The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Stella stood steady, her voice unwavering. "If I truly had the money, power, and connections people claim,

you'd only hear that the competition was canceled suddenly due to some 'unexpected event.' You'd never

know it happened because of me.

My name would never even surface online. No one would dare insult me like this.

As for revenge..."

Her gaze swept over the audience, sharp and clear. "When you were all shouting for me to withdraw from the

competition, none of you seemed the least bit worried I'd retaliate. So why the sudden fear now? Are you

really concerned about someone seeking revenge on my behalf-or is it just easier to pick on someone you

think can't fight back?"

She let a small, knowing smile play on her lips. "I think we all know that I'm the official ambassador for Neo-

Vespera's charity organization. I represent their image.

I'm open to any reasonable, fact-based questioning. But I won't tolerate baseless slander or malicious gossip.

As the face of Neo-Vespera's charity, I won't allow anyone to smear that reputation.

Today, in front of the whole country, I promise you: I will not retaliate against anyone.

Every word I say, I'm willing to stand by in a court of law."

The room erupted in a swell of shock and disbelief.

Even the live chat on the stream froze for several seconds.

Howard, who was running the broadcast backstage, couldn't help but mutter, "This Stella... she's incredible.

Confident, sharp, and every word on point."

As viewers processed what she'd said, the torrent of insults died down, replaced by more thoughtful doubts.

"She... does make some sense, actually. If she really had powerful connections, why would she let herself get

dragged through the mud online? She could just make it all disappear."

"Come on, you don't get it! She wants the attention, the controversy. Even bad press is still press. That's how

people stay famous!"

"Stella doesn't need controversy to be famous. She's already a well-known charity ambassador for Neo-

Vespera, officially recognized and everything.

Go look her up-she has millions of followers. She doesn't need stunts like this. The idea is laughable!"

"People who don't know a thing about Stella are just here to smear her... Who's paying you trolls, anyway?"

Among her devoted fans, few had

spoken up before-they'd sensed

something off about the relentless

criticism. They'd been waiting for the

right moment to push back.

To their surprise, Stella handed them that chance herself, stepping up in front of everyone to defend her

name.

They knew, in that moment, that their faith in her was well placed.

Back in the auditorium, after Stella's speech, not a single person dared come up and confront her directly.

It was easy to spread rumors behind her back. But deep down, everyone knew those accusations didn't have

a leg to stand on.

The heckling evaporated in an instant.

Stella had invoked her status as the official charity ambassador—a title nobody could challenge.

Who'd be foolish enough to risk speaking out now? Stella could take legal action against any of them.

She waited a moment. When no one

spoke, she addressed the crowd, "If

there are no further questions, I'll

begin my performance."noveldrama

She turned to the host, her smile

gentle. "Could I trouble you? Once

my performance starts, please have

the staff keep an eye out. If anyone

in the audience has doubts during

my act, let them come up

immediately. I'm open to all

criticism."

The host nodded, almost without thinking.

Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. In just a few minutes, Stella had taken complete control of the room.

...

Her performance went off without a hitch. No one dared interrupt.

When the scores were announced, Stella was the undisputed first-place winner.

After the competition, she didn't stick around. She called Abby and Joshua, and the three of them headed out

together.

But just as they were leaving the venue, a young woman lurking near the exit glared at Stella, her eyes

glittering with malice.

She raised her hand and hurled the egg she'd been clutching, aiming straight for Stella's face.

The charity ambassador, untouchable? She'd make sure the whole country had something to laugh about.