Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

Zelena arrived shortly. She put on different airs as the Blake family's daughter. It was a melodramatic scene as she entered the class with two servants carrying large bags of coffee and snacks. Her grand act was on full display.

In her previous life, Violeta had arrived late because she got lost. No one had led her to the lecture hall. When she came to class, she saw that her classmates were getting along with Zelena and treating her like royalty. She thought it was because Zelena was popular.

She realized now that it wasn't because Zelena was popular. It was simply because she had spent money. She came bearing gifts like coffee and snacks on the first day. Everyone would naturally like her. Violeta sat in the back row, her head lowered as she played with her phone, keeping a low profile.

Zelena instructed the servants to distribute snacks and coffee as she addressed her classmates kindly. "Hello, everyone. I'm Zelena Blake. I hope we can get along since we're classmates now. I apologize in advance if I offend anyone in the future."

"Zelena, you're adorable! Oh my god."

"That's right! This coffee is so sweet. It's delicious."

"You must be wealthy. Are these snacks imported? These cookies are so decadent. I've never tasted such delicious cookies before. Zelena, are you from a well-to-do family?"

Zelena enjoyed being complimented. She covered her mouth shyly and giggled. "Oh, you guys are going too far. These are just ordinary snacks I eat daily. I brought them to share with everyone. I'll bring more next time if you like them. After all, I can never finish them, and they'll go to waste!"

"No wonder you're so slim, Zelena. I would finish everything in one sitting..."

"That's right. By the way, Zelena, the dress you're wearing is gorgeous. Is it from the new LV collection? I'm so envious..."

Everyone fawned over Zelena in succession.

One of the servants noticed Violeta in the back row and said, "Hey there, you can come and get some coffee and snacks!" The servant's voice drew everyone's attention to Violeta.

Violeta slowly looked up. She looked at them indifferently and answered softly, "No thanks."

Zelena was dumbstruck and surprised to see Violeta in the back row. Why is this wench here so early?! How can she arrive earlier than me? That's impossible!

However, Zelena quickly calmed down and walked towards Violeta. She took Violeta's arm affectionately and said, "Sis, how did you arrive earlier than me? If I'd known, we could have come together. Mom and Dad even talked about you today. You haven't returned after leaving, and they're worried about you!"

Worried? I don't think so.

While Violeta was away, Zelena had been subtly suggesting to her parents that Violeta wasn't worthy of being adopted into the Blake family, thus elevating herself. In addition, Zelena had endured hardships outside for many years, which made her parents treat her exceptionally well. They were practically willing to give their lives for her.

Violeta might have been moved by these words in her previous life and would have willingly slaved for the Blake family. But she wouldn't be so foolish this time round. Violeta pulled her hand back and said coldly, "Sis? Why are you calling me that?"

Zelena was taken aback, "You're my sister. That's why I'm calling you that."

Violeta glanced at Zelena from head to toe and said indifferently, "Have you lost your mind? Why are you claiming to be related to me? I'm the only daughter in my family, and I have only one older brother. I'm sorry, but I don't have any sisters. Besides, you're a Blake, and I'm a White. Our last names are different. How does that make me your sister?"

Zelena felt embarrassed. What's wrong with this wench? Why has she changed so much?

Zelena couldn't express her true feelings before so many classmates. She continued to put on an act and reached out to hold Violeta's hand demurely. "Sis, please don't be like this. Although I'm the biological daughter and you're just an adopted daughter, I really want to get along with you. Please don't ignore me. We're sisters!"

Violeta shook off Zelena's hand disdainfully. "Don't touch me. I'm very particular and can't stand to touch dirty things." After that, Violeta took a handkerchief out of her pocket, wiped her hands, and threw it away.

Someone with sharp eyes immediately recognized the handkerchief that Violeta had thrown away. It was a Hermès handkerchief that was worth thousands!

"Oh my god, it's a Hermès handkerchief!"

"She's even wealthier than Zelena!"

"My goodness. Don't throw it away. If you don't want it, give it to me. I want it!"

Zelena had an awfully nasty expression, but the rims of her eyes reddened at the next second. "Sis, did I do something wrong? Please tell me if I did. I'll learn from my mistakes. Please don't ignore me, okay?" Zelena's tears fell naturally. Violeta knew she was acting but didn't expect Zelena to be so good at it. Zelena must have repeatedly put on such an act before her parents in the past month and a half. Violeta couldn't be bothered to pay her any attention. She muttered, "You're filthy." It wasn't very hurtful, but it was highly insulting!

Zelena was furious and filled with contempt. How does this wench have such a sharp tongue?! She must be jealous. After all, she was chased out of the Blake family after I returned. She must have stolen the handkerchief she dropped on the ground from the Blake family. Hmph. That must be it. Her family is poor and impoverished. How can she afford Hermès?!

Zelena was about to say something when a counselor walked in. "Everyone can go back to their dorms and freshen up. We'll gather here in the afternoon for the freshman orientation. Also, please come with me, Violeta White."

Violeta nodded and followed the counselor out of the lecture hall.

When Violeta left, Zelena could no longer fawn on her. She restrained her anger. Just wait and see, you wench! She turned to everyone and said apologetically, "I'm sorry for causing a scene in public. She's actually my sister."

"Your sister? But you have different last names. Also, why is she so cold to you?"

Zelena quickly covered her face as if she was on the verge of tears. The servant beside her promptly said, "Violeta and Ms. Zelena were switched at birth. Mr. and Mrs. Blake raised Violeta for eighteen years, but look at how she treats Ms. Zelena now. It's outrageous! She probably resents Ms. Zelena for taking her rightful position as the Blake family's daughter."

During this time, Zelena had been putting on an act in front of everyone in Blake Manor. The two servants had watched Violeta grow up but were now partial towards Zelena. They took Zelena's side and even spoke ill of Violeta behind her back.

Everyone understood after hearing what the servants said.

"So that's how it is. D*mn, Violeta is too much. She's clearly an imposter, yet she treats Zelena so poorly. We would have thought she was the real deal if we didn't know better."

"I see. Violeta must have stolen the Hermès handkerchief she discarded earlier from Zelena's house!"