past and buy trending topics to stir up drama on the livestream.

The director was stunned at the news. "What!?"

He scrutinised the barrage of comments, which were filled with accusations of bullying and references to a hearing impairment.

With the competition in its final stage, this could spell disaster!

"What exactly happened?" he demanded.

"Quick, put up the banned word list and get the live comments under control!"

The staff scrambled to implement the word filters, which instantly reduced the comment volume by half.

However, this only intensified the buzz on Facebook.

Seeing the situation somewhat contained, the director turned to the assistant for an explanation.

"What's going on?"

The assistant handed over his phone, revealing a recording of Shirley's own voice.

The director listened with a frown and then checked the current situation on Facebook.

"This is bad! Zelena has really caused a mess. D*mn it! Why did this have to happen now?"

The assistant asked anxiously, "Director, what should we do?"