Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

Chapter 113 Summer Job "When the day comes for her to exact revenge, even though she'll be happy, a part of her heart will still ache from her past hardships." Throughout her journey, Violeta has endured many difficulties alone.

Like water in a leaky tank, it still needed tto fill in again even after the tank was repaired and refilled. How could she forgive Zelena so easily? All her efforts were washed away, joy beca fleeting dream, and dreams shattered instantly...

The long days were as tasteless and monotonous as chewed wax. Violeta was determined to make Zelena experience all of these to truly understand her.

Nolan listened, and then a warm smile slowly spread across his lips, "You sound so mature for just eighteen." "Indeed." "One might think you were already thirty." At the window, the breeze fluttered the white gauze curtains, causing Violeta's eyelashes to quiver slightly. As her shadow cast on them, her smile dimmed slightly. "Yeah." Zelena left the chess hall with a second-place trophy.

Although second place did not not qualify for membership in the Chess Association, it was still a respectable position.

Back home, Hattie inquired about the competition via WhatsApp.

Reluctantly, Zelena replied, "I cin second." Hattie mentioned, "The water at the chess hall isn't clean. My brother went to the hospital for a check-up, and the doctor said he probably had something contaminated that caused diarrhea. He drank the water at the chess hall, so it's likely the water that's the issue!" Zelena stayed silent.

The mystery was solved.

It turned out that Benson ended up drinking the water that Zelena had spiked with laxatives, resulting in his diarrhea.

It seemed fate had its own plans. Benson's chess skills were superior to Zelena's. If he had been well, Zelena might not have even made it to face Violeta in the final match.

Zelena found herself in a dilemma over whom to be grateful to.

If Benson had been in the competition, she might not have secured the second place! "Hattie, should we help Benson to ask for a few days off to recover before he goes back to school? It could be a good tfor him to get a thorough check-up." "That sounds like a good idea." This break would also give Benson a chance to rest and steer clear of the troublesboys at school. Therefore, Benson took a leave of absence.

As the end of the term approached...

The renovation of the Twilight Cafe's second floor was finally finished, and it was set to reopen after the term ended. Violeta, who's managing the cafe, was looking to hire a waiter for the summer. Kaylee, hearing about the job opportunity, was quick to express her interest.

"I want to work there, Vio! It's perfect since I want to work during the summer break." Violeta was slightly taken aback. "You want to work over the summer?" Kaylee nodded enthusiastically. "Yes!" Seeing the chance to keep things within their circle, Violeta agreed.

"Alright, talk to Fiona about it. You can start after your exams." "Great!!" Kaylee beamed.

Many in the class were searching for summer jobs, with several opting to tutor or work in upscale restaurants. While others were still fretting over securing a position for the summer, Kaylee had already secured hers, getting a head start on everyone else.

As finals approached, everyone buckled down to avoid failing. The mood in the class shifted to one of focused study.

At the end of the term, Violeta topped the department with the highest grades.

On the day of the summer break announcement, Zelena approached Violeta with a seemingly innocent question. "Are you going hthis summer? It's been a while, and I'm sure Dad and Mom miss you." Violeta was sceptical.

Ever since she moved to Quinston for school, she had not heard much from Mr. and Mrs. Blake, her adoptive parents, almost as if they had forgotten about her.

It seemed Zelena had an ulterior motive. She likely wanted Violeta to cback hto show off how well she had been treated by the Blakes and possibly shake Violeta's confidence. Remaining cool and detached, Violeta did not show any reaction, giving Zelena nothing to work with.

"Oh, I forgot. Are you planning to work this summer?" Zelena continued, feigning surprise. "Why not ditch the job and cback to Allowand with me? Dad and Mom could easily arrange a better job for you than working for peanuts at scafe." Kaylee knew Zelena did not have good intentions.

"Zelena, owns her own cafe. Why would she need to work for someone else? How can you look down on people who earn their own living? You really have snerve!" Zelena's expression wavered momentarily Kaylee's reminder had actually made her recall that Violeta owned a coffee shop.

"Well, if you're not interested in going back home, it's fine. I was just om worried about you, "Zelena said, retreating to her seat, her tone suggesting that her concern was unappreciated. As the summer break approached, many students were actively looking for jobs, but opportunities were limited. Kaylee had secured her position early, and the perks made it an enviable arrangement.

Sclassmates were jealous, including Gillian and Candy, who planned to stay in Quinston over the break.

Gillian scoffed, "Isn't the café busy only because of the university students? What happens when they're gone over the holidays? It'll be dead." Candy added, "Yeah, it's well-known that businesses around schools just live off the student population. There's nothing impressive about that."