Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism
Chapter 288 Everyone Has Their Own Destiny

Since Violeta hadn't attended classes this semester, special considerations were made for her exams.

Violeta insisted, "It's fine; I can take the exams."

The counsellor responded, "No need to push yourself."

Violeta smiled gently and said, "I'm not."

Despite not attending classes, she felt confident about the exams.

The exams had two components: continuous assessment, where teachers graded based on various aspects.

Secondly, there was a written test.

Though Violeta had missed classes due to filming, she had full marks for continuous assessment. All that remained was the written exam.

Despite her filming schedule, she didn't want to delay graduation.

While she could have used connections to pass, she insisted on taking the exam herself, proving her determination and integrity.

As Violeta was leaving the school, she saw Zelena walking towards her with Gillian.

From a distance, Zelena noticed Violeta walking alongside Kaylee.

Just as they were about to pass each other, both stopped in sync.

Violeta's calm gaze met Zelena's. She smiled and said, "Violeta, it's nice to see you back from filming.

Have you visited the Breeze? The snacks there are quite good. Maybe I'll take you there sometime.

Violeta's expression remained unchanged, her tone steady. "I have. There are many customers, and I don't like crowds. Save your money on bribing the subject teachers."

Zelena chuckled and admitted, "Indeed, there are more customers at my shop compared with your coffee shop. You won't be upset that I took some of your customers away, will you?"

It was certain that the Sunset Cafe's revenue had decreased over the past few months because of the Breeze's influence.

Zelena aimed to provoke Violeta.

But Violeta didn't take the bait. Instead, she calmly said, "Zelena, just as people are ranked, so are shops."

Zelena struggled to retort.

"Your tactic is lousy."

With that, Violeta walked away with Kaylee.

Zelena was quite angry. She turned and glared at Violeta's retreating figure.

Gillian huffed indignantly and said, "What does she mean? Does she think those who eat snacks are lowly? What a poor character!"

Violeta had a short rest at home.

In the afternoon, she went out for lunch with Zoren.

He was the only one who joined her. Liam was working at his family company, and Jasper had gone to Wiltonshire a month ago.

Zoren was the only one with plenty of free time. He was busy with charity work, driving around the city with his tennis club friends to rescue stray animals. "Zoren, I've really changed my opinion of you."

Violeta said earnestly to her brother, "I used to think you were unreliable, but what you're doing now is truly commendable!"

She gave Zoren a thumbs-up.

Dedicating oneself to charity, especially in the early stages when it was not profitable, Zoren's work was admirable.

Her brother was a rich kid who had

grown up in luxury, but Zoren was willing to drive for hours to remote

areas to save animals. Violeta was genuinely impressed.

Zoren said, "Well, I hadn't planned on it initially. After seeing those pictures, I think those animals are truly pitiful."

Violeta took a sip of her soup and complimented, "That's wonderful. Uncle will be happy to know this."

"By the way, do you know when Hayden is coming back?" Violeta asked.

Zoren looked puzzled and wondered, "Why do you ask?"

"I promised to treat him to a meal. Hasn't Hayden come back these past few months?"

Zoren shook his head and said, "He came back for exams last semester, then left again.

"I heard he's working in Newham now, but I don't know what exactly he's doing. His uncle is there, so he can help him out."

"Oh, I see," Violeta replied.

Reflecting on her previous life, Violeta realised she had very little knowledge about Hayden.

People whom they frequently met in university would return to their respective social circles after graduation.

Everyone has their own destiny.

"When are your exams?" Zoren asked.

"Soon. Next week. I need to study hard these next few days," Violeta replied.

"Alright, I won't ask you out this

week, then. Study well. If you're taking exams, Hayden should be back for them too. Jas and Liam will also return for exams. We can then meet up."

"Sure."

Violeta agreed.

After finishing their meal, Zoren drove Violeta home. He stayed for a cup of tea before leaving.

During Violeta's absence, Hera had been sent back from abroad. She had been well fed, gaining quite a bit of weight.

Irene was worried that without

proper training, Hera might become

wild. So, she had Anton replace a specialised falcon trainer who could take Hera out daily for training while Violeta was away.

Violeta was concerned that Hera might not recognise her anymore.

To her relief, Hera flew to her arm and ate the meat she offered.

Tuna, on the other hand, had become spoiled by its comfortable life.

It had lost all of its wildness. Now, it was just a large, more voracious sled dog.

Violeta had previously worried that Tuna might become aggressive, but those fears were unfounded.

Tuna was just a playful wolf that rolled over for treats.

The next day, Violeta spent her time in the library and diligently prepared for her final exams.