Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism
Chapter 111 The Final Match

Upon hearing Nolan's recount of Violeta's bold statement, Wade paused momentarily before laughing heartily. "This girl is truly interesting and straightforward. It's refreshing to see such spirit in young people!" Used to the constant superficiality and empty praises, Wade seldom came across genuine honesty and authenticity.

So, he found Violeta's honesty refreshing, and it genuinely delighted him.

His laughter subsided into a smile of anticipation.

"Such confidence from her, I'm eager to see if she can really win."

"I believe so."

"Oh? Have you seen her play before?" Wade asked, intrigued.

Nolan shook his head. "I haven't seen her play chess specifically, but Violeta carries an aura of confidence that seems to assure victory."

As they conversed, Violeta continued to command attention, much like she had during a previous tennis league, where her vibrant presence and every swing of the racket captivated onlookers.

Zelena also made it to the second round.

Violeta showed no signs of the expected diarrhea, making Zelena suspect that Benson accidentally drank the tea laced with laxatives she had intended for Violeta.

Disappointed that Violeta escaped unscathed, Zelena was notably upset.

Zelena was taken aback to discover that Violeta knew how to play chess.

She had always believed that Violeta could not play. When had she learned?

Zelena had invested a lot of effort into mastering chess, watching numerous tutorials, and practicing diligently, all to surpass Violeta.

Yet, now it seemed Violeta could play as well.

This revelation was hard for Zelena to accept.

Could Violeta have been secretly sharpening her chess skills all along?

Annoyed, Zelena tightened her grip. She acknowledged that Violeta was always one to keep tricks up her sleeve, and she resolved to never take her lightly again.

The second round commenced with Violeta at board number 2 and Zelena at number 7.

As winners of the previous round, the competitors here were likely more skilled.

On stage, Wade was observing the matches on a tablet, pausing to watch Violeta at board number 2.

It was difficult to gauge Violeta's experience in chess just by looking at her age. She placed her pieces confidently as if she had already mapped out the entire game in her head. "Nolan, look at that," Wade suggested.

Nolan peered over to view the tablet.

Wade observed, "Her moves are quick and decisive, suggesting she's quite experienced."

Nolan agreed with a nod. "Certainly appears that way."

Intrigued, Wade continued to monitor her game with the tablet.

Violeta played with a bold, aggressive style that cornered her opponents, forcing them into checkmate.

She advanced effortlessly to the next stage.

"I concede, your youth belies your mastery of chess," Violeta's opponent acknowledged.

Violeta collected the chess pieces. "It's merely good fortune, nothing else."

Laughing, her opponent disagreed, "Luck has little to do with it; that was skilled play."

After rising from her seat at table 2, Violeta's eyes met Zelena's, who was leaving her table at number 7.

A hostile glare emanated from Zelena, but Violeta responded with a serene gaze before settling down on a nearby sofa to rest.

In their previous encounter, Zelena had been the frontrunner of the competition, and without Violeta's presence, she might have clinched the title again.

Aware of this history, Violeta anticipated that their paths would inevitably converge in the final round.

Her curiosity about Zelena's true capabilities grew as the tournament progressed.

As the rounds progressed, fewer participants advanced. Violeta continued to win match after match, as did Zelena. Eventually, both of them made it to the final round where they would face each other. Zelena reaching the finals surprised Nolan, but Wade recognised her, recalling a past interaction at Toland University.

"Nolan, have we met this player before during our visit to Toland University? Is she also a student there?" Wade inquired.

"Yes, Mr. Howell, she's actually in the same performing arts class as Violeta. You had lunch together once," Nolan reminded him.

Upon hearing Nolan's comment, Wade suddenly remembered.

"Oh, right. Now that you mention it, she's good friends with Hattie, isn't she?"

"Yes."

Wade appeared somewhat surprised, with a hint of satisfaction in his eyes.

"It's impressive to see her excel in chess, too. Not many youngsters have a knack for the game these days."

Zelena, positioned under the stage, could just make out the conversation between Wade and Nolan about her. This pleased her immensely, as her goal was to perform well in front of Wade.

Winning this competition would surely make a lasting impression on him, likely leading to more opportunities in the future.

She was intent on demonstrating that she was the perfect choice for the lead role in "Spring in Moon City," not Violeta!

Then, the host announced, "Let the final match commence!"

Facing each other at the chessboard, Violeta studied Zelena, who attempted a friendly approach. "Violeta, go easy on me, please."

Violeta, unfazed, replied sharply, "Don't be so modest. You won't have a chance against me."

Zelena, momentarily taken aback by Violeta's confidence, managed a smile. "Are you sure about that?"

Violeta glanced down and nonchalantly moved her chess piece, confidently placing it on the board. "I can't speak for others, but I don't replace it challenging to handle you."

Zelena clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms.

This woman's arrogance was infuriating!