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

around her,

"Hattie, where are you headed this

her 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 spot. It's just too hot around here;

An island?

Wow!

trip to Verdancia, they learned of Hattie's extravagant island getaway, owned privately no

was maddening to compare

to outshine her, managed to hide her annoyance. With a forced smile, she said, "Hattie, don't forget to bring us some

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

had been ignoring Zelena, who seized

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

used most of her earnings, aside from travel expenses, to buy them

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

this bitter experience, Violeta was determined not

"I'm not going back."

instead?" Zelena asked with a patronizing tone, "Are you just going to lounge around the cafe all

having not yet finalized

the Yurtlandia Grasslands for horseback riding and other adventures in their

just mind your own

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