Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism novel Chapter 547

Zelena aimed to win everyone's favor, hoping to build a strong reputation.

She was careful not to inconvenience the staff, and only those who were close to her truly understood her nature.

Evelina shared a lounge with Zelena. Upon arrival, Evelina greeted her with a bright smile.

"Hello, Zelena."

Zelena rolled her eyes discreetly and forced a smile in return. "If you had arrived any later, I'm afraid your assistants might have asked me to leave."

Evelina pretended to be surprised. "Oh, really?"

She turned to Jenny and inquired, "Jenny, did you do something to upset Zelena? Did you leave a bad impression on her?"

Jenny quickly shook her head. "No, we didn't do anything."

She then seemed to remember something and added, "Perhaps the noise we made earlier disturbed you? I'm truly sorry. This is the only lounge we have, so I'd appreciate your understanding, Ms. Blake."

The implication was clear: since Zelena and Evelina shared the lounge, any discomfort Zelena felt was her own problem.

Zelena's eyes narrowed slightly. She hadn't expected the assistant to be so manipulative, but trying to play innocent was pointless in front of her.

Zelena swiveled her chair, feigning confusion despite understanding perfectly. She asked calmly, "Evelina, what exactly does your assistant mean? Is she suggesting that I'm being unreasonable, trying to make me look petty?"

Jenny's face fell, leaving her speechless.

Evelina quickly responded, "No, Zelena. She's just an employee. She didn't intend anything disrespectful."

Zelena raised an eyebrow, adjusting her earrings with a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "If that's not what she meant, then what was her point?

"Evelina, though this is our first time working together, even the artists I've shared a lounge with before were at least second-tier. And considering your current status ... Heh."

The message was clear: With Evelina's lower status, she should count herself lucky that Zelena was not bothered by it, but she would not tolerate any pretentious behavior from Evelina's assistants.

After a few exchanges, Evelina realized Zelena wasn't buying into her usual tactics.

"Zelena—" Evelina spoke again.