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 you. Meanwhile, we

envious gazes from those around her, Zelena felt a

then asked Hattie, "Hattie, where are you headed

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

An island?

Wow!

to Verdancia, they learned of Hattie's extravagant island getaway, owned privately

maddening to compare

smile, she said, "Hattie, don't forget to bring us some autographs from Ms. Leid. I can't wait!" Hattie responded with a light

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

had been ignoring Zelena, who seized the opportunity to needle

in Quinston, saving enough to buy gifts for Mr. and Mrs.

Blake were very selective and preferred high-quality items, so 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

from shopping in Verdancia with Zelena, Violeta's gifts paled in comparison to the designer items Zelena flaunted, leading to mockery despite her

determined not to repeat the humiliation in

"I'm not going back."

go instead?" Zelena asked with a patronizing tone, "Are

not yet finalized her summer plans, remained

for horseback riding and other adventures in their group

you just mind

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