Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

Chapter 394 Pulling Strings



Though it sounded simple, achieving it was far from easy.

Eugene privately reached out to several high-end jewellery brands, but all turned him down. Their feedback was either prior commitments to other artists or unwillingness to take the risk under his name.

Despite his connections, borrowing jewellery under his own name posed too much of a risk for the brands.

Since he had promised Violeta, Eugene was determined to make it happen.

That evening, Eugene was drinking with Lance Sowle, the deputy general manager of the company.

After a few rounds, Eugene brought up the idea of borrowing jewellery from the brands and asked Lance to be his guarantor.

Lance sobered at the request.

"Me? As a guarantor? Eugene, you know I never take sides in such matters. If I help you now, what am I supposed to say when Winnie asks me to help Tracy borrow jewellery next time?"

Eugene sneered coldly and asked, "Can Tracy's commercial value compare to Violeta's? She's not even associated with any of the top luxury brands. Isn't it a bit much for her to wear high-end jewellery? You're really stretching it."

Lance nudged his shoulder and said, "Don't be so sure. The Blind Detective is rated above nine. While Tracy's resources can't match Violeta's, it's anyone's guess who will win the award this time."

Many criticised Tracy's acting online.

However, the Skyward Award judges don't simply follow the crowd. They have their own standards.

Eugene frowned but remained silent.

Lance continued, "Her family is rich. Violeta didn't secure SEVITL's deal with the company. Can't they sponsor Violeta? It's just jewellery, after all." Eugene spat, "D*mn it! Are you serious? What kind of message would that send? She had already faced ridicule for purchasing her own dress. Now she has to pay for her jewellery too? That's not the way to succeed in this industry, man. It would be a clear sign that we can't play the game."

Honours earned through one's own efforts were not the same as those obtained through backdoor connections.

Eugene didn't want anyone to make fun of Violeta.

If she had to rely on her family for everything, she might as well stay home and be the pampered daughter instead of struggling in the industry. Buying her own jewellery for the red carpet wasn't unprecedented.

If she were an older, established artist, people would see her wealth and grandeur as a symbol of her status in the industry-a sign of the confidence that comes from having built a successful career.

For a young woman in her early twenties, like Violeta, trying to flaunt resources she doesn't have would only come off as ridiculous.

Having a good family background was an excellent card to play, but they couldn't pull it every time.

It would spoil the game's fun.

Eugene added, "Besides, wouldn't that make me look like a useless manager?"

Lance glanced at him and said, "No matter what, I can't be your guarantor. You'll have to find another way."

Eugene set down his glass and

playfully chided, "You old fox. You'll jump at the first sign of benefit, but you're too scared to vouch for her. Are you so sure Violeta won'twin the New Actor Award?"

Lance replied, "I didn't say that. Hey, don't pin that on me."

Eugene proposed, "How about this? I won't ask you to be my guarantor for free. If Violeta wins the award, her

resources will skyrocket, making her truly the top actress at Apex

NôvelDrama.Org © content.

"And if she doesn't win, you can name your terms. The team will fully cooperate."

Lance laughed heartily and asked, "Do you have that much faith in Violeta?"

Eugene shot back, "Do you think Tracy can win?"

Lance swirled his drink and stared thoughtfully at the wine glass. He said, "You never know. I've heard she recently got connected to a powerful godfather."

A godfather?

Well, isn't that something?

In the entertainment industry, finding a backer wasn't unheard of.

Eugene pressed, "I don't care. We've known each other for years. Just tell me if you'll help me this time."

Lance hesitated.

Ultimately, he chose to help Eugene.

Of course, he also took Eugene up on the exchange terms.

The next day, Eugene encountered Aiden in the company elevator.

Aiden and Eugene were both renowned as the two top managers at Apex Entertainment, both considered golden managers.

The only difference was that Eugene joined later.

Aiden had been a manager for years and had richer experience. She had long since transitioned from being an employee to being one of the

shareholders, earning annual

dividends from the cov