Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism
Chapter 228 Jealousy and Deception

Hattie had coffee in her cup today! So what spilled out was coffee.

Zelena wailed, "What am I going to do? I was planning to wear this outfit to Lucy's birthday party, and now it's ruined... I haven't even worn it once. It took so much effort to get this new suit ... Tears welled up in Zelena's eyes, making her look very pitiful.

Hattie glanced at her and then turned to glare at Violeta. "Are you two blind? Don't you watch where you're going? Now look, you need to pay for the clothes!"

Gillian jumped in, "Even if they wanted to pay, they couldn't. This outfit took Lena a lot of effort to get. I heard it's a limited edition. The Quinston boutique only had five pieces, and they're all sold out. And the party's tomorrow, there's no way to get a replacement in time!"

Violeta glanced at the outfit in Zelena's hands.

A coffee stain near the shoulder stood out clearly against the beige fabric.

But...

The outfit looked familiar.

It was an O'Hara new release, one that Irene had passed on.

Every year, Irene spent a considerable amount on clothes and accessories. As a member, she was invited to luxury brand events, and each season's new releases were sent to her first for selection. Anything she didn't choose was then made available to boutiques. Luxury brands catered to the wealthy. For someone like Irene, limited editions were something she could buy ahead of everyone else. So, Violeta said lightly, "I'll replace it for you."

Gillian sneered, "Didn't you hear? It's a limited edition, only five pieces were made! They're all sold out. How are you going to replace it?"

Candy added, "Yeah, if you're going to pay, you should compensate at the current market price! This outfit's price has already increased fivefold."

Kaylee found this ridiculous. "Why pay the market price? If we're compensating, shouldn't it be for the price Zelena paid? The prices for these clothes are so inflated every season. If we follow your logic, if the price drops later, should we ask for a refund of the difference?"

Candy glared, "Kaylee, you don't understand... "

Zelena suddenly interrupted their argument. "I don't want money, I just want the outfit. Without it, how can I go to Lucy's birthday party tomorrow? Violeta, you're not trying to keep me from going just because you can't, right?"

Violeta fell silent.

These words changed the entire context.

What had been an unexpected accident that ruined a dress now had a different implication.

Zelena's comment suggested that Violeta might have deliberately ruined the dress out of jealousy because she hadn't received an invitation to Lucy's party.

Candy and Gillian exchanged a glance, suddenly understanding.

"Oh!! So that's what it is," they said.

The classmates, guided by Zelena, began to murmur.

"Violeta didn't get an invitation, and now Zelena's dress is ruined. Is Violeta jealous? That's so malicious."

Candy added, "My God, you're so scheming! You can't go, so you don't want anyone else to go? How can you be so devious? How do you sleep at night?"

Gillian chimed in, "Yeah, everyone knows Lucy's birthday party is the Toland University Socialite Gathering. Only the well-known people get invited. Some people flaunt their status as the campus belle of Toland, but they didn't get an invite. They must be seething with jealousy, scheming behind the scenes, and today they finally got their chance, huh?"

Zelena expected to see Violeta flustered and defensive, but to her disappointment, Violeta remained expressionless, not even bothering to explain. This left Zelena feeling a bit let down.

She wanted to see Violeta look at her with the same envy and admiration she had felt for Zelena in the past.

Being able to attend Lucy's birthday party was something that ordinary students at Toland University dreamed of and admired.

Everyone envied those who were invited.

Violeta didn't want to waste time arguing with them.

"It's clear that you must be really insecure. How insecure do you have to be to so darkly speculate about others' intentions? Zelena, you're truly pitiful." Zelena stood frozen as if struck by lightning.

Violeta walked past her, saying, "I told you, I'll replace your dress. Don't worry, I won't let you go to Lucy's birthday party naked."

Before class started, Violeta called home and asked a servant to bring the new camellia dress from her wardrobe to school.