Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

Chapter 261 Happy New Year

Since Violeta didn't show any interest, the potential investment from Niall became uncertain, putting Stanley in a passive position.

Feeling a bit anxious, Stanley finished the meal, and Violeta and Niall left.

Immediately, Stanley made some calls to gather information about Violeta. After several inquiries, he finally got a hint from an assistant director who had visited Toland University with the "Spring River Moon Night" crew.

"Oh? She's from Toland University? Do you know what her relationship with Niall is?"

"Don't you know? She's Niall's sister!"

Stanley was on the phone, heading to his car.

If the White family's daughter wanted to enter the entertainment industry, that would be explosive news.

...

Days passed as if the dinner with Stanley never happened.

Stanley found the contact information for Violeta's class counselor and sent the script, hoping the counselor would pass it on to Violeta.

The counselor, understanding that Stanley was interested in Violeta, agreed to help. But the decision was ultimately Violeta's.

On New Year's Eve, Violeta spent her first New Year back with the White family. Irene finally finished her work at the theater, and both Anton and Niall started their holidays. The family gathered at home, preparing food and enjoying each other's company.

Irene said, "Anton, the ginseng tea we bought last time was quite good. Let's take some to the Frost family this year. And don't forget that lucky poker set from last year. Vio, we'll go play poker at the Frosts in a few days."NôvelDrama.Org holds text © rights.

Playing poker at the Frost family's house had become a New Year tradition for a few families.

Violeta had heard about this from Zoren and others before.

Irene asked, "Vio, do you know how to play poker?"

Violeta smiled, "Yes, I do."

Though she wasn't supposed to know, Violeta remembered the skills from her previous life, including various card games.

In her past life, after falling out with the Blake family, Violeta had never gone back for New Year celebrations.

Quinston's housing was expensive. She rented a basement with a few other extra actors. The basement had once belonged to a band, leaving behind various instruments.

Violeta learned to play several instruments there, like electric guitar and drums.

During her free time, she'd play cards with them, keeping warm with a hot water bottle. They played for small stakes since they had little money, with the loser fetching meals for the others.

They were similar people but transient in Violeta's life.

In Quinston, living without money was tough. Those in the basement were all dreamers, but dreams alone weren't enough. After a year or two without success, most returned home.

Only Violeta stayed the longest.

When the last person left, she told Violeta they hoped to see her succeed one day.

Violeta smiled. The real reason she persisted wasn't just her dreams.

She had no choice but to move forward, having no family or place to settle in the city. Losing her job as a stunt double meant she wouldn't even afford the basement rent next month.

So, she cherished the family she had in this life.

The day after New Year, Zoren's parents and other relatives visited.

Irene and Anton introduced Violeta to each relative formally.

These relatives were prominent figures in Quinston.

They had varied public personas, from aloof to unapproachable.

But to Violeta, they were kind and amiable elders.

They gave her substantial gifts, heavy with significance.

Violeta received so many gifts she struggled to hold them all.

While this might seem materialistic the White

family tradition was toet

give gifts every year until

one got

married.

After lunch, Zoren secretly asked Violeta how many gifts she got.

Violeta counted her gifts, getting happier with each one.

The total value of her gifts was about $40,000.

"Zoren, how about you?"

"Less than you. I found out my parents were more generous to you, giving you $7,000 more than me."

"How much did uncle give you?"

"$8,000."

"Wow, more than me again? Vio, give me your money."

"Why?"

Zoren showed her a simple charity website on his phone, saying seriously, "This site helps rescue stray animals. It's just starting and needs funds. I'm donating alDmy New Year's money. You should too."