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."

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

those around

then asked Hattie, "Hattie, where are

mom bought a little island in the North Sea, so I guess that's our vacation spot. It's just too hot around here; we need a

An island?

Wow!

digest Zelena's trip to Verdancia, they learned of Hattie's extravagant

to compare

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

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

had been ignoring Zelena, who seized the

had spent a month working in Quinston, saving enough

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 met with

Zelena, Violeta's gifts paled

Violeta was determined not

"I'm not going back."

you go instead?" Zelena asked with a patronizing tone, "Are you just going to

having not yet finalized her summer plans,

a trip to the Yurtlandia Grasslands for horseback riding and other adventures in

just mind

Violeta's past summers had been,