Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

Chapter 114 Trip to Verdancia

The two were green with envy, like an overcooked, bitter cabbage.

Kaylee could not resist commenting, "Why so bitter, you two? I can smell it from here."

She continued enthusiastically, "The perks at Sunset Cafe are amazing. You work just a few hours, get three meals a day, and even afternoon tea with snacks! It's an easy gig with great benefits." The classmates listened with growing envy.

The job sounded too good to be true, a real gem among summer jobs.

Curious and hopeful, a classmate asked, "Violeta, are there any more openings at your cafe?"

Violeta replied simply, "No."

"Oh well."

A collective sigh of disappointment filled the room.

Zelena, watching the interaction, tried a different angle. "Violeta, are you sure you don't want to come home this summer? Mom and Dad said they're taking me to Verdancia! You'll miss out."

A classmate exclaimed, "Verdancia? Wow, Lena, that sounds like an amazing trip!"

Zelena downplayed it. "It's just a regular trip, really. We're going to enjoy the scenery and all. Don't worry, I'll bring back gifts for everyone."

excitement, "That's awesome! Zelena, it must be great being you.

around

where are you

nonchalantly fiddled with her freshly manicured nails and said, "Where else could I go? My mom bought a little island in the North Sea, so I guess that's our vacation spot. It's

An island?

Wow!

trip to Verdancia, they learned of Hattie's extravagant island getaway, owned privately no

maddening to compare oneself

managed to hide her annoyance. With a forced smile, she said, "Hattie, don't

turned to Violeta. "Violeta, you haven't answered me yet. Aren't you

who seized the opportunity to needle

month working in Quinston, saving enough to

Mrs. Blake were very selective and preferred high-quality items, so she generously used most of her earnings, aside from travel expenses,

Violeta's gifts paled in

determined not to repeat the humiliation

"I'm not going back."

go instead?" Zelena asked with a patronizing tone, "Are you just going to lounge around the cafe all

yet finalized her summer

to the Yurtlandia Grasslands for horseback riding and other adventures in their

plans are my own. Why don't you just mind your own business?"

looked away, recalling how uneventful Violeta's past