Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism
Chapter 299 Violeta's Performance

At the front, Violeta finally took the stage.

Irene happily started recording and watched her daughter perform with joy.

Initially, she was delighted, but as she watched, her eyes filled with tears, and she covered her mouth, overwhelmed with emotion.

No one understood better than Irene what it meant for each minute on stage to represent ten years of hard work offstage.

Her daughter danced so beautifully; how much hardship had she endured in private?

Irene was past the prime childbearing age when she was pregnant with Violeta.

To protect the pregnancy, she endured numerous injections, eagerly awaiting her daughter's arrival.

After the birth, the baby was taken away for cleaning.

When she was returned, Irene's first instinct was that the child was not hers, but her efforts to investigate led nowhere. Misunderstandings had kept her and her daughter apart for many years.

Irene often felt a deep sense of guilt towards her.

The one solace was that Violeta's adoptive parents were not struggling financially.

Yet, after Violeta returned home, Irene often sensed that she was different from other girls from wealthy families.

Irene did not need a daughter who was already so mature, but she could not change the past.

As Violeta danced gracefully on stage to the sound of applause, Irene alone cried beneath the stage.

...

Violeta was the only solo dancer.

After her performance, several judges nodded and exchanged looks, all agreeing she had danced beautifully.

Her routine was flawless, showcasing her solid foundational skills. Despite being challenged from any angle, she maintained her composure, playing it safe.

However, since each judge had different preferences, her final score was not the highest, but it was still commendable.

Violeta did not know her score yet, but she felt content and without regrets.

As she stepped off the stage, Grace was there, waiting with enthusiastic applause, visibly pleased.

"Vio, you danced wonderfully. I'm so proud of you."

"Thank you, Ms. Parker." Violeta hugged Grace and said, "I just don't know how many points I get."

Grace patted her shoulder. "Don't worry about it. Go and rest."

Lucy also watched Violeta's entire performance.

Honestly, she could not replace any fault in it either.

For someone relatively new to the industry, Violeta's courage to take the stage without any stage fright and deliver a perfect performance was remarkable.

Lucy remembered her own first major performance, where she was nervous and stumbled in her steps.

What amazed Lucy even more was Violeta's improvement. Compared to the previous Moon Festival, Violeta was clearly superior this time, reaching a new level.

The talent Vivian had referenced before truly applied to Violeta.

However, it was up to chance whether she would win an award. At that moment, Vivian returned.

"Ms. Montclair."

Vivian put on her coat and sat down.

"Where is the competition?"

Lucy replied, "Violeta just finished her performance."

Vivian asked, "Oh? How did she do?"

Lucy responded, "She did very well."

Considering Lucy's high standards, this was indeed high praise.

Because many people in their dance troupe could not earn such a compliment.

Vivian unzipped her bag and took out her phone, saying lightly, "You think so, too? Then it must have been quite a show."

Then, a hint of darkness flashed in her eyes when she saw the text message.

Lucy mentioned, "Your husband just called, asking you to call him back when you can."

Vivian, a bit impatient, did not seem

too concerned. She stood up, grabbed her bag, and said, "Got it. I have to run. Lucy, you can head back to the hotel with the others later. I've arranged for the hotel and transportation. Text me if you need anything."

"Okay."

As Vivian stood up, Lucy noticed a smear of lipstick on the collar of her white shirt.

How did that get there?

Lucy watched Vivian's retreating figure, feeling puzzled.

Before the final results were announced, the contestants who had finished performing did not change out of their costumes or makeup.

Irene came backstage and found Violeta, embracing her with joy. "Oh, honey! You danced so wonderfully just now! Everyone was applauding for you." Violeta returned the hug and said, "Mom, thank you for always being there for me."

"You're my baby. If I don't support you, who will? By the way, your dad called earlier. He mentioned there's a new development in the investigation." Irene shared everything Anton had told her earlier with Violeta.

Violeta and Anton both felt that there was more to this situation than meets the eye.

"By the way, where's your teacher?"

"She was here a moment ago, but I'm not sure where she went. She should be back soon."

While they were talking, Simon

arrived backstage. He first mingled

with some of the stage leaders, then took a look around, and his gaze eventually settled on Violeta and Irene.

Of course, everyone backstage knew who Irene was.