Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism
Chapter 486 Fallen

After finishing a day of filming, Violeta got into her car and headed back to the hotel.

Aster, busy scrolling through Facebook, looked up and said, "Ms. White, did you see that Lydia lost two luxury endorsements? Both contracts were terminated." The brands were considerate, stating that the contracts had simply expired.

Lydia, now thirty, has been in the industry for nine years.

The brands hadn't abandoned her.

The contracts were indeed up for renewal, but Lydia's recent scandal had deterred them from renewing.

No brand wanted an artist with a tainted reputation.

Unflattering photos of her from all angles are now flooding Facebook. For a female celebrity, such a blow to her image can be devastating.

Violeta wasn't surprised by the news.

Every artist has a peak period. No one stays on top forever.

Even though she was at the height of her career now, she knew that her time would come.

However, she wouldn't let herself fade away in disgrace like Lydia. After she achieved everything she set out to do, she'd retire on her own terms. Lydia's scandal raged for two weeks before new gossip took over.

Many fans left, but the ones who stayed were loyal.

Three months later, the filming of 'The Island' wrapped up, marking the beginning of summer.

Violeta always took a break after finishing a movie.

This time, it coincided with Kaylee's birthday.

Kaylee didn't have many friends in Quinton, but she was close to Polly on set, so she invited her to the birthday celebration.

Polly happily bought a gift and joined them.

The party was held at the Pet Haven sanctuary.

They set up a picnic on the grassy area in front of the orange grove.

Kaylee had volunteered at Pet Haven before and knew many of the staff.

The only celebrities present were Violeta and Polly.

To celebrate, the staff had washed all the dogs.

Every dog was now adorably clean, wearing little birthday hats, sticking their

= was now adorably clean, r tongues, and wag tickinet

happily. Content belon Narugi

Ever since Violeta entrusted Tuna's mating affair to Zoren, it had been staying at the sanctuary and had bonded well with the other dogs.

Violeta seized the opportunity and toured the Pet Haven.

It was well-maintained, with the villagers growing oranges on the hillside.

The lush green mountains and the golden oranges made a picturesque scene, enhanced by the presence of the pets. They had a wonderful birthday celebration.

As they were leaving, Zoren handed Kaylee a basket of golden oranges.

"We never give away our oranges, but Zoren seems to make exceptions," one of the staff members joked.

Kaylee blushed.

Violeta chuckled and teased, "Zoren, why didn't you give me any oranges? Do you have a special interest in Kaylee?"

Her words made the atmosphere instantly awkward.

Kaylee's already red face turned even redder.

The staff laughed and dispersed to continue their work.

Zoren chuckled and said self-deprecatingly, "Oh, I'm just a worker. How could I possibly deserve a big star?"

Kaylee mumbled, "I'm not a big star either."

Polly covered her mouth, laughing.

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"Okay," Violeta agreed.

She quickly approached Zoren and whispered, "Bro, I'm rooting for you. Good luck."

With that, Violeta and Polly got into the car.

Orange trees and flowers surrounded the Pet Haven base, which was located halfway up a mountain.

Since there were no streetlights, the workers had hung star-shaped lights on the plants, creating a cosy atmosphere.

For Kaylee's birthday, they added some red lights to the starry ones.

The road leading down from the sanctuary had the car parked on it.

Kaylee and Zoren stood at the entrance, facing each other, with Zoren holding a basket of oranges.

Back in school, Zoren had his share of youthful days.