Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

Carmen introduced Hattie to some higher-ups at Clio.

When it came to seating arrangements, Hattie found herself sitting right behind Lydia.

Lydia was the queen of TV dramas, so Hattie didn't want to miss the chance to connect.

With a faint smile, she leaned forward and said, "Hi, Lydia."

Lydia was messaging her assistant on WhatsApp. Hearing the voice, she paused and looked up to see Hattie's smiling face. "And you are?"

"I'm Hattie Ridge. What a coincidence, I'm sitting right behind you, so I thought I'd come over and say hello."

Lydia found the name vaguely familiar. After thinking for a moment, she said, "Oh, you're the lead in 'The Moon Belongs to You"?"

Hattie nodded enthusiastically. "Lydia, have you seen the show?"

Lydia just smiled without answering. She didn't have time to watch that show. She recognised 'The Moon Belongs to You' only because it was a project she had turned down.

A few days ago, her assistant mentioned that 'The Moon Belongs to You' had finished filming and was now airing. The lead actress was the daughter of a veteran actor from Harbor City, named Hattie Ridge. Lydia's silent smile seemed like confirmation to Hattie.

"Lydia, I've watched your dramas before. You're such a great actress! I'm a big fan."

Just then, Lydia's assistant found out where Violeta's dress came from.

Lydia glanced at her phone, and her eyes widened. It was haute couture!

How could a newcomer like Violeta wear haute couture?

Lydia was deeply conflicted. Violeta's dress wasn't just haute couture; it was this season's limited edition haute couture and a global first-wear at that!

Despite Violeta's lower status, her dress was on par with Lydia's. This was hard for Lydia to accept, leaving her feeling twisted inside.

She turned her gaze to Hattie's outfit, forcing a smile. "Your dress is quite nice."

Hattie thought Lydia was complimenting her.

"Really? I think so too."

Lydia recognised Hattie's dress. "Isn't this the White Goddess from Viviane's last magazine cover? The cut is nice, but it's not haute couture."

Hattie's smile faltered slightly. It was true, her dress wasn't haute couture. She wanted to wear haute couture but her status wasn't high enough, and Hannah advised against being too ostentatious to avoid trouble.

So, Hattie had to settle for this dress. Though not haute couture, it was well-tailored and flattering, highlighting her curves.

Understanding social nuances, Hattie responded, "Lydia, your little black dress is the best. It's a global first-wear, isn't it? It looks stunning."

Lydia's smile was tight. "Don't say that. I'm not the only one with a global first-wear tonight."

"Really?"

Could there be someone else too?

Hattie frowned, thinking of the film star, who recently returned from winning an international award.

Lydia pointed with her chin. "Look over there."

Hattie followed Lydia's gaze and saw Violeta sitting in the front.

"She's wearing haute couture too."

"What? You mean Violeta?" Hattie was incredulous. "No way, Lydia. You might not know, but Violeta's team tried to get my White Goddess dress but failed."

Hattie sounded quite proud.

Lydia glanced at her. "You probably don't follow international fashion shows closely. Violeta's dress was shipped from Paris last month. It's the latest haute couture from SEVITL." What?!

Hattie was stunned. She thought Violeta's team was quiet because they failed to get the White Goddess dress. But it turned out they were busy securing SEVITL's haute couture! This news was hard for Hattie to believe, but the truth was right in front of her, forcing her to accept it.

She wondered how Violeta managed

it. Violeta was only slightly better

than her. Hattie admitted that Violeta's recent success with 'The Quiet Qde' gave her an edge, but it shouldn't be enough to wear haute couture while Hattie couldn't.

Hattie still had to worry about being too flashy and offending others. Why didn't Violeta have this concern?

Lydia retrieved her phone, putting it

away in her bag. Her voice drifting to

Hattie's ears, "It seems Violeta's

development is indeed impressive, leaving everyone else in the dust."

en FindNovel

Hattie clenched her fists.

She returned to her seat and immediately messaged Carmen on WhatsApp, asking her to investigate what was going on.