Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism



If Evelina insisted on defying fate, the consequences could be even worse than they already were.

In the end, what's meant to be will be. If something isn't in your destiny, don't force it. A simple, peaceful life is good too.

Evelina planned to attend the Hundred Blossom Award before flying to Wiltonshire for surgery. After leaving the company, her car took her to a studio she frequented for styling. It had been a while since she'd been there.

With the Hundred Blossom Awards at the end of the month, her timing to pick out a dress was just right.

When Evelina and Jenny arrived, the studio staff welcomed them warmly, and the stylist who usually handled her looks came over personally to greet them.

"It's been a while, Evie! You really took a long break this time. Where'd you go on vacation?" The stylist smiled as she handed over an iPad for them to browse the dresses.

Evelina looked a lot more haggard than before. The stylist assumed her pale, washed-out look was a deliberate makeup choice since that kind of minimalistic look had been trending recently.

"Wow, that nude lipstick looks so natural! Which brand is it? What's the shade?" the stylist asked.

Jenny laughed awkwardly, "Annie, Ms. Drayton hasn't been feeling well lately. She's not wearing any lipstick."

"What? She's not well?

"Wow, Evie, I didn't realize you were barefaced! I thought you had makeup on. Your skin is really great, haha!"

Good thing Annie is quick on her feet; otherwise, it would have been super awkward.

Handing over the iPad, she excused herself to make coffee and left the room.

Evelina crossed her legs and scrolled through the latest haute couture dresses on the iPad. She found one she liked and showed it to the stylist when she returned.

The stylist set down the tea and hesitated, "Evie, unfortunately, all the dresses from that collection have been reserved. Maybe you could pick something else? This season's ready-to-wear line is really good-it was a hit on the runway recently."

Jenny said, "What did you say? Ready-to-wear line? Who would want to wear that? We're a...'

"1

"Forget it, just say a little less," Evelina interrupted Jenny with a worried expression, placing the iPad on the table. "Let's go with this white one for now. We can discuss the styling another day; I have other things to take care of."

Jenny fell silent.

Annie nodded, "Alright."

Evelina stood up to leave.NôvelDrama.Org owns © this.

As they walked out, Jenny asked in confusion, "Evie, why settle for a ready-to-wear dress?"

That wasn't like her at all.

Evelina had fought hard to get to the level where she could wear haute couture. The last thing she would do is compromise on the status of her gown.

"I've already terminated my contract

with the brand," Evelina replied flatly. "Annie doesn't know, but you should. Even if I wanted haute couture,. would they lend me a dress now? You want everyone to know I'm no longer tied to the brand?"

Without a brand contract, it wasn't easy to borrow haute couture.

Besides, Evelina knew her popularity had plummeted, and the chances of a brand agreeing to lend her a dress were stim. Instead of embarrassing herself, it was better to just go with a ready-to-wear option.

Jenny paused, "That's true."

Evelina continued, "The dress doesn't matter. I'm only showing up for a brief moment. There's something far more important." "What's that?" Jenny asked.

Evelina said, "Since I'm leaving, I have to give Violeta a big gift. Why should I exit in solitude while she receives all the attention on stage?" Jenny asked, "What do you want to do?"

Evelina leaned in and whispered her plan into Jenny's ear.

Jenny's eyes darkened, "Got it."

Evelina's plan was simple.

If Violeta didn't win Best Actress at the Hundred Blossom Award, fine. But if she did, Evelina would make sure to ruin her moment.

She'd bribe the sound technician at the event to create an awkward minute of silence, making the entire room go cold.

The atmosphere at the scene went cold, which would dampen the excitement.

It would also test Violeta's ability to

handle the situation in front of the camera, if she didn't manage it well, there would definitely be plenty of people mocking her on Twitter.

This would be Evelina's parting gift to Violeta.

Swn

Evelina had always viewed Violeta as her rival. But unfortunately, her illness had robbed her of the chance for a real face-off.

Time flew by, and soon, the end of the month arrived.