Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

Violeta asked, "Hmm? Can I look at it?"

"Certainly," Wendy replied.

Wendy rummaged through the papers on the table, finally handing Violeta the profile of the actress.

Violeta opened it and found that the resume was in Elic.

Her eyes skimmed the page and immediately caught the large headshot on the right side. As she flipped through the pages, she saw various candid photos of Violeta from multiple angles, along with her body measurements. Violeta raised an eyebrow in surprise. It's Lydia?

She chuckled and shook her head. It seemed that fate had once again led her to unwittingly cross paths with someone.

Violeta had no intention of making Lydia an enemy, nor did she want to stand in her way.

Apparently, this was inevitable.

Wendy noticed her reaction and asked, "What the matter? Do you know her?"

Violeta admitted, "I do, but we're not close. She's a senior in my circle."

Wendy didn't press further.

After leaving Reverie Studio, owned by Wendy,

Violeta headed to the hospital to visit Eugene. He looked much better than before.

Violeta mentioned seeing Lydia's profile at Wendy's studio.

"It seems she found a way to make a transition, but we've blocked her path," Eugene said.

Aster was peeling an apple nearby. She chimed in, "Mr. Scott, why can't Lydia act in movie? None of the major directors in Chesia want her, and she's even gone abroad looking for opportunities." This was something Violeta also wanted to know.

Online rumours circulated about Lydia's blacklisting in the mainstream film industry.

However, none of them were credible.

Eugene, her former manager, would know the truth.

Since there was no one else in the hospital room, Eugene decided to reveal the real story.

"When Lydia first entered the industry, she offended a big shot," he explained.

Five years ago, Violeta was a newcomer, and Eugene was a rookie manager.

They attended the company's annual party.

Eugene was eager to network and build connections. He took her along to toast with the higher-ups.

After several rounds of drinks, Lydia couldn't hold her liquor well and went to the restroom.

She accidentally discovered some unsavoury activities there. Back then, she had a strong sense of justice and didn't hesitate to intervene.

Therefore, she accidentally offended

a second generation gangster and uncovered some shady dealings involving company executives and other powerful entities.

That incident caused a significant uproar.

They intended to completely blacklist her, not just from the film industry.

To settle the matter, the high executives made her drink an entire box of whiskey as a condition to spare her. Eugene stepped in to help her.

That night, they both earned a notorious reputation among the higher-ups.

It was clear that if they were willing

to risk everything for their career that night, they might do everything it takes to achieve their ambitions.

As a result, Lydia was blacklisted from films and only allowed to work on television.

Over time, rumours spread, suggesting she had offended a prominent director, but the truth was much more complex.

"Wow, I'm surprised Lydia used to have such a strong sense of justice," Aster said.

"Yes, she did."

Eugene couldn't help but sigh.

He had believed that they would become the most trusted partners after enduring the challenges of their early careers together.

Eugene didn't realise that fame and fortune could change a person.

The young dragon slayer had become a dragon herself.

He believed in mutual support, but after Lydia's success, the last thing she wanted to face were the embarrassing experiences of her past. Eugene was also a witness to those experiences.

Naturally, they drifted apart.

Honestly speaking...

Aside from the bitterness, Eugene was curious to see how far Lydia would go.

He was determined to prove to her that she had made the wrong choice.

After the shooting schedule ended, Violeta and Wendy returned to Chesia.

Wendy was there to meet the screenwriter, Danielle, to discuss their new project.

To create a successful show, collaboration with the writer was essential. They also needed to revisit their casting choices.

Reverie Studio had previously announced the cancellation of the audition for their last movie. They revealed that Wendy was now working on a new TV series focusing on female revenge.