The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

For reasons he couldn't quite explain, Mr. Walden's face stung as if he'd just been slapped.

Moments after the woman left, Colby Martinez brought him some troubling news.

“Sir, because of the uproar Stella caused, people have started digging up your history as a mentor. There's a lot of chatter online now. People are saying you were blind to real talent, that you passed over a genius and settled for a mediocre student. They're claiming your reputation's in decline..."

Colby spoke carefully, all the while watching Mr. Walden for any flicker of emotion.

"Your standing has taken a hit, sir. There are plenty of people just waiting to see you fail, eager to watch Stella trounce your prized student. If Rachel doesn't take first place in this competition, your position in the field could be at risk."noveldrama

A deep furrow formed on Mr. Walden's brow.

It was true-lately, musicians from across Europe and beyond had been visiting him, all hoping for a glimpse of Novaris' newest violin prodigy. Everyone assumed Stella was his latest protégé; they came seeking introductions, musical exchanges, masterclasses, and invitations for Stella to perform at their concert halls. Overnight, Stella had become the toast of the classical music world.

When Mr. Walden explained that Stella was not, in fact, his student, the relief on their faces was almost comical.

"Walden, so you've already taken on your final student? That means you won't be taking Stella under your wing, right? In that case, forgive me for jumping at the chance!"

"Ah, Mr. Walden, you've done me a huge favor! If you'd accepted Stella, the rest of us wouldn't stand a chance."

"What's that? Your student is Rachel? Walden, how could you mistake glass for a diamond?"

Just today, an old friend had

stopped by supposedly to ask about Rachel. He'd honestly thought the

visit was out of genuine interest in Rachel's playing, but it turned out the man was after Stella as well-and not above mocking Walden's judgment in the process.

For a proud man like Mr. Walden, that kind of insult was intolerable.

His expression darkened. "If Rachel

wants to beat Stella, she'll have

win two points off her. In the individual round, there's nothing I cando-that's up to Rachel, But for

the team event..."

He paused, an idea forming. Turning to Colby, he said, “Call Paul. Tell him to come see me. For the team

round, Stella only has Antoney as a possible partner. We have to make sure Rachel wins."

Colby's eyes widened in surprise.

Paul was Mr. Walden's fifth protégé,

a contemporary of Nora's, but with a unique place among Walden's students. Despite coming up in the sameera as Nora, Paul was much younger; Mr. Walden had taken him under his wing at the age of five. Even now, Paul was not yet thirty-five, a violinist whose fame rivaled even Walden's own. He was also, by far, the most arrogant of all Walden's students-he respected no one but his mentor.

Pairing Paul with Rachel? Stella wouldn't stand a chance.

Soon, the day of the competition arrived.

This round was the team event.

Stella and Antoney arrived early at the concert hall, settling in as they double-checked their sheet music. As they pored over the scores, a commotion broke out near the entrance.