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."

"That's awesome! Zelena, it must be great being you. Meanwhile, we have

gazes from those around her, Zelena felt a

asked Hattie, "Hattie, where are you headed

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

An island?

Wow!

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

to compare oneself with

to 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 responded

you haven't answered me yet.

had been ignoring Zelena, who seized the opportunity to

had spent a month working in Quinston, saving enough to buy gifts for Mr. and Mrs. Blake back

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

in Verdancia with Zelena, Violeta's gifts paled in comparison to the

Violeta was determined not to repeat the

"I'm not going back."

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

not yet finalized

others had discussed a trip to the Yurtlandia Grasslands for horseback riding

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

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