Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism
Chapter 286 Concluded

After the shoot wrapped up that day, Jaime celebrated the end of the project with a wrap party that night.

He toasts to everyone, expressing his hopes for the show's success.

"Violeta, you have a real shot at winning the Best New Actress Award next year," he said, raising his glass.

After he played a role in this series, Jaime was more aware than anyone of its grand production scale. Each episode had a budget comparable to that of a movie.

Every scene was meticulously crafted, and every costume and prop was carefully designed.

The lead actress was the focal point of this series. Winning an award seemed almost inevitable; it was just a question of which one.

If Violeta won the Best Newcomer Award, she would undoubtedly be the most surprising breakthrough actress of the year.

However, strict confidentiality agreements signed by all the actors prevented the leak of any details.

Despite this, many online critics doubted the series.

They claimed Wade was past his prime. He had resorted to low-budget web series to make money.

Many predicted that he would lose his position as a top-notch screenwriter.

Zelena's earlier criticism of Violeta had an impact on those internet users. They were sceptical about the show's quality and her performance.

Violeta smiled and said, "Thank you. I'll take your word for it."

Jaime looked at Violeta with admiration, and he said, "I look forward to working with you again."

"Me too."

Two-thirds into filming.

Violeta's ankle had mostly healed, but she still needed to sit in a wheelchair for certain scenes.

She was almost three months away from home. Her parents missed her terribly. They came to Crurgh to visit the production team. Niall also tagged along.

Though Violeta didn't want to delay filming, she had to keep her parents with her and asked the director for a day off.

Niall had already informed Wade ahead of time. They planned to have dinner that evening with Rufus and Wade.

During dinner, Rufus and Wade couldn't stop praising Violeta.

The news that everything went well reassured Anton and Irene.

Rufus had known about Violeta's background for a while, but meeting her parents confirmed the rumours he'd heard.

Despite her privileged background, Violeta's dedication to her craft was truly remarkable.

Rufus became even more impressed with her.

After dinner, Violeta accompanied her parents back to their hotel.

The next day, Niall left Crurgh.

Violeta resumed filming while her parents explored the city for two days.

Concerned about her well-being, Irene bought lots of supplies for the film crews and treated them to coffee.

One semester was four and a half months long.

Violeta's filming schedule spanned the entire first semester and the holidays. When she finally returned to school, it was time to start preparing for exams.

On the day filming wrapped up, Violeta wore her last costume and filmed a brief vlog.

She documented her day, from makeup to the final wrap.

Later, she posted it on Facebook with the caption, 'Goodbye, Layla.'

This was her first significant role, one she would always remember.

After posting, Violeta logged out and joined the wrap party.

Though the filming was done,

post-production

editing

still require and approval, tasks she left to the capable hands of Wade and Rufus.

The day she left Crurgh, the weather was perfect.

...

The next day, Violeta returned to Quinston.

Kaylee was excited to hear about Violeta's return. She went to meet her.

As soon as she exited the station, she saw Kaylee waving enthusiastically from across the street.

"Vio!"

Violeta ran over to her friend when she spotted her. She exclaimed, "Kaylee, it's been a while!"

Kaylee grinned and asked, "Hehe, superstar! How was filming?"

"Not bad. It went pretty well. You should try it sometime. How has school been for you?"

During the break, Kaylee continued working at Sunset Cafe.

They hadn't been in touch much, partly because Kaylee didn't want to disturb Violeta during filming and

partly because she didn't want toet

rely on her too much. After all, she was an adult and couldn't depend on Violeta for everything.

The car arrived. The two continued chatting as they got in.

"How's Fiona doing? How's business going during the school break?"

Since Violeta had returned, Kaylee knew there were some things she just had to say.

"The business hasn't been great. A new snack bar opened across from us and stole a lot of our customers."

Violeta paused and asked, "A snack bar?"

Kaylee nodded and said, "Yeah, it opened after you left for filming. It's run by Zelena."

Violeta fell silent.

Zelena opened a shop.

Right across the street and competing for business with us.

Hmm! Interesting.

Violeta smirked and asked, "What else has she been up to?"

"She became the student council president and head of the dance club. Lucy has left too."