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."

with a mix of envy and excitement, "That's awesome! Zelena, it must be great being

those around

asked Hattie, "Hattie, where are you headed

"Where else could I go? My mom bought a little island in the North Sea, so I guess that's our

An island?

Wow!

Verdancia, they learned

to compare oneself

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

you haven't answered me yet. Aren't you

been ignoring Zelena, who seized the opportunity

Quinston, saving enough to buy gifts

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

returned from shopping in Verdancia with Zelena, Violeta's gifts paled in comparison to

this bitter experience, Violeta was determined not to repeat the humiliation

"I'm not going back."

with a patronizing tone,

not yet finalized her summer plans,

Grasslands for horseback riding

just mind your

aback, Zelena looked away, recalling how uneventful Violeta's past summers had been, presuming this year would be