Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism novel Chapter 686

The red carpet at the Hundred Blossom Award was a dazzling display of flashing lights as bright as daylight. Every artist who walked it carried themselves with grace and poise.

As always, the cast of 'The Golden Ages' was the center of attention. The moment they appeared, they attracted every photographer's lens like magnets, with cameras all turning toward them.

They strolled down the red carpet, paused briefly at the signature board, posed for photos, and then made their way backstage.

Having already swept the Splendor Awards earlier, everyone was curious: could they repeat the magic tonight?

Backstage, Violeta and her team found their seats, though this time, they weren't together on a long sofa but in separate chairs, all in the same area.

Before long, someone who hadn't been seen in the public eye for quite some time, Evelina, also arrived backstage. After nearly half a year of being absent, her popularity had taken a serious hit. The cameras were brutally honest; many of them only gave her a quick, passing shot as she walked the red carpet.

Evelina didn't show any displeasure on her face. But inside, she surely must've felt something. She just wasn't showing it.

Since she and Violeta were from the same company, their seats weren't too far apart. However, because Evelina wasn't nominated for any films, her seat was in the back rows, with minimal exposure.

After carefully lifting her gown and settling into her seat, Evelina's gaze drifted over the heads in front of her and landed on Violeta. Violeta was chatting happily with Kaylee, her face glowing with success.

Leaning back in her chair, Evelina silently observed them.

As the lighting in the hall shifted, the room gradually fell quiet. The big screen lit up, and the orange stage lights glowed one by one as the male host's deep voice rang out.

"Good evening, everyone! Welcome to this year's Hundred Blossom Award!"

Clap, clap, clap.

Applause filled the room.

The host on stage was last year's Best Actor, Wallace Zielger, alongside a veteran actress known for her gravitas.

Evelina glanced at the golden statues standing beside the audience, her mind drifting. After the opening speech, a new set of hosts took the stage.

Eleven films were nominated this year, and the hosts made sure to name-drop The Golden Ages cast, smiling as they invited them to wave to the audience.

Violeta smiled gently at the camera.

After a brief interaction, the real award ceremony began.