Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

Chapter 209 Shadows of the Past

The next day, Zelena's phone suddenly received an email with a photo attachment during class.

When she opened it, she was shocked to see an old class photo from Eighth Middle School!

Someone had maliciously drawn a big red X over her face, giving it an eerie and unsettling appearance.

Along with the photo was a message: 'Lena, long time no see. How have you been?'

Zelena fell silent, her breath catching as she stared at the unexpected and disturbing message on her phone screen.

Seeing the old class photo with a glaring red X over her face sent a chill down her spine, making her feel exposed and vulnerable.

Her mind raced with questions as she scanned the classroom, searching for clues about who could have sent such a haunting image.

The usual sounds of lessons filled the air: desks rustling softly and pens scratching against paper. Everyone seemed immersed in their own world, and nothing seemed out of place.

Hattie, seated nearby, noticed her unsettled state and shot her an annoyed glance. "What's wrong with you?"

Zelena quickly turned her phone screen face down and forced a smile. "Nothing."

Eighth Middle School was in Arlowand, but she was now in Quinston.

These were two cities, and no one at Toland University knew her as Lena. How could anyone here know her old name?

Could someone be messing with her on purpose?

Zelena suppressed her agitation and continued with her class.

From the back row, Violeta and Kaylee exchanged a knowing smile.

Over the next few days, Zelena continued to receive reminders and items related to Eighth Middle School. Even after turning off the email notification, she still got harassed through texts and letters. With the weekend's competition approaching, Zelena wanted to maintain her chances of winning.

contacted Six, seeking a

hacked. I keep getting spam messages. Can you

on the carpet and pausing her grooming of Tuna, Violeta

was silent for a

couldn't believe the hacker wanted more money after she'd

to, she had no

"How much?"

"1,500."

I want to know who's messing with me tonight. When I find out, I'm going to

"I meant 1,500 bitcoin."

exchange rate shows that a

this out,

it up, that's about 15,000

was initially taken aback, then overwhelmed with a sense of

a student with no income who relied on her

but spending that much to find

started to reconsider

another message popped up

You know I'm worth

was lost in

They were the only members of

navigate both the legal and illegal worlds in the

I'll wire the

transferred the money,

someone from

didn't expect such a quick

Shirley?

soft-spoken, weak-looking one who

She's in Quinston now.'

What!'