Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

Chapter 5 Zoren's Cousin Is Right Up Hayden's Alley

Irene was only twenty-four years old when she gave birth to Niall. She wanted a daughter later on, so she became pregnant and gave birth to Violeta when she was thirty-five.

Niall, eleven years older than Violeta, already had a successful career.

When the siblings met for the first time, he embraced Violeta gently while she looked up at him and smiled. Niall patted her head and said, "Vio, I've eagerly awaited your return for many years. Our family is finally reunited now!"

And so, Violeta returned to the White family's loving embrace.

A month and a half later, Quinston's upper-class society was abuzz with the news that the White family's long-lost daughter, who had been mistakenly taken away eighteen years ago, had finally returned!

However, the White family was mysteriously keeping their daughter under wraps. Only a select few had seen her so far. Some rumors suggested that the White family's daughter was too unpresentable, which was why the White family had refrained from introducing her to others.

Anton entrusted the Blake family with the project as promised, allowing the Blakes to make a fortune. Furthermore, Anton also sent gifts to the Blake family out of goodwill.

The Blake family received the White family's gifts but didn't think about Violeta. They believed the White family valued them and wanted to establish a good relationship with them, hence the generous gifts.

Zelena lived comfortably with the Blake family for a month and a half. She enjoyed everything the Blake family had to offer and discarded Violeta's belongings in her bedroom. Zelena also asked her parents if she could attend Toland University. After some coaxing, they agreed. Mr. and Mrs. Blake

had forgotten entirely about Violeta under Zelena's influence. They paid no attention to their adopted daughter, who had already left.

However, Zelena was puzzled and thought to herself. Why hasn't this wench returned? Isn't she coming back? That's impossible. Where else can she go if she doesn't come back? It's alright. If she doesn't return, I'll take the initiative and look for her! In any case, I'll never let her off the hook.

Irene initially wanted to hold a banquet for Violeta, but Violeta declined. Violeta had already experienced a rebirth and no longer cared for these superficial events. She was content just being with her family! Considering that Violeta needed to rest after her car accident, Irene didn't insist and allowed Violeta to relax at home.

One day, Irene and Violeta were sunbathing in the backyard. Irene peeled fruits for Violeta and asked, "Violeta, which university did you get into?"

"Toland University, the department of film and performing arts." Violeta had always dreamed of becoming an actress. Unfortunately, she was always overshadowed by Zelena in her previous life. She spent several years in the industry as an extra and had no notable achievements. She struggled to make ends meet by working part-time jobs.

Violeta got into Toland University by merit, while Zelena got in with the help of her wealthy parents. After they entered the same university, Zelena formed cliques and deliberately excluded Violeta. Zelena even spread rumors about Violeta on online forums. Violeta had a tough time in university, but it didn't deter her from pursuing her dream.

Against all odds, Violeta secured her first leading role after graduating with an outstanding academic performance. It was a drama with a female lead role, and Violeta could have been an instant hit.

However, Zelena meddled and stole Violeta's role. This incident wholly ruined Violeta's first acting opportunity. She struggled in the entertainment industry for a few years and never again got a good role that was perfect for her. She did get a few chances, but every little opportunity was taken away by Zelena.

In the years after Violeta entered the entertainment industry, Zelena secretly exposed Violeta as the Blake family's adopted daughter and revealed herself to be the Blake family's biological daughter.

The media criticized and disparaged Violeta mercilessly. They reported that Violeta shamelessly outstayed her welcome after Zelena had returned to the Blake family. Violeta was portrayed as a spiteful older sister who picked on Zelena, the innocent victim being harassed.

Even if Violeta spoke up, no one listened to her. Zelena's fans would insult her online every day.

When Violeta thought about those years, she felt like she was in a living nightmare. Zelena had wanted to steal everything from her. In Violeta's past life, Zelena stole everything that belonged to her with Mr. and Mrs. Blake's support.

But Violeta would never let Zelena have her way in this life. She would reclaim what rightfully belonged to her! She no longer desired to be loved by her foster parents, but she would take back everything else that belonged to her!

"Toland University is a pretty good school! I graduated from the drama department at Toland University, Vio. I never thought that we were from the same alma mater!" Irene said with a smile, gently handing the peeled fruit to Violeta.

"Thank you, Mom!" Violeta smacked her lips as she ate the fruit and spoke sweetly. "Mom, did you also graduate from Toland University? You're my senior!"

Irene smiled, "Vio, do you want to be an actress?"

Violeta nodded, "Mm-hmm." Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

As a performing artist, Irene fully supported her daughter's desire to become an actress.

"Great! My daughter must have inherited my artistic talent. Vio, I'll fully support you in becoming an actress. My daughter will be the best actress in the future!"

"Thank you, Mom. I'll work hard."

Anton and Irene couldn't personally send Violeta to school on enrollment day because they were busy, so they asked Zoren to do it. Zoren was a junior who was also studying at Toland University and majoring in computer science.

After leaving the manor, Violeta waited for Zoren to pick her up at the agreed location.

Violeta stood under a tree under the sun, wearing a thin, ruffled white dress. Her exposed skin was dazzlingly white. She held her phone in one hand and waited under the tree.

At that moment, an inconspicuous black Bentley pulled up in front of her. The rear window was lowered, revealing a cold and indifferent face. The man sized up Violeta, standing under the tree, with pursed lips and a stern, dark gaze. A deep voice rang. "Violeta White?"

Violeta coded on her phone and looked at a black screen displaying a red code. She failed to notice the car parked before her. Startled by the voice, Violeta slowly looked up and turned off her screen, locking eyes with Hayden Frost.

Upon seeing Hayden, Violeta mistook him for Zoren, who was supposed to pick her up. A sweet smile instantly graced her delicate face as she greeted him sweetly. "Hello, Zoren."

Hayden's brows rose, puzzled to hear her call him 'Zoren.' He looked at Violeta's innocent face and pleasant smile.

Zoren was initially supposed to pick her up, but he was being held up by a woman and couldn't make it, so he asked Hayden to fetch her instead. Hayden was unwilling, but Zoren begged until he gave in and reluctantly agreed to pick her up.

What was originally a bothersome task unexpectedly turned out to be rewarding. Zoren's cousin was exactly Hayden's type and right up his alley.