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."

mix of envy and excitement, "That's awesome! Zelena, it

envious gazes from those around

asked Hattie, "Hattie, where are you

go? My mom bought a little island in the North

An island?

Wow!

class could even digest Zelena's trip to Verdancia, they learned of Hattie's extravagant island getaway,

was maddening to compare oneself

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

haven't answered me yet.

been ignoring Zelena, who seized the opportunity to needle

saving enough to buy gifts

she generously used most of her earnings, aside from travel expenses, to buy them gifts. Despite her month-long effort and substantial spending, her gifts were unfortunately met with

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

determined not to repeat the

"I'm not going back."

with a patronizing tone, "Are you just going to

finalized

had discussed a trip to the Yurtlandia Grasslands for horseback riding and other adventures in their group chat, extending an invitation to

Why don't you just mind

past summers had