Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism novel Chapter 411

Lydia had just appeared as a guest on the latest episode of the 'RV Travel Diaries'.

During the recording, she crossed paths with Zelena.

Zelena, eager to enhance her public image, was putting on a display of friendliness towards her senior peers.

Not harbouring any personal animosity towards Zelena, Lydia was open to forming a friendship.

In the entertainment industry, friendships could be forged as long as there were no conflicting interests, though the longevity of such relationships was uncertain.

Zelena was aware that Lydia's frustration stemmed from Violeta's recent win of the Best Supporting Actress Award.

Reports had surfaced of Lydia having a public outburst backstage at the Skyward Awards, with the media capturing her leaving in a bad mood.

Had her team not acted swiftly to suppress the story, Lydia's cold exit could have made headlines.

Given her extensive experience, Lydia was undoubtedly a strong candidate for the Best Supporting Actress Award.

It was only natural that she would be unpleased by Violeta's win.

The rivalry between their teams was intense, with no love lost.

Eugene, who had previously managed Lydia and was now Violeta's manager, had ensured their paths would remain antagonistic.

Even without the award issue, their rivalry was expected, with Eugene's involvement deepening their enmity.

Moreover, Violeta's emergence as a prominent newcomer overshadowed Lydia, who was regarded as a 'senior'.

Zelena, relishing the opportunity to stir up trouble, watched with satisfaction as Violeta accumulated more enemies.

Seeing a chance to solidify her alliance with Lydia, Zelena made the most of it.

After filming the show, Zelena visited Lydia's dressing room, carrying a bottle of perfume.

"Lydia, are you removing your makeup?" Zelena asked.

Lydia, wiping her face with a makeup remover pad, looked up with a smile. "Oh, hi, Lena. What's up?"

"By the way, it's unfortunate."

"What is?" Lydia asked.

"The Flying Sky Award," Zelena replied with a regretful look.

Lydia's expression hardened immediately, her mood darkening upon this topic.

Zelena continued, "Lydia, as we're friends, I'll be honest with you. Don't take it the wrong way."

Lydia placed the perfume sample on the makeup table. "Go ahead."

Zelena leaned in. "Honestly, I'm perplexed as to how Violeta won the Best Supporting Actress Award. We all thought it would be you. For someone so new to win such an award, it's almost unimaginable. I felt like she didn't deserve it. I thought I was the only one who felt this way, but I've spoken to many people, and they all agree that the award should have gone to you, not Violeta!"

She paused, then added, "Look at Tracy, who won the Best Newcomer Award and faced online criticism. What did Violeta do to deserve the Best Supporting Actress Award?"

Without Violeta in the running, the award would surely have gone to Lydia.