Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism
Chapter 114 Trip to Verdancia

The two were green with envy, like an overcooked, bitter cabbage.

Kaylee could not resist commenting, "Why so bitter, you two? I can smell it from here."

She continued enthusiastically, "The perks at Sunset Cafe are amazing. You work just a few hours, get three meals a day, and even afternoon tea with snacks! It's an easy gig with great benefits." The classmates listened with growing envy.

The job sounded too good to be true, a real gem among summer jobs.

Curious and hopeful, a classmate asked, "Violeta, are there any more openings at your cafe?"

Violeta replied simply, "No."

"Oh well."

A collective sigh of disappointment filled the room.

Zelena, watching the interaction, tried a different angle. "Violeta, are you sure you don't want to come home this summer? Mom and Dad said they're taking me to Verdancia! You'll miss out."

A classmate exclaimed, "Verdancia? Wow, Lena, that sounds like an amazing trip!"

Zelena downplayed it. "It's just a regular trip, really. We're going to enjoy the scenery and all. Don't worry, I'll bring back gifts for everyone."

The class responded with a mix of envy and excitement, "That's awesome! Zelena, it must be great being you. Meanwhile, we have to slog through summer jobs."

Surrounded by envious gazes from those around her, Zelena felt a secret thrill.

She then asked Hattie, "Hattie, where are you headed this summer?"

Hattie nonchalantly fiddled with her freshly manicured nails and said, "Where else could I go? My mom bought a little island in the North Sea, so I guess that's our vacation spot. It's just too hot around here; we need a break."

An island?

Wow!

Before the class could even digest Zelena's trip to Verdancia, they learned of Hattie's extravagant island getaway, owned privately no less.

It was maddening to compare oneself with others!

Zelena, slightly irked that Hattie seemed to outshine her, managed to hide her annoyance. With a forced smile, she said, "Hattie, don't forget to bring us some autographs from Ms. Leid. I can't wait!" Hattie responded with a light laugh. "Of course."

Zelena then turned to Violeta. "Violeta, you haven't answered me yet. Aren't you coming back with me?"

Violeta had been ignoring Zelena, who seized the opportunity to needle her further.

Previously, Violeta had spent a month working in Quinston, saving enough to buy gifts for Mr. and Mrs. Blake back in Arlowand.

Violeta knew that Mr. and Mrs. Blake were very selective and preferred high-quality items, so she generously used most of her earnings, aside from travel expenses, to buy them gifts. Despite her month-long effort and substantial spending, her gifts were unfortunately met with disdain.

At that time, freshly returned from shopping in Verdancia with Zelena, Violeta's gifts paled in comparison to the designer items Zelena flaunted, leading to mockery despite her efforts.

With this bitter experience, Violeta was determined not to repeat the humiliation in this lifetime.

"I'm not going back."

"And where will you go instead?" Zelena asked with a patronizing tone, "Are you just going to lounge around the cafe all summer?"

Violeta, having not yet finalized her summer plans, remained noncommittal.

Recently, Zoren and others had discussed a trip to the Yurtlandia Grasslands for horseback riding and other adventures in their group chat, extending an invitation to her.

"My plans are my own. Why don't you just mind your own business?" Violeta shot back sharply.

Taken aback, Zelena looked away, recalling how uneventful Violeta's past summers had been, presuming this year would be no different.

As the classroom buzzed with holiday excitement, the counsellor's arrival to wish everyone a happy vacation marked the official start of the summer break.

Exiting the school, Violeta made her way to the Sunset Cafe, where her friends, including Hayden, were already gathered.

Spotting her, Zoren called out enthusiastically.

Hayden reclined in his chair, a can of instant coffee in his left hand. As Violeta approached, his typically distant gaze warmed slightly as if a touch of colour had seeped into the icy expanse of a glacier. "You guys are here early," Violeta commented, smiling as she joined them.

Spotting Hayden with a can of instant coffee, Violeta swiftly grabbed it from his hand and threw it into the trash bin, commenting, "Do you even realise where you are? Drinking instant coffee in this place? That's just wrong!"

Their friends laughed at her playful scolding, teasing Hayden, "Haha, that's what you get!"

Taking it well, he retorted, "Then you owe me a proper coffee."

Violeta agreed. She then turned to Fiona and said, "Americano for him, please."

"Okay."

As Fiona prepared the order, Zoren chimed in, amused by the scene. "Only Violeta would do that. I told Hayden there was better coffee here last time, but he wouldn't listen."