Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism novel Chapter 83

Zelena found herself the target of thousands of accusing eyes.

For a moment, panic flashed across her face as she looked up and met Violeta's gaze on the stage.

Violeta, looking down from the stage, stared back at her with cold and indifferent eyes.

Lucy realized the gravity of the situation. The host on stage handed her an earring, which she took in her hand. She turned to Zelena and asked seriously, "Zelena, do you have an explanation for this?"

Zelena clenched her teeth and tried to explain, "This earring…"

All eyes in the audience were fixed on her, waiting for Zelena to reveal the truth.

The entire audience's gaze was focused on her.

Zelena lowered her head. Her bangs covered her expression, and only the shadows could be seen under the lights. "This earring indeed belongs to me."

"Whoaa!"

After Zelena's confession, a buzz of discussion erupted in the audience.

"It's someone from the dance club. I have to say, this kind of behavior is truly despicable! How could they stoop so low? It's just an intra-school program, and they can't even tolerate their opponents on the same stage. Who knows what they'll do after graduation when they enter society?"

"They've gone too far. They'll do anything for first place."

"Zelena doesn't seem like that kind of person. I didn't expect her to do something like this."

"Haven't you heard the saying 'a woman's heart is as deep as the ocean'?"

Lucy's eyes flashed with surprise. She asked, "Zelena, why would you do such a thing?"

Zelena clenched her fists but remained silent.

The Minister of External Affairs Department on stage held the microphone and announced, "The Moon Festival is organized by our External Affairs Department. Now that the real culprit has been identified, the tennis club must be given an explanation for this incident. Zelena's unauthorized destruction of the tennis club's props is a serious offense. The school will impose severe punishment."

The audiences in the back row, who were from the sports school, reveled in the spectacle.

Someone took the lead and asked, "What kind of punishment? They won't announce it on stage and then sweep it under the rug, right?"

"Yeah, that's right! If there's going to be punishment, they should announce it directly on stage. Let all of us hear it!"

"Announce the punishment!"

The commotion from the audience made it difficult for the Minister of External Affairs Department to leave the stage.

Actually, this matter could have been resolved privately through negotiation, but now it had to be dealt with publicly to appease the crowd.

After hesitating for a few seconds, the Minister of External Affairs Department had no choice but to announce, "The situation is severe. The preliminary punishment is a public reprimand, but a thorough investigation will be conducted. If the allegations are true and the offense is serious, the student will be put on probation."

Probation?

That was a major punishment. It could even lead to suspension from school.

Moreover, Zelena was only a freshman. She was already facing this punishment. If she makes any more mistakes in the future, she might be advised to drop out or have her classes suspended.

This punishment was truly harsh!

The members of the dance club exchanged glances, their tongues wagging in astonishment.

Lucy pursed her lips and also felt that this punishment was too severe.

Casey stood beside Lucy. Her eyes darkened as she watched Zelena's figure. She muttered softly, "Say something…"

But Zelena remained silent.

Violeta noticed that Zelena kept her head down, as if confessing to a crime.

This was not the Zelena that she remembered. Could she just quietly accept defeat?

Something was off!

Zelena definitely still has a backup plan!

After handing the microphone to the host, the Minister of External Affairs Department prepared to step down.