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."

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

from those around her,

asked Hattie, "Hattie, where are you headed

My mom bought a little island in the North Sea, so I guess that's our vacation spot. It's just too

An island?

Wow!

could even digest Zelena's trip to Verdancia, they learned of

maddening to compare oneself

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.

haven't answered

had been ignoring Zelena, who seized

a month working in Quinston, saving enough

used most of her earnings, aside from travel expenses,

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

not to repeat the humiliation in this

"I'm not going back."

Zelena asked with a patronizing tone, "Are you just going to lounge

yet finalized her

Zoren and others had discussed a trip to the Yurtlandia Grasslands for horseback

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

Violeta's past summers had been, presuming