Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism
Chapter 574 Secrets in the Shadows

Because they were rivals in love and because of Zelena's jealousy.

Now that things had blown up, Zelena was getting what she deserved, hoisted by her own petard.

Hattie couldn't wait to see how Zelena would manage to clean up this mess!

The thought of Zelena's downfall filled Hattie with satisfaction.

This wretched woman was finally getting the ending she deserved.

In contrast to Zelena's predicament, Hattie was riding high.

In her career, she was filming her very first movie, and she was working with none other than Nolan.

This film had award potential, and there was a chance she could become the next big actress in the industry!

In her love life, Harvey was treating her like a queen, and their relationship was going wonderfully.

Even Hannah was rooting for them, practically already considering Harvey her son-in-law.

They were planning to go on a two-month trip abroad together as soon as Hattie finished filming.

Success in both career and love-she was on top of the world.

But then, Zelena showed up unannounced on set, catching Hattie completely off guard.

In the actors' lounge, Hattie walked in after hearing the news and saw Zelena casually sitting on the sofa, sipping water.

"Zelena? What are you doing here?"

Hattie was still in her costume from the shoot, and she only had a ten-minute break.

She had been reviewing footage with the director when her assistant informed her that Zelena had come to visit and was waiting in the lounge. Hattie felt an uneasy twinge and wasted no time heading over.

Their relationship had been over for a long time they weren't even friends anymore!

Given that Zelena was currently caught in a scandal, her visit was definitely not out of goodwill.

Zelena set down her water glass and smiled faintly. "You're here."

Hattie approached, her expression clearly showing she wasn't happy to see her. "What do you want?"

Zelena replied, "You're not very welcoming, are you? I came all the way here just to visit you."

Hattie crossed her arms. "Ha, others might not know you, but I do. Cut the act and tell me what you're really after."

"I'm here to-"

"Whatever it is, say it and then leave. You're not welcome here."

Hattie cut her off, rudely telling her to go.

At the last event, Hattie's dress had been ruined, thanks to Zelena.

She'd spent a lot of time afterward repairing her relationship with the brand, sending gifts just to smooth things over. Otherwise, she could kiss any future high-fashion collaborations goodbye.

Hattie hadn't even gotten the chance to settle that score with Zelena, and now here she was, showing up on her own.

If Zelena was here to ask for a favor, Hattie was going to make sure to laugh in her face before kicking her out. Zelena sighed.

"Hattie, how could you think that of me? Do you really believe I'm here just to ask for your help? Can't simply visit you for old times' sake? After all, we've known each other for years."

A mocking smile spread across Hattie's face. "Zelena, what nonsense are you spouting?

"Old times? When you sabotaged

d.ne

dress, did you think about our Called friendship then? And now you're trying to play the friendship card? It's too late for that!"

Zelena replied, "Sabotaged your dress? Hattie, that was just my counterattack. I've never started anything against you." Counterattack?

Hattie didn't quite understand what she was hearing.

What did Zelena mean by her "counterattack"?

Hattie had never intentionally

targeted Zelena. Sure, their teams competed for brands and resources behind the scenes, but Hattie had

never openly plotted against her.

IMS

Hattie narrowed her eyes. Was Zelena trying to pin something on me?

Zelena continued, "The Ophelia dress incident-you've already forgotten?"

Now Hattie was even more confused.

What did Ophelia's outfit have to do with me?

Hattie started to say, "You think I—"

But Zelena waved her off.

"Never mind, it's not worth arguing about. Let's just say we're even.

"I came here today to show you something."

Zelena pulled a stack of photos out of her bag and placed them on the table.

These photos were the ones Zelena had taken of Hattie and Alaric in the underground parking garage.