Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism novel Chapter 575

Zelena had considered playing this card before but had held back.

This time, she was ready to use it to save herself from the mess she was in.

When Hattie saw the photos on the table, her expression changed instantly. She strode forward and snatched them up to take a closer look.

The more she looked, the paler her face became.

"Where did you get these photos!?"

Zelena replied leisurely, "I took them."

Hattie furiously flung the photos at Zelena's face. The pictures scattered through the air, and a few strands of hair fell across Zelena's forehead.

"You wretch, you were following me?"

Zelena closed her eyes briefly but kept her expression calm.

She reached out and picked up one of the photos that had landed on her lap, a slight smile playing on her lips.

She looked at Hattie, her voice cold. "I wasn't following you. I just happened to see Alaric picking you up in the parking garage after that brand event, so I snapped a few shots."

Hattie clenched her fists, her eyes widening as if she was ready to tear Zelena apart. She lowered her voice, but her anger was barely contained. "What are you trying to do? Alaric has already left the industry. Are you trying to blackmail me with these?"

The scandal involving Alaric had blown over when he left the public eye.

Hattie had never imagined that Zelena had kept this in reserve!

Zelena said calmly, "You've got it wrong. I'm not trying to blackmail you—I'm here to make a deal."

Hattie was puzzled.

Zelena stood up from the sofa and spoke clearly. "You've probably seen the latest trending topics on Facebook. I need a bigger scandal to overshadow mine."

Hattie said, "You want to use—"

Zelena interrupted, "Yes, just like you taught me, remember? The campus competition."

Back then, when Zelena was disqualified from a competition, it was Hattie who had taught her to use a bigger scandal to cover up her own.

It was bitterly ironic to have that advice thrown back in her face now.

If Hattie had known things would turn out like this, she would never have helped Zelena back then!

Hattie's face was almost cracking with anger as she gritted her teeth.

"What exactly do you want?"

"You figure it out.