Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism



Violeta looked at Aster with a slight smile. She said, "Hattie won an award tonight, so she's already in the spotlight. Why would she do something that might offend the brand and get her trending on social media?"

If Hattie hadn't won the award tonight, she might have done something drastic like tearing her dress to get attention. Such incidents often grab headlines.

Since she did win, there was no need for such antics.

The couture dress was one of a kind. If it got damaged, it would be a big deal.

The brand might perceive this as careless handling. If their relationship wasn't strong enough, borrowing dresses in the future would become difficult. Aster nodded in agreement. She said, "Ms. White, you're right. I was overthinking. But if her dress tore for no reason, could it be just bad luck? Wait a minute, I know!"

Her eyes lit up with realisation, and she said, "It was Zelena who did it! Ms. White, do you think I'm right?"

Violeta smiles and praises, "Smart."

Aster continued, "Last time on the red carpet, Zelena's look clashed with Ophelia's. Although the dresses were from different brands, the colours and styles were almost identical! Someone must have leaked Zelena's or Ophelia's look, causing that blunder."

During the previous red carpet, neither Ophelia nor Zelena wore couture dresses, leading to the clash.

This time, both wore couture dresses to avoid such issues.

But Hattie's dress was ruined.

It must be Zelena's revenge.

If Aster could think of this, Hattie must have thought of it too.

"Hattie, the tear in your dress doesn't look accidental. It seems deliberate. Also, where would there be sharp objects in the venue?"

Hattie's eyes darkened as she thought deeply.

In the dim lighting of the venue, she did hear a faint tearing sound while descending from the stage.

She hadn't paid much attention at the time and left immediately.

Upon reflection, she realised that could have been the moment her dress ripped.

But who could it have been?

The passage was crowded with staff.

Unless ...

Her eyes narrowed. If she remembered correctly, Zelena's team was also in the passage at that time.

Could Zelena have orchestrated this?

Hattie clenched her fists and said,,

y

"She took my lead role in 'The Chosen One' and now she's putting this stunt? Does she really think I'll just take it lying down?"

Her assistant asked, "You mean Zelena arranged for someone to do this?"

Hattie replied, "Who else could it be?"

The assistant was puzzled. "Why would she do that? We haven't done anything to provoke her."

Hattie scoffed, now fully convinced it was Zelena's doing.

"Making me upset is her biggest goal."

Fine.

If Zelena wanted to play dirty, Hattie wouldn't hold back either.

Violeta leaned back in her chair, her thumb lightly stroking the golden trophy in her hand.

The trophy's reflection mirrored her serene eyes.All rights © NôvelDrama.Org.

The incident with Zelena and Ophelia's clashing dresses wasn't Hattie's doing.

Although Hattie disliked Zelena, she

had already taken the lead role in

'The Moon Belongs to You' from her. With Benson returning, Hattie

needed to keep a low profile

Any more trouble would only make the family head of the Ridges more hostile towards her, risking further punishment that Hattie couldn't afford.

n

So, while she was upset about Zelena taking her role in 'The Chosen One', she hadn't done anything in retaliation.

It wasn't because she didn't want to, but because she had bigger issues to consider.

But how did Ophelia and Zelena end up with such similar looks?

Who could have leaked both styles?

The answer was clear. It was Eugene, who had extensive industry connections.

The trophy reflected Violeta's smile.

Zelena and Hattie together would only spell trouble.

Stirring up conflict between them worked in Violeta's favour.

The fight for the lead role in 'The Chosen One' had already strained their relationship.

It was only a matter of who would strike first.

Violeta had no intention of missing this golden opportunity.