Rebirth vs. Rebirth Tragedy to Triumph by Violeta and Zelena [[Chapters 401, to 410]] – Daisy Novels 

Chapter 401

“This is amazing!!”

Aster clutched Eugene’s hand, bouncing up and down with excitement.

Eugene laughed heartily. “Hahaha!”

He declared, “I take back everything I said about the organizers. There’s no corruption here. Hahaha, justice is served!”

What they thought would be a total loss turned out to be an overwhelming victory.

The rollercoaster of emotions left them euphoric and disoriented.

Violeta stood up from her seat, gracefully making her way towards the stage.

The camera followed her, capturing every step she took towards the stage.

Unnoticed, Lydia’s hand under her sleeve tightened into a fist.

This was the third time!

This was the third time Violeta had blocked her path.

Having been in the industry for so many years, this was Lydia’s sixth year. She had been the indisputable choice for Best

Actress! Violeta had snatched away the honour.

Lydia had endured it the previous two times.

But not this time.

Not when Violeta had effortlessly taken what should have been hers.

Traditionally, web series never won awards.

However, they had made an exception this time.

As Violeta ascended the stage, her dress and jewellery shone, meticulously chosen for this very moment.

She stood as the most dazzling star, chatting warmly with the presenter while the staff brought up the trophy. The presenter personally gave it to her.

With trembling hands, Violeta accepted the award. She stepped up to the microphone to deliver her acceptance speech.

Eugene was visibly moved.

When he was managing Lydia, he had once hoped the same for her.

Before leaving Apex Entertainment, she had received numerous nominations but had never won.

But this year, Eugene genuinely wished she could fulfil her dream.

Lydia received another nomination but did not win.

Violeta was the winner!

Perhaps it was fate.

On stage, Violeta suppressed her excitement, thanking the entire crew for producing the drama.

Her eyes scanned the audience, stopping at the director and some actors from ‘The Quiet Ode’. Most importantly, she was looking at Wade.

Thanks to the drama, Wade also won the award for Best Screenplay again.

Violeta stepped down from the stage, clutching her trophy.

Facebook reported the news, and it became a trending search topic.

Violeta Blake is the Best Actress of the Year!

Violeta Blake Is The New TV starlet!

Violeta Give Her Best Actress Acceptance Speech’

Wade Howell Is Violeta’s Patron’

Best Newcomer Award Goes to Tracy Connor!”

During her acceptance speech, Violeta repeatedly mentioned Wade, causing Wade to trend alongside her.

With the Best Actress award presented, it was now time for Best Actor.

This year’s best actor was a seasoned actor, known for his roles in numerous films and TV shows. The winning work was a dramacentred on anti-corruption and crime-fighting. Despite his extensive career, the actor was known for his low profile and impeccable reputation in the industry.

Eugene had previously interrogated a crew member who was now casually smoking and chatting with him in the designated smoking area.

“Hey, Eugene,” He exhaled a puff of smoke and said, “Don’t blame your buddy for keeping you in the dark-I heard some inside scoop. Violeta is definitely this year’s Best Newcomer.”

Eugene found it a bit strange.

While ‘The Quiet Ode’ had impressive online data and influence, it was odd for Violeta to win Best Actress directly, bypassing the Best Newcomer award.

Chapter 402

Even if Violeta deserves it, she should receive both awards together. That would have made more sense.

There were previous cases where newcomers won both awards for their first movie, but those instances were extremely rare.

Eugene took a drag of his cigarette and asked, “What’s the word?”

He answered, “Someone up there thought it would be better if Violeta didn’t get both awards, so they split one-off. But who exactly? I don’t know.”

Eugene squinted his eyes.

That individual was most likely Tracy’s godfather, a deputy director of the Orange Channel.

Eugene asked, “Then why wasn’t the Best Actress award given to Lydia?”

The man glanced at Eugene and teased, “Why do you care? She is no longer under your care. Why are you still thinking about her?”

Eugene replied, “Just curious, that’s all.”

He shrugged and answered, “I don’t know. The judges have their own standards. Violeta winning the Best Actress award isn’t surprising at all.

How much more investment did that drama receive compared to other dramas? With this series, Mr. Howell won the Best Screenwriter award once again. Typically, every time he wins, the actors rise to stardom alongside him. He’s an award-winning screenwriter for a reason. Who would have the nerve to claim they’re the backbone of the action genre without solid skills?

“And honestly, ‘The Quiet Ode’ is set to drive the future market for web series, standing toe to toe with TV dramas. Just wait, more high-quality web series are bound to emerge.”

Before this, investors didn’t see the potential of web series.

The Quiet Ode was a pioneer, testing the waters.

The response was overwhelmingly positive, leading to significant investments in web series this year. It’s possible that web series might outnumber TV dramas in the future.

Awards were considered from many angles.

It wasn’t just about the quality of the drama but also its overall impact on the industry.

The fact that a spin-off series could explode in popularity was unprecedented in the domestic entertainment scene.

Previously, only overseas markets, particularly in Orion, would see popular supporting characters get their own spin-off series.

With the success of this drama, the domestic industry may also start developing spin-off series.

This opens up more opportunities for actors.

In the future, the industry could see flourishing diversity, with not just the top stars getting all the roles but supporting actors with standout performances also having chances to lead.

In essence, Violeta’s winning the award wasn’t solely due to her excellent portrayal of her role.

The judging panel for the Skyward Award also recognised the positive impact the series had on the domestic entertainment industry.

Considering various factors, they decided to give it to Violeta.

Her success wasn’t solely her effort; luck played a significant part too.

But then, who says luck isn’t a form of strength?

The awards ceremony concluded.

Violeta left with her trophy. Eugene and Aster had been waiting in the audience for a while.

The team felt like they had just won a major battle.

Outside, reporters swarmed Violeta as soon as she appeared.

“Violeta!! How do you feel about winning tonight?”

“You’ve been in the industry for just over a year and have already won Best Actress, but the New Actor Award went to Tracy from your company. What do you think about that?”

“Violeta, some online users claim your win was undeserved and rigged. What do you think of this?”

“Violeta, congratulations on your win. Can you tell us about your next project? There’s a rumour that Nirvana and Rebirth are R- rated series. Is that true? And is it true that you have a full-nude scene in it?”

Inside the venue, Violeta had already prepared answers to the reporters’ questions.

However, she underestimated how tricky their questions could be.

She didn’t want to answer any of them.

Finally, as she was escorted to the car before she did, Violeta managed to answer one question. “Thank you all for your concern. As for my next project, please look forward to it. Thank you.”

Then she got into the car, with Aster following and shutting the door.

The car sped away.

The reporters were reluctant to let her go, but soon other celebrities appeared, and they swarmed towards the entrance again.

Winning Best Actress was something Violeta never imagined. Sitting in the car with her trophy, she still felt a bit surreal.

Eugene said to Aster, “Have the studio post pictures from tonight’s ceremony. Tomorrow I’ll go see Lance and take credit.”

Aster replied, “Sure thing.”

Chapter 403

At home, Irene watched the live broadcast of Violeta winning the award. She was even happier than if she had received the honour herself. Immediately, she ordered a large cake and invited friends over to celebrate the next day.

She then called Violeta.

Violeta had just returned to Liberty Grove when she received Irene’s call.

“Mom.”

“Sweetheart, your dad and I watched the live broadcast tonight. Oh my, you were amazing! You didn’t just win; you grabbed the Best Actress award right away. Fantastic!”

Violeta could hear Irene laughing heartily through the phone.

She asked, “Mom, it’s so late. And you’re still up watching the live broadcast?”

“Of course! How could I miss my precious daughter’s live show? I need to celebrate your triumph. Here, say a few words to your dad.”

Irene nudged Anton, who was listening to the call beside her.

Anton leaned forward and said, “Vio, it’s me.”

Violeta chuckled and said, “I can hear you, Dad.”

Anton laughed heartily and said, “Vio, I’m going to invest in ten more stores for you to celebrate your win tonight.”

He hadn’t finished speaking when Irene interjected, “What’s so special about opening more stores? Get out of here.”

“Sweetheart, that gown you wore tonight is beautiful. Let the company discuss a collaboration. I’ll find someone who can connect with you. You should wear lovely dresses more often. I love seeing my girl look so elegant and out of everyone’s league.”

“Oh, and those jewels you wore tonight were lovely. Who picked them? Let’s buy them to commemorate this award. Let your dad foot the bill!”

Although Anton was a formidable CEO outside, he had to follow Irene’s arrangements at home.

Irene quickly organized all the rewards for Violeta’s win.

Violeta didn’t know how to celebrate, but Irene’s promises pleased her.

Holding her phone, she chatted with them for a while, glancing at the late hour.

She urged her parents to rest early, as she needed to bathe and sleep too. There was work awaiting her the next day.

“Alright, sweetheart, sleep early. Oh, by the way, I bought a new massage chair. Someone will deliver and install it this weekend. Let Ms. Silverleaf know.”

“Got it, Mom. Good night!”

“Good night.”

After hanging up, Violeta took her robe to the bathroom.

After a relaxing bath, she looked at the trophy on her shelf, found the perfect angle, and took a picture. She then posted it on social media and recorded her first career award.

The next day, Violeta’s win brought her much glory.

Her followers skyrocketed, and the number of fans increased by the minute.

The official Facebook page of ‘The Quiet Ode’, which hadn’t been active for a while, shared the news of Violeta’s win. Fans flooded the comments with blessings and thanks.

The positive effects quickly followed.

Endorsement deals, big and small, started pouring in.

Whether it was Violeta’s win or Irene’s behind-the-scenes efforts, SEVITL, her former Auratia-Pacific sponsor, whose contract had not yet expired, now proposed a renewal through their legal department, upgrading the collaboration.

As an Auratia-Pacific spokesperson, Violeta was now becoming the global spokesperson.

In the world of top luxury brands, many titles exist, such as brand ambassador and friend of the brand, but the

spokesperson has the highest rank of collaboration, with the global spokesperson being the pinnacle.

This upgraded partnership delighted both the company and Violeta’s team.

Furthermore, Irene bought the jewelry Violeta wore at the award ceremony.

The brand also had a deep collaboration with Violeta, ensuring she wouldn’t have to worry about borrowing jewellery in the future.

Eugene and Lance’s deal not only succeeded but exceeded expectations!

In the morning, Eugene sat smugly on Lance’s office desk.

“Though my artist didn’t get the New Actor Award, she did win Best Actress. Oh, Mr. Sowle, where’s justice in that? Hahaha, sometimes you just have to believe in destiny. It’s fate, really.”

Lance said nothing.

“Get your butt off my desk.”

“Whatever.” Eugene climbed off the desk and said, “So, no arguments this time, right? The Best Actress Award holds more prestige than the New Actor Award. Violeta is the new top star.”

Chapter 404

Lance sat down on the chair, nodding slightly. “Yeah, Eugene, you’re pretty lucky. First, you had Lydia, and now you’ve got the even more promising Violeta.”

Eugene replied, “Indeed.”

Lance continued, “But, do you think Winnie will be okay with this?”

“We both know how much Lydia wanted to win the Best Actress Award. Do you think she’ll just let Violeta take it without a fight?”

Eugene frowned slightly.

Lance smirked, “Don’t get too cocky. We’ll see how things go. Oh, and don’t forget to treat me to a meal. After all, I did vouch for Violeta to borrow that jewelry when she received the award.”

Eugene laughed, “Haha! You really are shameless, aren’t you?”

Lance shrugged and said, “Fine, if you want to burn bridges, don’t come to me next time you need help.”

Eugene asked, “Where would you like to have that meal?”

Lance couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

After spending some time in the office, Eugene left. Eugene understood Lance’s neutral stance.

From the company’s perspective, having one artist dominate isn’t beneficial.

That was the very reason the company supported Eugene in becoming a top manager. Fortunately, Aiden saw through it and didn’t stop Eugene; instead, she helped him.

Having checks and balances creates a delicate equilibrium.

It would be beneficial for the company if Violeta and Tracy competed.

For example, when Lydia was the dominant actress, no other female artist in the company could balance her out. As a result, she developed rapidly and left as soon as her five-year contract ended.

The company invested resources and effort in supporting her, but in the end, this was the outcome they received.

Although she earned the company a significant amount of money over the past five years, the company clearly distinguishes between long-term and short-term gains and therefore still felt they had suffered a loss.

They had cultivated a seedling that grew into a towering tree.

If it wasn’t in their own forest, they’d rather see it wither away.

Lydia missed the Best Actress Award once again.

This time, she wouldn’t let Violeta pass easily, leading to a fierce rivalry between their teams.

Shortly after the Skyward Award, Zelena joined a variety show.

However, she couldn’t stand Violeta’s newfound success and quietly prepared a complaint letter against ‘Nirvana and Rebirth’.

Zelena had vivid memories of the series dominating viewership in nine countries overseas, overshadowing all other shows of the same period.

It brought fame to the entire cast.

It was truly a case of when one person succeeds, everyone benefits.

However, the series’ core themes and content were unprecedented in the country, making it difficult to pass censorship.

The lead actress’s previous ban highlighted the series’ contentious nature.

Zelena couldn’t understand how Violeta managed to get the script approved for shooting.

However, script approval was the first step. The final cut would need to pass a full review.

If the review doesn’t pass, it will be suppressed and require constant revisions.

It will remain suppressed and revised indefinitely if it still fails after revisions.

Even if it miraculously passed, it doesn’t matter. Zelena is ready to file a complaint at the first sign of trouble.

She was determined to prevent Violeta’s second drama from ever taking place.

Even if it only affects the domestic market, it doesn’t matter. No amount of international accolades can compensate for a lack of domestic recognition.

If Violeta wants to abandon the domestic market and pursue an overseas career, so be it.

In that case, Violeta’s days until she is blacklisted are numbered.

Moreover, Hattie, like Zelena, couldn’t stand Violeta’s success and was powerless against it.

After Violeta won the Best Actress Award, her fashion resources skyrocketed.

Previously, while there was a gap between Violeta and Hattie’s fashion resources, it wasn’t insurmountable. Hattie could gradually catch up.

But now, the gap has widened significantly, filling Hattie with jealousy.

So, she adopted the mindset of ‘If I can’t catch up, neither can you’.

Hattie teamed up with Zelena to target Tracy, who had just won the New Actor Award.

Their first move was to suppress Tracy’s momentum.

They paid for negative publicity, accusing Tracy of lacking talent and suggesting her award was rigged.

This malicious campaign turned Tracy into a controversial figure among the new generation of artists.

Chapter 405

Tracy often felt overwhelmed.

Winnie comforted her. “Tracy, the amount of criticism you can endure determines the amount of praise you can receive. You’ve just won the New Actor Award, and those who target you in the shadows are simply jealous! We must stay strong. The better you become, the more satisfying it will be to prove them wrong.

“I’ll be by your side! Don’t worry!”

Tracy was deeply moved. She said, “Winnie, I’m so grateful to have you.”

Winnie patted Tracy on the shoulder.

Now, Tracy was Winnie’s only hope to become a top manager. Naturally, she needed to keep Tracy’s spirits up.

If Tracy collapsed, it wouldn’t be beneficial to Winnie.

Winning the New Actor Award boosted Tracy’s resources significantly.

Several excellent scripts were sent over.

With the help of her godfather, Winnie carefully chose the historical drama series ‘The Rose’ in which Tracy would play the lead role of Rosalinda.

The drama was produced by Metro TV.

The male lead was a veteran actor, Landon Corbyn, known as the ‘king specialist.’

Tracy’s godfather specifically arranged this series to elevate her status.

He hoped she would gain experience in this drama, honing her acting skills and dispelling any criticism of her abilities.

If Tracy could excel in this role, she could shift her career towards more serious roles, avoiding the need to compete solely for popularity.

The shoot would start at the end of the month.

Tracy was worried, perhaps still haunted by past criticisms.

“Winnie, do you think I can handle this role?”

Winnie patted her shoulder and comforted, “Tracy, with such a wonderful opportunity, why hesitate? I believe in you.”

Tracy knew this was a great opportunity.

However, at just twenty-something, she was in a phase of life full of uncertainties. Others pushed her forward, making her feel like a puppet.

A few days later.

Violeta heard that Tracy had taken on the role.

“The Rose? That’s a great opportunity.”

Some dramas, just by their names, hint at the grandeur of the story.

Aster sighed and said, “Having a godfather isn’t just for show.”

Violeta glanced at Aster, who burst into laughter.

Eugene commented, “The male lead is Landon. If Tracy performs well, she might smoothly transition to more serious roles and won’t need to fight for the spotlight anymore.”

Aster exclaimed, “Really? That’s amazing.”

Violeta added, “It has its pros and cons. Nothing is ever black and white.”

While transitioning could be advantageous, a label may limit an actress’s future roles.

How did Landon earn the nickname ‘King Specialist’?

In his career, he portrayed numerous kings.

Eugene understood Violeta’s point. He said, “Sometimes playing the same type of role repeatedly becomes monotonous. Moreover, Tracy is still young. Is she ready for this change? The path is promising, but whether she can walk it successfully remains uncertain.”

Aster nodded. “Indeed. If it were me, I wouldn’t want to transition so early. I’d prefer to explore the world more before deciding my path. I can’t guarantee I wouldn’t regret someone else’s choice for me, but I’d certainly feel unfulfilled.”

That was life; one would never be able to have it all.

But Violeta was different.

Having already determined her path in a previous life, she was resolute in her choices this time around.

Following the conclusion of a photo session for the newest fashion magazine cover,

The group returned to the office and happened to encounter Winnie and Tracy.

They were both artists for the same company, and Winnie and Eugene were colleagues. It wouldn’t be nice to ignore each other, right?

Winnie smiled and initiated the greeting, “Eugene, what a coincidence.”

Eugene smiled and answered, “Yes, quite a coincidence. Heading out?”

Winnie replied, “Yes, off to record a show.”

Eugene adjusted his glasses and said, “Ah, ‘Friends Unscripted’ is it?”

Winnie nodded and said, “Yes.”

Friends Unscripted’ was an established variety show on the Orange Channel, airing every Saturday night at eight, with

recordings happening two days in advance.

Given that Tracy’s godfather had connections with the Orange Channel, it was natural that such a prominent show would invite her.

Chapter 406

Eugene then remarked, “We also extended an invitation to the exceptionally talented Beauty. However, due to her demanding schedule with fashion shoots, we’ve had to move her visit to next month.”

This statement underscored Violeta’s remarkable success in the fashion industry.

She had not only secured a major global endorsement with her previous agency, disproving her critics, but was also negotiating with the new top luxury blue-blood brand, DARA, with the deal still in progress.

Winnie, feeling slightly embarrassed, managed a courteous smile and said, “Oh, and I forgot to congratulate Violeta on her Best Supporting Actress Award. I must have missed it. Please don’t take it the wrong way, Violeta.”

Violeta replied nonchalantly, “It’s alright; we don’t see each other often.”

Winnie responded, “Yeah, we’re all busy. Well, Eugene, we have a tight schedule, so we’ll be heading off now.”

Eugene nodded. “Off you go, then. See you later.”

As Winnie, Tracy, and the team departed, Winnie’s expression turned more serious.

The two groups went their separate ways.

Once they were outside and in the car, Winnie checked her phone and said to Tracy, “Did you notice Eugene’s haughty attitude earlier? We need to show some results. Next time, it shouldn’t be us apologizing.”

Tracy frowned and asked, “So, Violeta is collaborating with DARA now?”

Winnie explained, “The dress she wore at the Skyward Awards was from DARA’s newest collection. It’s no surprise she’s involved with them now, especially after winning the Best Supporting Actress Award. When someone is at the pinnacle of their career, even brand representatives are all smiles, not to mention the company’s owner.”

Violeta, being a high-profile figure and the face of the company, had been upgraded to the latest model of the Alphard two days after winning the award, reflecting the industry’s realities.

Nirvana and Rebirth’ was already midway through post-production.

That evening, Wendy video-called Violeta, sharing the most exciting scenes and asking for her input on the trailer’s editing.

Wendy also congratulated Violeta on her Best Supporting Actress Award.

There would be two versions of the trailer: one designed to excite the international audience, and another tailored to build suspense for the domestic market.

With just a month left before the final cut, the post-production team was almost finished.

The international version, largely filmed in Glorialand, was expected to pass approval smoothly, thanks to Wendy’s extensive network there. It would be broadcast on major channels in Glorialand.

In contrast, the domestic version had to go through a more rigorous approval process.

Wendy had invested considerable time and resources to perfect the clean version and was eager to see it succeed.

She hoped her work would reach a larger audience.

“Violeta, are you confident about getting the approval?” Wendy asked.

“Yes,” Violeta confirmed.

She had arranged a backdoor with Hayden before filming, ensuring they avoided sensitive content while maintaining the core storyline.

She was confident that approval would not be an issue.

Seeing Violeta’s assurance, Wendy felt reassured.

Having worked together for over six months, Wendy trusted Violeta’s reliability.

During their conversation, Wendy expressed interest in Facebook and asked Violeta for help setting up an account. Violeta agreed and walked Wendy through the process.

Wendy successfully created her account and posted her first Facebook post- a fitness selfie highlighting her impressive physique.

Violeta shared the post with a caption: ‘Hello, my stunning director.’

Thanks to Violeta’s influence, Wendy’s follower count on Facebook soared quickly.

An international director’s presence garnered significant attention, and even celebrities who had met Wendy at global award events began sharing her Facebook posts.

The official Facebook account also joined in.

Within just two days, Wendy’s personal Facebook page attracted three million followers.

As the director of ‘Nirvana and Rebirth’, Wendy’s second post featured a group photo of the cast dining together during their shoot in Glorialand, with Violeta prominently visible.

Fans flooded the comments.

Wow, this is such a rare group photo! More from the beautiful director, please!’

Why isn’t there more promotion for the show? I’m so disappointed!’

Chapter 407

I’m really looking forward to this show, but I hope it gets more promotion,’ someone commented.

The release of the rare group photo revealed several details:

1. ‘Nirvana and Rebirth’ was approaching the final stages of post-production.

2. Except for Violeta, all the main cast members were from Glorialand.

3. Violeta, with her exceptional beauty, stood out even among the many gorgeous actresses from Glorialand, showing she looked remarkable even in candid photos…

The excitement for ‘Nirvana and Rebirth’ was palpable among fans.

With Violeta having won the Best Supporting Actress Award with her debut film, expectations for her second show were sky-high, adding significant pressure on her shoulders.

The attention on ‘Nirvana and Rebirth’ was intense, and any misstep could invite more scorn than genuine concern.

Meanwhile, Zelena was closely tracking updates on ‘Nirvana and Rebirth’.

Her reports were nearly ready for submission.

Time passed swiftly, and after more than two weeks, Tracy officially joined the cast of ‘The Rose’.

Her introductory video and promotional photos quickly climbed the trending charts..

Zelena, appearing as one of the female guests on a popular variety show, saw a notable boost in her visibility.

The first episode received great feedback, and the show was set to air weekly on Sundays.

Zelena gained considerable fame through this show.

Previously, she was mainly known as ‘Nolan’s rumored girlfriend’. After the show aired, viewers started to appreciate her on-screen presence, changing their perception of her.

Zelena became a pioneer among the new generation, gaining fame through variety shows.

In contrast, Hattie concentrated on the fashion industry.

To win favour with brands, she attended numerous in-person events.

As a result, candid photos from these events occasionally appeared online, with fans praising her divine beauty and noting that she looked even more stunning in real life.

However, some netizens viewed these comments with doubt.

Another fortnight passed.

The post-production of ‘Nirvana and Rebirth’ was finally wrapped up.

Both versions of the show were submitted for review.

The international version was approved quickly, but the domestic version faced a longer review process.

Coincidentally, Lydia’s period drama ‘As Soon As We Meet’, which she started filming last year, was released around the same time as ‘Nirvana and Rebirth’.

While Violeta was shooting in Glorialand, Lydia also began her role in ‘As Soon As We Meet’.

The drama featured Chad as the second male lead, playing a heroic spy who sacrificed himself for his country.

This was Chad’s debut role after joining the agency.

Although he was only a supporting character, the company was keen to promote him heavily.

Among the rising male actors, Jacques, notable for his debut in ‘The Moon Belongs to You’, was a standout alongside Nolan, who won Best Actor.

The agency had signed only four artists in total, with Brandon being the sole musician and the remaining three being actors.

Violeta and Tracy had already achieved notable success, becoming hot new stars.

Chad, however, had yet to make a significant impact.

To boost Chad’s profile, the company arranged for him to star opposite Lydia, a former artist who had left the company.

Apex saw Lydia as a stepping stone.

As a result, the marketing for ‘As Soon As We Meet’ heavily emphasized Chad as the second lead, overshadowing the main characters, which naturally annoyed Lydia.

However, Lydia’s personal team was much smaller compared to a major agency like Apex Entertainment.

Although she was unhappy, she couldn’t retaliate openly.

Instead, she subtly orchestrated online discussions to stir up controversy regarding the rankings.

The debate about Chad’s role as the second lead in ‘As Soon As

We Meet’ quickly gained traction on Facebook.

Despite a lack of promotional spending, the show garnered significant attention, with fans debating passionately.

By mid-month, Violeta was preparing to fly to Pherances to film a promotional video.

Chapter 408

As the review for ‘Nirvana and Rebirth’ remained incomplete, Violeta’s anxiety was mounting.

She had intended to launch the promotional campaign once the approval was secured, but with the domestic version still pending, everything was on hold.

The film had been carefully edited to eliminate any potential issues, so Violeta was confident that the approval process would be smooth.

If it went through, she could avoid burdening Hayden for assistance.

However, if it failed, she would need to rely on him, as he had previously agreed to help if necessary.

She had a plan either way.

But to her frustration, the review process was dragging on.

With her trip to Pherances approaching in the middle of the month and ‘As Soon As We Meet’ already gaining traction and beginning its promotion, Violeta felt a growing sense of urgency.

That evening, once she returned to Liberty Grove, she called Hayden.

Holding the phone, she stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, her gaze fixed on the dimly lit rooftop garden across the street. After a few rings, Hayden’s calm and clear voice rang out.

“Hello.”

Violeta tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear and took a few steps. “Hi, it’s me.”

“I recognize your voice, Vio.”

“Sorry for calling so late. I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

“No, not at all. I just got out of my car. What’s up?”

Violeta hesitated for a moment. “Do you remember when you said you’d help me with something?”

“Yes, I remember. What’s the problem?”

Feeling slightly awkward but reassured by Hayden’s steady tone, Violeta began to explain.

“Well, there’s this film of mine that’s been submitted for review, but we haven’t received any feedback yet. It’s taking longer than anticipated, and I suspect there might be some issues causing the delay. Could you check into it?”

There was a brief pause on the line.

“Hello, Hayden?”

“Yes, I’m here.”

“Did you hear what I said?”

Violeta wondered if he might not have caught her message clearly.

Then she heard the sound of a door closing.

“Are you just getting home?”

“Yes. Guess where I am now.”

“Back at your place in Newham?”

Violeta wasn’t entirely sure.

Hayden replied, “No, I’m back in Quinston. Are you on the balcony?”

Before Violeta could fully grasp Hayden’s return to Quinston, she noticed the rooftop garden, which had been dark, was now illuminated.

She exclaimed, “So you’re back in Liberty Grove!”

“Yes.”

As Hayden spoke, his tall figure became visible through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the rooftop garden loft.

One hand was in his pocket, and the other held the phone.

From two buildings away, they locked eyes across the distance.

“When did you get back?”

“Tonight.”

“You’ve been transferred back here?”

“No, I’m on a three-day leave to attend a birthday party.”

“Oh, I see.”

Hayden had promised to return within five years. It was still relatively early.

Hayden moved away from the window, put his phone on

speaker, and walked over to the sofa. Then he turned on the air conditioning and removed his jacket.

“Could you repeat what you just said?”

Zoren had left some belongings at Liberty Grove.

Hayden was unaware of this until he witnessed it for himself. He was genuinely startled to find the living room crammed with heaps of pet supplies-cat food, dog food, cans, and various other items.

It seemed as though he had transformed the space into a makeshift storage unit.

A property worth millions of dollars is being repurposed as a warehouse.

Zoren, you never cease to amaze me.

Violeta reiterated the issue.

Without hesitation, Hayden agreed to assist.

“I’ll have someone look into it and get back to you tomorrow. When are you heading to Pherances?”

“The day after tomorrow.”

“Since I’m here for a rare visit, how about we have dinner with Zero and Liam tomorrow? Would you like to join us?”

“Sure.”

Chapter 409

The following day, Hayden first visited the Frosts before delving into the issues surrounding the review of ‘Nirvana and Rebirth’.

He also reached out to Zoren and Liam to set up dinner for the evening.

Having the right connections made this investigation relatively simple.

By early afternoon, Hayden had gathered solid information and informed Violeta, “The review hasn’t failed. There’s been a complaint, and they’re in the process of verifying it.”

“A complaint?” Violeta was startled.

Who made a complaint?

“Where did that come from? What’s the current status? Is there a risk of failing the review?”

“They’re just dealing with the complaint now. Once that’s resolved, it should pass.”

Violeta took a moment to absorb the news. “Alright, I understand. Thanks for checking on it.”

Hayden responded, “No problem. I’ll monitor the situation. I’ll send you the address for tonight’s dinner. Zoren and Liam will be there. You just need to show up.”

“Alright.”

After ending the call, Violeta felt a heavy burden on her shoulders.

She had a strong suspicion about who might have lodged the complaint.

Nobody apart from Zelena would resort to such petty tactics.

Only Violeta and Zelena were aware of the potential negative impact of ‘Nirvana and Rebirth’.

Fortunately, the submitted version was a thoroughly edited, clean version.

Although she wasn’t sure what Zelena had claimed in the complaint, it was clearly intended to be obstructive.

The longer the review took, the more it suggested that the clean version had no issues. Otherwise, the show would have been rejected by now.

Eugene was taken aback by Violeta’s political connections.

“Beauty, who did you ask for help? You got results so quickly.”

Violeta set her phone down. “An old university friend, a senior.”

Eugene commented, “Wow, he must be quite well-placed to get information so swiftly. He must hold a significant position.”

Eugene, ever perceptive, deduced from Violeta’s description that her university senior wasn’t much older than she was.

Securing a government job at that age was impressive, and the extensive connections suggested a prominent position, perhaps the son of a politician.

Such a connection was far more valuable than Tracy’s ageing deputy head of the channel. This contact was at least twenty years younger and seemingly more influential.

Describing him as young and accomplished seemed almost an understatement.

Violeta sighed. “Honestly, I don’t know what he does.”

Eugene chuckled. “Alright, I won’t press further.”

Violeta insisted, “Eugene, I really don’t know.”

Aster then interjected, “Wait, shouldn’t we first identify who filed the complaint? Whoever did this is truly malicious,

deliberately causing delays.”

Eugene took a sip of his tea. “Who else could it be? It’s easy to guess the few people in the industry who might be envious of us. It’s probably Tracy or Lydia.”

Violeta shook her head. “Eugene, you’re mistaken. It’s Zelena.”

Eugene nearly choked. “Who?”

“Zelena.”

Since the Skyward Awards, Zelena has been lagging behind her peers.

Violeta excelled in both film and fashion. Tracy had prominent film roles. And Hattie was shining in the fashion world.

Only Zelena struggled in both areas, gaining some recognition through the reality show ‘RV Travel Diaries’ and her rumored romance with Nolan.

If Violeta hadn’t messed up, Zelena could never have surpassed her.

Hence, Eugene had never seen Zelena as a threat. To his surprise, she was the one causing the trouble.

“Violeta, why do you think it’s Zelena?”

Violeta explained, “We’ve had a longstanding rivalry since university.”

The animosity between Violeta and Zelena ran deep- the kind of grudge that would persist even after death.

Zelena’s difficulties stemmed from a lack of strong support.

While Hattie had her mother, Hannah, and Tracy had a deputy head of the channel as a godfather, Zelena had struggled on her own.

Chapter 410

At present, Zelena is left to fend for herself. Her strategy of boosting her profile through reality television was proving effective.

While her commercial appeal couldn’t quite match that of Violeta and her two companions, Zelena still managed to maintain a high level of visibility and buzz.

For entertainers, awards are not the sole measure of success; staying relevant and maintaining public interest are crucial.

Even if an artist doesn’t win awards, they can sustain a career with strong public attention.

High levels of buzz are also essential for reaching the status of a top star.

Eugene inquired, “Could you give us a brief summary?”

Violeta smirked and said, “If Zelena were describing it, she’d probably claim that I’ve stolen 18 years of a glamorous life that was rightfully hers. She’ll likely use this situation to stir up even more hype.”

Aster, listening in disbelief, asked, “What do you mean, stole 18 years of her glamorous life?”

Eugene frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Unfamiliar with the backstory between Violeta and Zelena,

Violeta provided a brief overview of their bitter rivalry from their time at Toland University.

Eugene and Aster were taken aback by the depth of their conflict.

Aster mused, “Hmm, it seems Zelena is quite suited for the entertainment industry. Those who are willing to employ any tactic often find success.”

Eugene asked, “Violeta, why didn’t you mention this earlier?”

Violeta shrugged. “There was never an opportunity to bring it up.”

Eugene responded, “It’s fortunate you mentioned it now. If she had plotted against us, we would have been caught off guard.”

“We need to prepare ourselves for any potential scandals involving Toland University and the 18-year life swap. It’s bound to cause a commotion.”

With years in the industry, Eugene had seen plenty of jealousy, intrigue, and betrayal.

There were no permanent allies, only enduring interests.

Even among close friends, financial disparity could breed envy, let alone in the entertainment industry.

In the competitive world of entertainment, Violeta’s success led to others hoping for her downfall.

“It’s better to be proactive rather than wait for others to strike first.”

“Aster, investigate any potential dirt on Zelena. Let’s gather some leverage we can use if necessary, so she knows the consequences of cyberbullying.”

“We need to have some leverage over Zelena to protect ourselves.”

Violeta had no objections to Eugene’s plan but added, “And also look into Hattie. Their friendship is only surface-level.”

The relationship between Hattie and Zelena was indeed complex.

When one was in a position of power, they would discard the other without hesitation.

When both were struggling, they would join forces to undermine others.

Violeta was aware of Hattie’s future plans. She aimed to secure a wealthy partner to facilitate Benson’s return from abroad in a few years. This was likely to lead to internal conflicts within the Ridges.

Although Hattie, with her mother Hannah’s support, held a comfortable position and appeared to hold no grudges, she was far from saintly.

If she harbored a dislike for someone, she would not hesitate to act out.

Currently, Violeta’s success is so significant that Hattie can’t do anything for her.

The entertainment industry and the fashion world had different priorities. While the former valued artistic achievement, the latter placed a higher emphasis on commercial success and influence.

Hattie envied Violeta’s endorsements intensely.

Nevertheless, Violeta had won the Best Supporting Actress Award, and Hattie had nothing comparable.

Even though Hattie might aggressively pursue opportunities, brands tend to overlook her.

Recently, Tracy had faced online abuse, and Violeta suspected that Hattie and Zelena were behind it, possibly funding trolls to harass her.

This had nearly pushed Tracy to her breaking point.

While Violeta had been able to predict Zelena’s moves during their university days, she was now uncertain about how many influential connections Zelena might have gathered in her favour.

One thing was clear: Either Violeta or Zelena would have to exit the industry. It was a matter of who would be the first to bow out.

Eugene noted, “Hattie’s team is very eager to ingratiate

themselves with brands. I suspect her ambitions lie more in the fashion industry than in acting. She’s been pursuing our resources quite aggressively.”

“You’re right, Eugene,” Violeta replied with a light chuckle. “In fact, Hattie’s ambitions go beyond the fashion industry. She’s aiming to get married!”

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