Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

Zelena couldn't accept the news and needed time to process it.

She immediately turned and left the office.

The advisor stood up. "Zelena, where are you going? We're not done talking! What kind of attitude is this?"

Zelena turned back, her eyes a bit red. She looked at them without the respect she once had and said bluntly, "What's there to talk about? If it comes to that, I'll just drop out." After all, attending Toland University was just a step in her plan, a mere stepping stone.

Now that she was already in her senior year, it didn't matter if she didn't finish. She had already made the connections she needed, and a degree wasn't essential.

Besides, the Blake family was wealthy enough to send her abroad for further education if necessary.

Zelena wasn't bothered by the school's disciplinary actions. She had stayed at the school mainly to suppress Violeta and to maintain her image as a model student. But now, with everything falling apart, there was no reason to stay.

In hindsight, she thought she should have been more like Hattie, embracing her "rich girl" nature without pretending.

At least she would have enjoyed herself more.

With that, Zelena walked out of the office.

Gillian and Candy were waiting for her outside. When they saw her, they rushed over with concern. "Lena, how did it go? Did you clear things up?"

Zelena gave a cold laugh, glanced at them, and left without saying a word.

Gillian and Candy exchanged confused looks, not knowing what had happened.

The teachers in the office were furious at Zelena's rude attitude.

The academic committee member stood up.

"This is unacceptable. We need to call her parents to the school! If necessary, we'll expel her."

The advisor nodded, "Alright, I'll contact them."

After leaving the school, Zelena turned off her phone and locked herself in her apartment at Liberty Grove, making herself unreachable.

She thought long and hard, finally coming to a realization.

No wonder Violeta had such smooth sailing, no wonder she didn't fall into the traps Zelena had set for her.

Zelena had always felt something was off but couldn't pinpoint the issue.

It seemed like there were always people around to help Violeta through her troubles.

Even other board members' children, like Jasper and Liam, seemed to orbit around Violeta.

It all made sense now-they must have known Violeta's true identity from the start.

Even Lucy, who had left, probably found out eventually.

So, Zelena was the last to know.

No wonder Violeta could wear custom pieces from Jour 24, afford to open a café, and take island vacations. No wonder she had that bracelet that looked like it was made

of emerald.

No wonder she had such great opportunities, like starring in Wade's web series "The Quiet Ode."

It was all because she had the White family backing her.

Zelena was incredibly jealous of Violeta's good fortune and even more frustrated that she couldn't outmaneuver her.

In the afternoon, the advisor called Zelena's parents, who were far away in Arlowand.

He informed them that Zelena had made serious mistakes at school and had shown a very poor attitude.

He urged them to come to the

school if possible, warning that et

Zelena's behavior didn't improve, the school would have no choice but to expel her.

Realizing the importance of the situation, Zelena's parents immediately called her after hanging up with the school.

However, her phone was off, so they contacted the concierge at Liberty Grove.

The concierge answered the call. "Mr. Blake, Mrs. Blake."

Zelena's mother, Sharon, asked anxiously, "Is Lena home?"

The concierge glanced at the closed bedroom door.

"Yes, Ms. Blake returned this morning and has been locked in her room ever since."

Sharon, deeply worried, said, "Please give her the phone. I need to speak with her."

The concierge replied, "Okay, I'll try."

He went upstairs and knocked on the door.

"Ms. Blake, Mrs. Blake is on the phone. Could you please open the door?"

Knock, knock, knock-

"Ms. Blake, can you open the door?"

There was no response from inside.

The concierge was about to leave, thinking she wouldn't come to the door, when it suddenly opened.

Zelena reached out for the phone.

"Give it to me."

The concierge, slightly taken aback, handed her the phone.

Zelena was still wearing the clothes she had gone out in that morning, and she looked normal, without any signs of crying or distress.

But her expression was very unsettling.

After taking the phone, Zelena shut the door again.

"Mom?"

Sharon immediately asked, "Lena,

are you okay? What happened at school? Your advisor called and said

they're considering expelling you How did it get so serious? If something's wrong, you should talk tous."