Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

Chapter 258 Unfair Advantage

After uttering those words, she swiftly exited the game, powered down her computer, slipped into her shoes, and dashed downstairs.

"Niall!"

Niall had just arrived home, shedding his coat. He glanced up at Violeta on the second floor. "What's up?"

"Have you found the person I asked you to find?"

Niall's gaze softened. "Yes. They're leaving the day after tomorrow, and dinner plans are already set."

A smile brightened Violeta's face as she hurried downstairs and embraced Niall tightly. "That's wonderful! Niall, you're incredible, thank you!"

Niall tousled her hair. "No need for all the formality."

"Vio, you needn't start networking so early, especially while still in school. You've only just begun your second year next semester, and Mum and Dad want you home a few more years."

"Niall, I just want to broaden my horizons beyond class. Besides, an actress's prime is brief. I should be creating more at my peak," Violeta asserted.

Niall smiled gently. "Fair enough. But remember, Violeta, whether you're eighteen, twenty-eight, or thirty-eight, every age is your best."

"Yeah, I understand." Violeta nodded.

She knew her family meant well. Yet Violeta was determined not to lag behind Zelena, especially after being overshadowed in her previous life. She refused to waste any time this time around. Zelena would be leveraging every resource in their circle. Hattie, with her connection to Hannah, had already surged ahead of everyone in their class.

the perfect

time, she underestimated Zelena, and opportunities that should have been hers slipped

stay one step

life, Violeta vividly remembered that in her sophomore year, there were two productions whose crews were almost as talented as Nolan's in 'Night On the River.' They rivalled

a charming campus romance named 'The Moon Belongs To You,' while the other was an engrossing mystery series

in period martial arts films, but her primary goal was to

was widely known that Wade's projects were rare gems, and his casting choices were notoriously selective. With no certainty that Wade

sophomore, Violeta needed to secure a role in a noteworthy production. That's why she was eyeing these

turn

every strategy to build her network, both by aligning with Hattie and by making new

relying solely on her own efforts

strategically leverage her family's connections when necessary to gain an

would be a smart move e. However, the two projects were very different: one was a sweet romance, while the other was a

be a smart

one was a sweet romance, while the

had strong reputations, Violeta had a preference for 'The

wanted to build a career based on solid acting

as it would influence future opportunities and shape

Violeta could easily fit into a high-profile, star-driven career, she was determined to be known for

experience, Violeta had witnessed many

be manufactured or fabricated, genuine achievements, once earned, were

Violeta remembered,

Detective' was a