Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

Carmen said with calm reasoning, "Something doesn't add up. The online buzzer feels too orchestrated to be just spontaneous netizen chatter. It seems like someone's deliberately marketing this." Hearing this, Hattie frowned, her anxiety evident. "Carmen, I'm just getting started. Could someone be trying to sabotage me?"

Hattie had high hopes for 'The Moon Belongs to You'.

She had planned to hold steady and wait for the show to become a hit.

But now, out of nowhere, Violeta had swooped in with 'The Quiet Ode' and become the hottest new star.

Hattie was beginning to panic.

The more she feared, the worse things seemed to get.

The show had barely aired a few episodes, and its reputation was already taking a nosedive online. She couldn't stay calm!

Carmen Cross, as a senior agent, quickly figured out that someone must be pulling the strings behind the scenes.

"Jacques's team wouldn't have any reason to orchestrate this online backlash. They gain nothing from it. The only possible culprit is our rival. Only they would want to see us fail."

The assistant's eyes lit up. "Oh! Carmen, could it be Violeta's team?"

"The scandal about Violeta's late-night rendezvous was on trendy search before. Even though her team did damage control, many netizens still weren't convinced. Maybe they're using our crisis to overshadow Violeta's earlier scandal?" The agent reasoned, "Creating a bigger scandal to cover up another scandal."

Hattie thought this made sense.

Besides Violeta, she couldn't think of anyone else who would benefit.

The Moon Belongs to You' and 'The Quiet Ode' were the two closest dramas regarding release time, and both featured new faces, making them easy to compare.

Violeta would be the sole beneficiary if 'The Moon Belongs to You' flopped.

"That scheming woman!" Hattie's eyes narrowed.

Carmen said, "Right now, Violeta's team is riding high. We can't do much to counter them directly. Our best move is to stay out of the spotlight."

Hattie replied, "I'll settle this score with her eventually. Carmen, our immediate priority is to get Jacques's team to manage the online criticism. If this keeps up, the show might never recover." Carmen assured her, "Don't worry, I know what to do."

Zelena watched the online backlash against 'The Moon Belongs to You' with satisfaction.

"Ah, Hattie, this is the consequence of how you treated me! Enjoy the mess you've made."

If Hattie had supported Zelena back then, she wouldn't have had to undermine her behind the scenes.

Hattie's arrogance was coming back to haunt her.

Violeta's studio clarified the previous late-night rendezvous scandal, stating that it included a third friend, not just the two of them.

Fans rallied to support Violeta, choosing to believe her.

However, some netizens continued to mock and deride it, claiming it was just an excuse and anyone who believed it was a fool.

Unexpectedly, a waiter from the BBQ Artisan restaurant came forward to clarify.

He even shared a photo of himself from that night with Violeta.

"That night, when I went to deliver food to the private room, she looked really familiar. On a whim, I asked if she was Layla, and to my surprise, she actually was.

"So, I asked if we could take a

picture together, and Violeta was super nice and agreed. More than

two people were there that night et

they had other friends with them. Our restaurant's security cameras can prove it. If some netizens still don't believe it, there's not much else we can do."

With this testimony, the rumours quickly fell apart.

Fans stood firm in their support.

'Some people need to stop being so bitter. Actors are human, too. Don't they have family and friends?'

'Being a celebrity is exhausting. Even a casual dinner with friends can turn into a scandal.'

'I suggest Violeta's studio sue those who spread the rumours. It's time they learned their lesson!'

At Apex Entertainment, Eugene was pleased with the shift in online sentiment.

"Beauty, it's great that this waiter

came to vouch for you. And smart of

him, too-his restaurant will gain fame from your visit, and it's bound to be packed from now on."

Eugene then pulled out a black-gold invitation.

"There's the Clio Charity Night next week, and practically everyone in the entertainment industry will be there. You should go and have some fun, Beauty!" Violeta glanced at the invitation.

Aster said, "Oh, does this mean I'll need to borrow a dress, Mr. Scott?"

Eugene nodded. "Exactly. I've already

contacted a few mid-tier luxury brands. You'll just need to pick one when the time comes. You should be able to borrow whichever one you like"

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In the industry, there are strict standards for borrowing dresses.

Celebrities without enough status or reputation often can't access high-end luxury brands.

Attempting to wear such brands without proper standing can anger the brands, potentially leading to being blacklisted and losing endorsement opportunities.

With Violeta's current fame and Eugene's connections, borrowing a dress, as long as it's not haute couture, shouldn't be a problem.