Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism
Chapter 217 The Trinity

Zelena insisted, "Fake! How can there be three-coloured jadeite? It must be glass!"

Zelena said firmly, "The auction I attended in Verdancia last time was the best jewellery auction in the world. I participated in the whole process and didn't see any three-coloured jadeite. What you are talking about must be glass."

A girl said, "Just because you haven't seen it doesn't mean it doesn't exist, right?"

"Yes, the three-coloured jadeite, the Trinity, is like the crown jewel of jadeite varieties, a rare and sought-after treasure."

"The Trinity is hard to replace, not to mention that Violeta's bracelet seems to be of superior quality, which is even harder to replace. It must be very, very expensive."

The average three-colour jadeite is very good in glutinous species, and there are more carvings.

Violeta's bracelet is of considerable value and must be expensive.

Zelena gritted her teeth and said, "I don't believe it."

Several girls sneered, "Jadeite with multiple colours is never cheap. If Violeta's bracelet is real, it's worth a fortune! Even single-coloured jadeite fetches a million dollars, let alone a supreme quality tri-coloured one."

Their disdainful glances pierced Zelena.

They might not afford such luxury, but they seized the chance to retaliate against Zelena's earlier show-off.

As the girls gathered their belongings and left, Zelena fumed in her seat.

Gillian and Candy rushed to comfort her. "Lena, don't overthink it. There's no way Violeta could buy such expensive jadeite. Besides, yours came from a prestigious auction. Even if this tri-coloured jadeite exists, it wouldn't be available through regular channels."

Gillian added, "I've heard auction house owners hoard the best pieces for themselves. It never reaches the open market. Violeta's bracelet must be fake!" But their words brought little comfort.

If the best jadeite never left the auction house, didn't that imply Zelena's own bracelet was subpar?

Tennis court.

Violeta, in the middle of a tennis match, suddenly sneezed twice.

Nessie passed by and asked, "Vio, are you alright? Did the weather change give you a cold?"

Violeta rubbed her nose.

"Maybe not."

She had a hunch that someone was gossiping about her.

Just then, Jasper and Hayden entered the tennis court.

"Vio!" Jasper called out.

Violeta turned and met his gaze.

"Ready to head to the internet cafe?"

"Sure," she replied.

Meanwhile, Zoren and Liang Zexi were waiting for them at the east gate. Zoren was standing aside smoking, and Liang Zexi was looking at his phone. Suddenly, Zoren felt a presence suddenly close to him. He looked with his head turned. It was, in fact, Lucy.

She stood before him, hands tucked in her pockets.

"What's up?" Zoren asked.

Lucy lowered her head and said in a cold voice, "It's my birthday next week. Tell Jasper."

Zoren scoffed. "Why not tell him yourself?"

Lucy turned to leave. "Just inform him. He can decide if he wants to come."

Zoren was left speechless.

Observing the exchange, Liam inquired, "What was that about?"

Zoren flicked his cigarette. "Beats me. She wants me to tell Jasper it's her birthday next week, and he can come if he wants."

It seemed Lucy still harboured feelings for Jasper.

Perhaps after Jasper cleared the air about Violeta, Lucy realised her mistake and sought reconciliation.

Soon, Jasper, Hayden, and Violeta arrived at the east gate.

As they got into the car, Zoren relayed the message.

He teased, "Jas, remember what's happening next week?"

Jasper asked confusingly, "What, are you going to give birth?"

Zoren laughed. "D*mn, think harder."

Jasper pondered but drew a blank. "Just spit it out."

Zoren smirked and said, "It's your ex's birthday."

"Which one? I've got a few."

"Lucy's."

"Why should I care?"

"She came all the way here to ask me to pass on the message. She even said you could decide whether to show up or not." Jasper fell silent, then muttered, "We broke up ages ago. Why would I go? Waste of a gift."

Violeta, buckled in the backseat, listened quietly.

They reached the internet cafe, played games until nightfall, then dropped Violeta off before heading home themselves.

The day of the finals arrived.

Zelena, stung by the previous day's mockery of her bracelet, had spent the night researching online.

To her dismay, she discovered that tri-coloured jadeite did indeed exist, just as her classmates had claimed.

Despite this new knowledge, Zelena remained convinced that Violeta's bracelet was counterfeit.