Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

Chapter 257 Absence

Gillian and Candy chimed in agreement, "Yeah, everyone stop complaining. Crab feasts aren't all that great; eat too much and you'll end up with gout!"

On the third day in town, Violeta visited the riddle guessing stall and noticed a change in the rankings.

Her previous score had been surpassed, pushing her to second place.

Since she was already there, she decided to try her hand at the riddles again.

After an hour of effort, Violeta boosted her score to over eighty points, overtaking the second place with just over thirty points, thus reclaiming her spot at the top. She even won a small rabbit-shaped lantern.

In the afternoon, she tried her hand at shadow puppetry, which was a novel experience.

Hattie's plans to earn extra credits were thwarted by Violeta.

Consequently, on the third day, Hattie stayed put at the inn, spending the day watching variety shows.

The next day, they returned to Quinston.

A week later, the list of credits earned in the town came out. After verification, Violeta had earned a total of six credits.

Hattie, on the other hand, didn't earn a single credit and even faced a complaint from the riddle guessing stall owner.

However, such complaints didn't bother Hattie much; she was more concerned about the possibility of failing her finals, spending the next week in the library. Through Zelena's connections, she privately arranged dinners with a few teachers, gave some gifts, and managed to secure her grades for the finals.

Zelena sold this favour to Hattie, who promised to take Zelena to Harbor City to meet Hannah during the winter break.

Zelena knew this was a turning point and wouldn't miss this opportunity.

Half a month later, the finals arrived.

again, Violeta secured the top spot in her field with the

ways, and

...

cooling down and snowing. Today's first snowfall was

engrossed in her phone. Outside, as the weather chilled, Tuna's fur thickened noticeably. Yet, indoors,

frantic, keeping her

in full swing, meticulously planned by Irene, the chief

and Anton toiled long hours, commuting early and returning late

Violeta found herself with

Hera, off getting a custom

Across the entertainment landscape,

creation, 'Night

which he both filmed

primetime. The series showcased Nolan's talent and

as well, impressed by its quality production

insiders had anticipated its success, and indeed, within just two hours

Facebook following exploding by the millions and still

the beginning of Nolan's rise

she, his junior, faced

and shooting posters.

Violeta's response remained consistent: "Sorry,

offered reassurance, "No worries, Violeta. You're in performing arts as well, and I have a good eye for talent. You're destined for stardom too!"

year looming, Violeta knew bigger challenges awaited her,

Violeta anticipated, sophomore year would witness Hattie and Zelena

left their mark in the realms of

Drawing from Violeta's recollections

both Zelena and Hattie had begun testing the waters of the entertainment industry during their second year. Hattie surged ahead with ample resources, while Zetena, though initially trailing,