Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism
Chapter 575 Ultimatums and Unraveling Fates

Zelena had considered playing this card before but had held back.

This time, she was ready to use it to save herself from the mess she was in.

When Hattie saw the photos on the table, her expression changed instantly. She strode forward and snatched them up to take a closer look. The more she looked, the paler her face became.

"Where did you get these photos!?"

Zelena replied leisurely, "I took them."

Hattie furiously flung the photos at Zelena's face. The pictures scattered through the air, and a few strands of hair fell across Zelena's forehead.

"You wretch, you were following me?"

Zelena closed her eyes briefly but kept her expression calm.

She reached out and picked up one of the photos that had landed on her lap, a slight smile playing on her lips.

She looked at Hattie, her voice cold. "I wasn't following you. I just happened to see Alaric picking you up in the parking garage after that brand event, so I snapped a few shots."

Hattie clenched her fists, her eyes widening as if she was ready to tear Zelena apart. She lowered her voice, but her anger was barely contained. "What are you trying to do? Alaric has already left the industry. Are you trying to blackmail me with these?" The scandal involving Alaric had blown over when he left the public eye.

Hattie had never imagined that Zelena had kept this in reserve!

Zelena said calmly, "You've got it wrong. I'm not trying to blackmail you-I'm here to make a deal."

Hattie was puzzled.

Zelena stood up from the sofa and spoke clearly. "You've probably seen the latest trending topics on Facebook. I need a bigger scandal to overshadow mine." Hattie said, "You want to use"

Zelena interrupted, "Yes, just like you taught me, remember? The campus competition."

Back then, when Zelena was disqualified from a competition, it was Hattie who had taught her to use a bigger scandal to cover up her own.

It was bitterly ironic to have that advice thrown back in her face now.

If Hattie had known things would turn out like this, she would never have helped Zelena back then!

Hattie's face was almost cracking with anger as she gritted her teeth.

"What exactly do you want?"

"You figure it out.

"I'm giving you the control. You come up with a scandal to help me.

"After all, we've known each other for years. If I were the one to leak something, wouldn't that seem a bit too cruel?

"You must have plenty of juicy secrets, right?

"Alaric's mistress? Or the illegitimate daughter of the Ridges? Neither of those

dauguld be great for you. A

single call to the media, and you'd be the one under fire."

Zelena's tone was calm, but her words were chilling. Hattie's shoulders trembled slightly.

Zelena took a step closer and patted Hattie's shoulder. "Alright, take your time and think about it. But not too much time-I can only give you one day be waiting for your good news."

Zelena left the lounge.

Inside, there was the sound of a cup shattering on the floor, but Zelena didn't look back.

As she passed through the set, Zelena paused and looked over toward the director's tent on the outskirts of the shoot. The director was talking to Nolan in that spot.

Nolan, dressed in a brown plaid shirt and worn-out jeans, had a slightly rebellious look. His longer hair nearly covered his eyes, and his profife was striking, with a high nose and sharp features.

Zelena's gaze lingered on Nolan, perhaps too obviously.

Nolan turned and met her eyes.

Zelena couldn't manage a real smile, but she forced a stiff one at him. Nolan gave her a polite nod before turning back to his conversation with the director. Zelena turned away and walked slowly toward the exit.

This path was getting harder and harder.

For some reason, she felt like she and Nolan were drifting farther apart.

Maybe some things just weren't meant to be.

As Zelena left, a crew member on set pulled out his phone and made a call.

"Hello, Mr. Scott? Zelena just left."

Moments later, Eugene sent a text to Violeta.

After Violeta finished filming a scene, she saw Eugene's message and made a call.

The phone rang a few times before it was answered.

Violeta spoke, "Mrs. Ridge, it's me. The plan worked. You can move forward now."