Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

Chapter 13 A Killing Attempt

Violeta entered the auditorium and seamlessly blended into the crowd. When no one was paying attention, she discreetly took out a photo hidden in her sleeve..

Having anticipated that Zelena would cause trouble that day, Violeta had prepared her own photo and concealed it in her sleeve when Zelena wasn't looking. It would be impossible for Zelena to find it. The auditorium was filled with freshmen. Violeta located her class's designated area and took a seat. Soon, Zelena entered, reluctantly taking a seat at the back. She glanced at Violeta in the front row, discreetly rolling her eyes.

The freshman orientation began shortly after. Several deans and senior representatives took the stage to give speeches.

Violeta scanned the room, searching for Mr. Lowe. She spotted him seated in the front row with several department heads, seemingly unaware that the photo in his wallet was missing. She needed a suitable opportunity to return the photo to him. Otherwise, it would be awkward or as if she was intentionally trying to get close to him.

Violeta recalled her previous life. She suffered public humiliation when her clothes were torn. At that time, she was only concerned about herself and did not notice how Zelena returned the photo to Mr. Lowe and left a favorable impression on him,

The speeches ended before she could figure out how to return the photo.

"Everyone is now free to mingle and get to know each other. It's your chance to make friends who will be with you for the next four years...

'Clap, clap, clap...

Applause filled the room as everyone began to socialize. Not only did students mingle, but soon, those with talents showcased their skills. After all, several renowned directors were present. Everyone seized the chance, aiming to impress.

Zelena had carefully chosen her outfit and made meticulous preparations to shine during the freshman orientation. She had gathered information before coming to this city and was eager to connect with affluent individuals here. Her primary goal was to befriend Nolan Spencer, the student council president, who had spoken on stage at the freshman orientation.

As such, she strategically positioned herself along the route that Nolan was expected to pass through, holding a glass of wine and deliberately avoiding looking at the path. Internally, she mentally readied herself to create a chance encounter with him.

However, she had miscalculated. Nolan did not take that route.

While Nolan delivered a speech on stage, his gaze consistently scanned the crowd for

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Violeta Spotting her, he left the stage and headed toward her.

Zelena warted in vain for Nolan to come to her. After a while, she looked around and found him approaching Violeta. Seeing this, she immediately hurried over to him.

Violeta stood up from her seat, but a voice sounded behind her before she could take a step. "Viol

She turned around and saw Zoren approaching her. Hayden and two other guys followed him. Violeta was briefly stunned upon seeing them. Hayden and the others were not at the freshman orientation in her previous life. She could not understand why they showed up

now

"Why are all of you here?"

Zoren smiled as he approached Violeta. "Isn't this the freshman orientation? We thought we'd join the fun."

Violeta showed a hint of disdain. "Are you even supposed to be here? Don't go causing trouble."

As Zoren and the others approached, everyone's attention shifted to them. Violeta suddenly discovered herself as the center of attention. She felt uncomfortable with everyone staring at her.

Unfortunately, there was nothing she could do. Hayden, Zoren, and the other two were

famous throughout Toland University. They were even more popular than Nolan, the student council president.

"Hey, you guys should leave!" Violeta nudged Zoren, urging them to go away.

Zoren turned around. His handsome face was directed at Violeta. He held her hand and said, "Why should I leave? Knowing you'll attend this university, my uncle specifically asked me to take care of you. Let me introduce you to a few of the people here. I know everyone who spoke on stage earlier."

Violeta was rendered speechless.

At that moment, Hayden's gaze suddenly focused on Zoren holding Violeta's hand. His gaze was so intense that it seemed to pierce through Zoren's hand.

Why does my hand suddenly feel uncomfortable?

Zoren sensed a sudden threat and turned to find Hayden glaring at him.

D*mn, I almost had a heart attack. He immediately released Violeta's hand.

Violeta was surprised that Zoren suddenly pushed her hand away. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing. Let's not hold hands. It itches."

"Huh?" Violeta was confused.

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Jasper laughed and remarked teasingly. Vio, Zoman havent showers

His words offended Zoren Who said I didnt shower? I bathe every day, and 1 smell great

Liam replied, "Why don't you try holding her hand again?

Zoren remained silent

Attempting that would get me killed! Dmn, these two annoying b*stards! Are they trying to get me beaten up? What the heck?

Hayden stepped forward. He ignored the other guys and turned to Violeta. "Don't mind them, I'll take you"

Initially, Violeta did not want to follow them as she had not returned Mr. Lowe's photo However, on further consideration, she realized it was an excellent opportunity to be introduced to important people. Thus, she agreed. "Okay"

The four guys led Violeta confidently to the front row, where several deans and film directors were seated.

"Mr. Yost, Mr. Strauss"

Mr. Yost and Mr. Strauss were surprised to see them. "Hayden, why are you here?"

"We came to show support," Hayden answered.

Mr. Yost seemed unconvinced. "Show support? We would be happy enough if you don't steal the spotlight from us?

Zoren replied in good humor, "Mr. Yost, don't say that. But don't worry. We arrived after your speech ended. We didn't steal anyone's spotlight!"

Mr. Strauss chuckled.

After a brief banter, Zoren took the initiative to introduce Violeta. "Violeta is a freshman in the acting department. Mr. Yost, Mr. Strauss, can you inform the professors to take good care of Vio in class." Although shy, Violeta greeted them respectfully, "Nice to meet you, Mr. Yost and Mr. Strauss." In the previous life, Violeta was only an ordinary student at Toland University. She never had the chance to get this so close to the deans, let alone chat with them. She had always had immense respect for this group of scholars

Mr. Strauss smiled and looked at Violeta.

They had heard rumors during the freshman orientation that the university chancellor's daughter enrolled in the performing arts department. Seeing Violeta, they knew it must be

her.

Even if Violeta did not come to greet them, they knew what they had to do. After learning that she was the chancellor's daughter, who would dare to give her trouble? "Casing with frame e ho zoting

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Her face was red as a tomato. She had planned to shine at this freshman orientation Unexpectedly, she ended up making a fool of herself.

The commotion was even noticed by a few people chatting and laughing in the front row. Violeta turned and witnessed the scene of Zelena's humiliation. A hint of satisfaction

flickered in her eyes.

She had also experienced such humiliation in her previous life. Now, it was Zelena's turn to have a taste.

Zelena's clothes did not tear by coincidence. Violeta had a hand in it. When Zelena insisted on searching her body at the auditorium entrance earlier, Violeta concealed a small blade between her fingers. Wher Zelena wasn't paying attention, she quietly cut the seams on the back of her clothes.

As they were in public, Violeta was careful not to cut too deep. Therefore, Zelena's clothes would not have torn if she had behaved and did not cause trouble

Violeta was betting on Zelena's inability to stay still. As expected, Zelena moved too much during her attempt to seduce Nolan, causing the back of her clothes to tear.

In other words, Zelena only had herself to blame..

Zelena desperately held on to her clothes to keep them from falling off. Nolan initially did not want to take off his jacket, but seeing the situation, he had to do something as a gentleman. Thus, he had no choice but to remove his jacket to cover Zelena.

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Zelena was utterly embarrassed. She hastily thanked Nolan and hurried out of th auditorium. She could not bear to stay a second longer.

Once Zelena left, Violeta looked away and coincidentally met Hayden's eyes. The two locked eyes for a moment. Violeta had no idea how long he had been looking at her.

This is weird. Why is he always looking at me?

However, Violeta did not dwell on it. Instead, she took a small photo from her pocket and handed it to Mr. Lowe.

"Mr. Lowe, is the little girl in this photo your daughter? I found it at the auditorium entrance."

Mr. Lowe was stunned to see the photo in Violeta's hand. He immediately pulled his wallet from his pocket and opened it. Indeed, the picture was missing. He did not even notice. when it had fallen off. "Oh my, thank goodness you found it. Thank you so much, Violeta. I would never have gotten it back if you didn't find it."

Mr. Lowe was extremely grateful and relieved to get the photo back. He continued, "The girl In this photo is my daughter. It was taken in her first year of elementary school when she was six. She's now twelve and is living overseas with her mother. This is the only childhood photo I have of her. Thank you so much for returning it to me. But how did you know it's mine?"

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Violeta smiled. "I saw pictures of your daughter on your Facebook page. When I found this ID photo, I thought it looked very similar, so I asked you. I didn't expect to get it right"

Mr. Lowe thought momentarily and nodded, "True, I posted her photos on my Facebook page. before this Haha, Violeta, I didn't expect you to follow me on Facebook."

Violeta took the opportunity to compliment him, saying, "I love the movies you directed, Mr. Lowe. That's why I followed you on Facebook. It's my fream to collaborate with you once I graduate "Hahaha, don't worry. There will be opportunities for collaboration. You're a promising talent. I won't miss out on that" Mr. Lowe laughed heartily. Violeta had left a favorable impression

on him.

Having successfully returned the photo to Mr. Lowe, Violeta finally calmed down.

The freshman orientation soon ended, and everyone left the auditorium. Military training was set to begin in three days.

Hayden and the other three followed Violeta as she led them out of the auditorium. Violeta walked in the middle, with the two men on either side. The scene resembled bodyguards protecting a delicate princess.

Violeta sighed. "Don't you guys have anything else to do? Stop following me.

Zoren responded, "Since we don't have anything else after this, why don't we go home? Vio, want me to send you home?"

Jasper suggested, "We still have plenty of time in the afternoon. Instead of wasting it at home, how about we go out and have some fun?"

Liam nodded. "We used to hang out at Carom Club last month. What do you think? Want to play some billiards?

Zoren turned to Hayden. "Hade, what about you? Are you going?"

But Hayden asked Violeta her opinion, "What do you think?"

Violeta hesitated for a moment.

Carom Club?

If she remembered correctly, it was the most prestigious entertainment venue in Quinston, exclusive to members. Ordinary people could not enter. The fact that they had monthly memberships indicated their wealth and status.