Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism novel Chapter 261

Since Violeta didn't show any interest, the potential investment from Niall became uncertain, putting Stanley in a passive position.

Feeling a bit anxious, Stanley finished the meal, and Violeta and Niall left.

Immediately, Stanley made some calls to gather information about Violeta. After several inquiries, he finally got a hint from an assistant director who had visited Toland University with the "Spring River Moon Night" crew.

"Oh? She's from Toland University? Do you know what her relationship with Niall is?"

"Don't you know? She's Niall's sister!"

Stanley was on the phone, heading to his car.

If the White family's daughter wanted to enter the entertainment industry, that would be explosive news.

...

Days passed as if the dinner with Stanley never happened.

Stanley found the contact information for Violeta's class counselor and sent the script, hoping the counselor would pass it on to Violeta.

The counselor, understanding that Stanley was interested in Violeta, agreed to help. But the decision was ultimately Violeta's.

On New Year's Eve, Violeta spent her first New Year back with the White family. Irene finally finished her work at the theater, and both Anton and Niall started their holidays. The family gathered at home, preparing food and enjoying each other's company.

Irene said, "Anton, the ginseng tea we bought last time was quite good. Let's take some to the Frost family this year. And don't forget that lucky poker set from last year. Vio, we'll go play poker at the Frosts in a few days."

Playing poker at the Frost family's house had become a New Year tradition for a few families.

Violeta had heard about this from Zoren and others before.

Irene asked, "Vio, do you know how to play poker?"

Violeta smiled, "Yes, I do."

Though she wasn't supposed to know, Violeta remembered the skills from her previous life, including various card games.

In her past life, after falling out with the Blake family, Violeta had never gone back for New Year celebrations.

Quinston's housing was expensive. She rented a basement with a few other extra actors. The basement had once belonged to a band, leaving behind various instruments.

Violeta learned to play several instruments there, like electric guitar and drums.

During her free time, she'd play cards with them, keeping warm with a hot water bottle. They played for small stakes since they had little money, with the loser fetching meals for the others.

They were similar people but transient in Violeta's life.

In Quinston, living without money was tough. Those in the basement were all dreamers, but dreams alone weren't enough. After a year or two without success, most returned home.