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

went their separate ways, and Toland University officially began its winter

...

started cooling down and snowing. Today's first snowfall

the sofa, engrossed in her phone. Outside, as the weather chilled, Tuna's fur thickened noticeably. Yet, indoors, where the fire blazed, he lay by the window, fixated on the

Irene's schedule grew frantic, keeping her away from home for days on

the Spring Gala were in full swing, meticulously

hours, commuting early and returning

the busy White household, Violeta found herself with the luxury of

when she wanted to, taking Tuna to the park, while Hera, off getting a custom headgear abroad, might not return until after the

Across the entertainment landscape,

creation, 'Night On

he

series showcased Nolan's talent and was backed

its quality production

within just two hours of

had become an overnight sensation, his Facebook following exploding by the

this as the beginning of Nolan's

she, his junior,

promotional MV for 'MLSS' and shooting posters. Staff, upon learning of their connection, Subtly probed her

Violeta's response remained consistent: "Sorry, I don't

"No worries, Violeta. You're in performing arts as well, and I have a

Violeta knew bigger challenges awaited her, building upon the successes and lessons of her freshman

anticipated, sophomore year would witness Hattie and

their mark in the realms of film

Drawing from Violeta's recollections

a previous life, 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