Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism
Chapter 149 Violeta's True Identity

Seeing Violeta comfortably seated in the speedboat, untouched by the wind or rain, Hattie trembled with rage. "D*mn it! D*mn them!"

The speedboat's roof was made of specialised glass material, clear enough to see outside from within and vice versa.

Thus, as they sped past Hattie's speedboat, not only did Hattie see Violeta, but Violeta also saw Hattie.

Hattie's frantic, exasperated expression was fully visible to Violeta.

Violeta simply turned her head away, her demeanour calm and unaffected.

In her past life, Hattie had never been an ally, and this life was no different.

Upon their arrival at the island, the staff had three shuttle vehicles ready to transport them all back to the manor, along with raincoats.

Meanwhile, on another part of the island, Benson was observing the sea through binoculars.

He had also noticed the two speedboats, one of which carried Violeta and her group.

When Hattie reached the shore, she was completely drenched. Immediately, a servant wrapped her in a towel.

"Hattie, why would you go out to sea so late at night?"

Hattie, fuming and feeling unjustly treated, did not see her own mistake.

"Benson! They just drenched me with seawater, and I even choked on it!"

Benson had also seen the incident.

Given the speedboat Violeta and her friends were on, it was normal for it to kick up some waves due to its high-powered engine.

Yet, it was uncertain whether it was intentional.

Maybe it was just unlucky timing for Hattie.

Benson suggested, "Let's go back now! The rain is getting worse. You don't want to get sick."

Yet, Hattie was fuming inside. She did not have any issues with Hayden or Zoren; she suspected it might have been Violeta's doing. She thought it was a deliberate attempt to embarrass her.

That darn Violeta!

Once back at their accommodation, Hattie quickly changed clothes and hurried to Benson's room to share her suspicions. "Benson, I've got an idea."

Benson was busy studying, and his computer screen was filled with finance videos, too. He was teaching himself!

Noticing Hattie's entrance, he paused the video and asked casually, "What's up?"

Hattie had given it a lot of thought; she did not trust Zelena's words entirely.

Something felt off about Violeta's identity!

Recalling the incident with the Bamboo Eau de Parfum, Hattie had been suspicious of Violeta back then.

Yet, at the time, Zelena had brushed it off, claiming it was just a casual gift from Jasper.

So, she had not dwelled on it much.

Now, reflecting on it, things seemed increasingly fishy.

Hattie sat down opposite Benson and began her analysis. "Benson, I think there's something unusual about Violeta's background!

"Think about it: even if Violeta really is Jasper's girlfriend, and Jasper managed to bring her out, how could Jasper just introduce Violeta to someone with Niall's stature so easily?"

If Violeta's parents were from a simple rural background, she would be on a totally different trajectory than Jasper, a wealthy scion. A future marriage seemed unlikely given their disparate backgrounds- something Jasper was surely aware of.

High society often requires a match in social status or at least a partner who can bring benefits and influence to the family.

Clearly, Violeta did not fit these criteria.

Benson caught on to what Hattie was suggesting. "Okay, what else?"

"The crucial detail," Hattie continued, "is Violeta's surname-White."

"Do you mean Violeta is also a White?" Benson asked, lowering his eyes slightly.

"Exactly!" Hattie confirmed.

"I've already discussed this with Zelena. She confirmed that her investigations found Violeta's biological parents were not from a wealthy background. I also researched Niall and found records showing he's an only child.

"Moreover, Violeta is close to Zoren at school. So, there's only one explanation," Hattie concluded.

Benson looked at her thoughtfully.

"I suspect that Violeta might be an illegitimate child! Maybe she's Zoren's sister!"

Benson paused.

Hattie explained, "It's too much of a coincidence that Violeta also has the surname White and is close to them. It can only mean they are related.

"If she's Zoren's half-sister, then it wasn't Jasper who introduced her to high society, but Zoren. That would make Niall her cousin!"

"Do you have any proof?" Benson inquired.

"No, it's just a theory," Hattie admitted.

"But it's the only explanation that makes sense. If Violeta is Zoren's half-sister, her relationship with Jasper is more fitting. I'm confident in my theory. Violeta must be a White. Her exclusive perfume couldn't have been obtained without significant connections."

If Violeta was indeed an illegitimate daughter of the Whites, that would explain a lot for Hattie, making her feel much better about the whole situation.