Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

Chapter 174 Wanted on the Black Market

Hattie's claims couldn't be proven to Zelena.

But she wasn't worried; she just needed to wait for the hacker's findings.

Then she'd not only learn Violeta's parents' real identities but also uncover some juicy secrets unknown to others.

She would use those information to humiliate her at school!

The campus belle of Toland University, my foot!

"Hattie, Violeta's reputation will be ruined during the college competition."

"How so?"

"You'll see. It'll be a big surprise!"

Hattie didn't know what Zelena had planned, but seeing her confident expression, she figured Zelena must have set a big trap for Violeta. As long as she could see Violeta's embarrassing moment, Hattie would be thrilled.

She tossed a piece of clothing to the nearby shop assistant and said lightly, "Okay, but don't expect me to let you win in the college competition. I'm going for that championship."

Hattie's words reflected Zelena's thoughts, but the latter's ambitions weren't as obvious.

Hattie could say this so openly in front of Zelena only because deep down, she didn't see Zelena as a real competitor.

Although Zelena's family was wealthy, they were only rich in Arlowand; they were nothing in Quinston and couldn't be compared to the Ridge family. Plus, Zelena didn't have a mother with a significant position in the entertainment industry. So in their 'friendship', they might seem equal, but Hattie had never taken Zelena seriously.

She thought little of her.

Zelena felt a bit annoyed, but it didn't matter.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

After all, Hattie was just a tool for her use, so it didn't matter as long as she had the last laugh.

Suppressing her inner annoyance, Zelena said lightly, "Haha, sure.

"I'm not aiming for the championship, anyway. So I'll congratulate you in advance, Hattie."

...

At the inte cafe, after some elimination, Violeta finally narrowed down the middle school Zelena had attended-Skybrook High. Zelena had studied there for three years. If there were any bullying incidents, all she needed to do was investigate her classmates. Violeta hacked into the schoolwork and checked the information of Zelena's classmates.

Finally, she focused on a high school sophomore named Shirley Tillery, who had only attended the first half of the semester due to illness. As Violeta was deeply focused on her investigation, she heard a familiar voice behind her.

"Violeta?"

She turned to see George and was a bit surprised.

"George, what are you doing here?" she asked with a smile.

"I own this place," George replied.

Violeta chuckled. "Really? So you're the owner? That's quite a coincidence. Then you can waive my inte fee, right?"

George generously agreed. "Of course."

"I was just kidding."

George could monitor all the computers' usage in the inte cafe.

Normally, he wouldn't interfere with customers unless there was a reason to.

But this situation was different.

When Violeta started her

investigation in the inte cafe,it

seemed normal at first. But when

she began typing codes to hack into the schoolwork, George took notice.

Seeing that Violeta was the one using the computer, he asked, "What are you looking for?"

"Just browsing around," she replied.

"Do you know you're wanted on the black market?"

"Yeah, I'm aware."

Before, when Violeta decrypted Zelena's encrypted IP, she knew this day might come.

By breaking into the black market's encryptedwork, Violeta had put the security of their clients'

information at risk. So, they had to catch her to set an example and show they took such breaches seriously.

However, Violeta knew she had a way out.

Previously, she accessed the black market from the island's computer during a storm, which affected the signal. The weather provided the perfect cover, and Violeta left

to be

trace, making it unlikely for!no!

found.

S

Even if she were caught, Violeta wasn't worried.

Seeing Violeta so relaxed, George couldn't help but laugh. "You really don't realise how serious this is." "They can't find me. Besides you, no one knows I'm Six. If I'm exposed, it'll be because you snitched." Violeta maintained eye contact with George, her expression calm and unreadable.

George met her gaze and suddenly smiled.

"The folks in the black market practically worship you."

Violeta was the first one who dared to challenge authority without being caught immediately.

If she escaped this arrest, she would truly become a legend in the black market. While many famous hackers were on the leaderboard, most hid in anonymity, limited by their fame. Six wasn't on the leaderboard, yet she did what even the most famous hackers wouldn't dare to do.