Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism novel Chapter 298

The silence left Anton feeling a bit bewildered.

After saying that, Irene decisively hung up and returned her phone to the stand, adjusting the angle.

The competition was running smoothly.

Irene was not only excited about Violeta's performance but also genuinely appreciated the performances of the other competitors.

The talent at the Lotus Award was evident in both the stage design and choreography, making the competition fiercely competitive.

Sitting in the audience, Lucy also keenly observed the event. She was particularly interested in seeing Violeta perform and curious about her skills.

Next to Lucy, Vivian had left her bag and coat on the seat.

Vivian had connections with the competition's organisers and asked Lucy to watch her belongings while she mingled.

Just then, a phone started ringing.

Lucy, thinking it was hers, reached into her pocket but realised it was not her phone that was ringing.

The noise was nearby. Lucy glanced around and finally settled her gaze on Vivian's bag.

The sound was emanating from Vivian's bag—she had accidentally left her phone behind.

The call went unanswered, so it was automatically disconnected.

Lucy shifted her gaze, acting as if she had not heard the sound.

However, to her surprise, the phone started ringing again soon after.

The prolonged ringing drew the attention of nearby spectators towards Lucy as the phone's ringtone was bothering others.

Reluctantly, she opened Vivian's bag and pulled out the phone, noticing it was a call from Vivian's husband, Declan.

Since it was her teacher's husband on the line, Lucy answered the phone with relief.

"Hello, are you looking for Ms. Montclair? She's not here right now. Yes, you can call back later. Okay. Goodbye."

After ending the call and putting the phone back in the bag, Lucy inadvertently noticed a text message on the lock screen about a bank card deduction—a significant sum of 200 thousand.

Lucy saw it but did not dwell on it, placing the phone back in the bag.

...

On the other side.

In the backstage lounge of the event organiser, there were some low gasps.

The door was firmly shut, and Vivian was leaning on the table, her cheeks flushed.

A slim man in a suit was adjusting his belt.

As the moment passed, Vivian slowly stood up.