Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism
Chapter 209 Shadows of the Past

The next day, Zelena's phone suddenly received an email with a photo attachment during class.

When she opened it, she was shocked to see an old class photo from Eighth Middle School!

Someone had maliciously drawn a big red X over her face, giving it an eerie and unsettling appearance.

Along with the photo was a message: 'Lena, long time no see. How have you been?'

Zelena fell silent, her breath catching as she stared at the unexpected and disturbing message on her phone screen.

Seeing the old class photo with a glaring red X over her face sent a chill down her spine, making her feel exposed and vulnerable.

Her mind raced with questions as she scanned the classroom, searching for clues about who could have sent such a haunting image.

The usual sounds of lessons filled the air: desks rustling softly and pens scratching against paper. Everyone seemed immersed in their own world, and nothing seemed out of place.

Hattie, seated nearby, noticed her unsettled state and shot her an annoyed glance. "What's wrong with you?"

Zelena quickly turned her phone screen face down and forced a smile. "Nothing."

Eighth Middle School was in Arlowand, but she was now in Quinston.

These were two cities, and no one at Toland University knew her as Lena. How could anyone here know her old name?

Could someone be messing with her on purpose?

Zelena suppressed her agitation and continued with her class.

From the back row, Violeta and Kaylee exchanged a knowing smile.

Over the next few days, Zelena continued to receive reminders and items related to Eighth Middle School. Even after turning off the email notification, she still got harassed through texts and letters. With the weekend's competition approaching, Zelena wanted to maintain her chances of winning.

That evening, she contacted Six, seeking a solution to the ongoing harassment.

I think my phone's been hacked. I keep getting spam messages. Can you replace out who's behind this?'

Sitting on the carpet and pausing her grooming of Tuna, Violeta replied, 'That will cost extra.'

Zelena was silent for a few seconds.

She couldn't believe the hacker wanted more money after she'd already paid so much!

But with no one else to turn to, she had no choice but to agree.

"How much?"

"1,500."

"Fine. I want to know who's messing with me tonight. When I replace out, I'm going to destroy them!"

"I meant 1,500 bitcoin."

Today's exchange rate shows that a 1,500-bit coin can cost 12,000 dollars.

So, if you want Six to check this out, it's going to cost over 12,000 dollars!

Rounding it up, that's about 15,000 dollars!

Zelena was initially taken aback, then overwhelmed with a sense of hurt.

Even though the Blake family had money, she was a student with no income who relied on her allowance.

She had the money, but spending that much to replace out who was bothering her seemed ridiculous.

Zelena started to reconsider her options.

At that moment, another message popped up on her phone.

Think it over. You know I'm worth every penny.'

Zelena was lost in her mind.

Six was indeed worth it. They were the only members of the black market who had passed all her tests.

Zelena wanted to keep a long-term connection with Six, knowing she'd need someone who could navigate both the legal and illegal worlds in the future. After a moment's hesitation, she agreed.

Alright, go ahead. I'll wire the money over.'

As soon as Zelena transferred the money, Violeta sent the pre-prepared information.

This seems connected to someone from your high school, Shirley. Remember her?'

Zelena didn't expect such a quick response.

Shirley?

She remembered her. Wasn't she the disciplinary committee member from Eighth Middle School-that soft-spoken, weak-looking one who seemed immature? What does this have to do with Shirley?'

She's in Quinston now.'

What!'

Zelena was stunned.

But don't worry. The person sending you these photos isn't Shirley. Based on the IP address, it's someone in your class. They probably know about Shirley.'

Damn it!

She knew the culprit must be in her class!

Who is it!?' Zelena asked urgently.

This person is in your class. Think about whether you've made any enemies there. Maybe they're trying to mess with you before the competition.'

Enemies?

Zelena generally got along well with her classmates and was always generous.

But if she had to think of an enemy.

Could it be that witch, Violeta?

Zelena pondered profoundly but couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss.

She decided to observe her classmates more closely the next day.

The following day, Violeta coordinated with Kaylee.

Violeta left the room first, and Kaylee made a deliberate slip-up in front of Zelena, making it look like she was caught red-handed.

"So it was you! I knew you were the one sending those photos. What are you trying to do?"

Kaylee, caught off guard momentarily, quickly regained her composure and put her phone away. "I know all about what you did! I'm going to expose you on the forum!"