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."

class responded with a mix of envy and excitement, "That's awesome! Zelena, it must

by envious gazes from those around

"Hattie, where are

"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 just too hot

An island?

Wow!

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

maddening to compare

outshine her, managed to hide her annoyance. With a forced smile, she said, "Hattie, don't forget to bring us some autographs from Ms. Leid. I can't wait!" Hattie

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

had been ignoring Zelena, who seized the opportunity to needle

in Quinston, saving enough to buy gifts for

items, so she generously used most of her earnings, aside from travel expenses, to buy them gifts. Despite her month-long

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

Violeta was determined not to repeat the humiliation in this

"I'm not going back."

Zelena asked with a patronizing tone, "Are you just

yet finalized her summer plans,

the Yurtlandia Grasslands for horseback riding and other adventures in their group chat, extending

my own. Why don't you just mind your own business?" Violeta shot

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