Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

Chapter 208 The Power Play

After catching sight of Hattie, everyone's enthusiasm ignited like a blazing fire. Her presence infused the group with renewed energy and determination.

Violeta mused that in a previous chapter of her life, Hattie had been the undisputed champion of the college competition. Typically, she would have continued her winning streak to the finals.

But now, she's facing off against Evelyn. Who knows if she'll be bested by Evelyn this time?

If that unfolds, it could alter the course of events entirely.

After 'The Mighty Dragons' emerged victorious, the Toland University forum hummed with congratulatory posts for the team.

Yet, securing just one win didn't guarantee an overall victory. They awaited the following match arrangements with hopeful anticipation.

But this livestream made Violeta a mini-celebrity online. Many people were drawn to her stunning looks and took plenty of screenshots from the stream to post on Facebook.

Violeta White hadn't set out to brand herself as an esports sensation. Still, her Facebook buzzed with people hyping her as the best esports star in this year's college competition.

Once people discovered her gaming ID, many started checking her game stats and adding her as a friend.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

After Violeta's team won, Zelena and Hattie also scored victories.

Violeta got a bit of fame after the match, and Zelena was hoping for the same for herself. But to her surprise, there was barely any talk about her on Facebook, and even the school forum had very few mentions of her.

This considerable disappointment reminded Zelena of the fear she felt in her past life, overshadowed by Violeta.

So, she contacted the hacker Six again, intending to expose a scandal about Violeta and tarnish her reputation.

When Violeta saw Zelena's message in the cafeteria, she replied, 'Now's not the best time to strike. Aren't you worried about facing her in the finals?' Zelena wrote, 'What do you mean?'

Violeta replied, 'Have you considered whether you can beat her in the finals? Her skills far surpass yours.'

Zelena fell silent for a moment.

Yeah.

The hacker's advice was spot on!

Zelena was so blinded by anger that she forgot that if she exposed the scandal now and Violeta still made it to the finals, there'd be no stopping her then.

Even though Zelena hated to admit it, Violeta was good at gaming.

Zelena had watched Violeta's gameplay on site today, and her skills were top-notch. This victory made it clear to Zelena: Violeta was really good at the game.

Violeta's team had just defeated 'The Spring Blossom,' a small-time leaderboard player team.

Despite 'The Spring Blossom' boasting a win rate of over ny-six percent against any other team, they stood no chance against 'The Mighty Dragons.'

If Zelena wanted to take Violeta down with this scandal, she had to do it right. She couldn't miss this one chance because there wouldn't be another.

If Violeta makes it to the finals,

releasing the scandal on her would

make her the target of massive online hate. Her popularity would backfire, turning her into a public enemy.

The scandal could still boost the college competition's buzz if she doesn't make it to the finals. And if Zelena wins the championship, she'll ride that wave of attention tothe top.

Either way, the plan was foolproof.

So, Zelena decided to hold off for now. 'Alright, you're right. We should wait and see if that witch even makes it to the finals first.'

Violeta put away her phone and continued eating.

Kaylee asked, "Vio, who were you chatting with?"

Violeta replied, "Zelena."

Kaylee was shocked. "What? Were you chatting with Zelena? Isn't she your arch-nemesis?"

Violeta smiled slyly. "Kay, do you want to make some quick cash?"

Everyone loves a chance to earn money. Kaylee nodded eagerly. "Of course! How do we do it?"

Violeta beckoned her closer, and Kaylee leaned in.

Violeta shared what she knew about Shirley.

After hearing about Shirley's ordeal, Kaylee was furious.

Back in middle school, Kaylee had faced similar bullying. However, she displayed remarkable courage and immediately stood up for herself The teachers got involved and called in her parents. With her parents firmly supporting her, the bullies never dared to touch her again.

But Shirley wasn't as lucky. Zelena had bullied her into severe hearing loss, and she couldn't afford treatment.

It was heartbreaking!

"Vio, how did you find out about this?" Kaylee asked.

"I stumbled upon it by chance," Violeta replied.

"So, what do you want me to do?"

Violeta's plan was simple.

Even if they exposed Zelena later and ruined her reputation, it wouldn't change Shirley's situation.

Instead, they could use this information to blackmail Zelena, playing on her fear of being exposed. They could make her cough up the money for Shirley's ear treatment.

After discussing the plan with Kaylee, she agreed to go along with it.

With Violeta's help.