The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Harry shot her a glance. “If you've got something to say, just spit it out. I can't stand people who beat around the bush."

Rachel didn't dare keep him in suspense any longer. She spoke up right away. "Stella's musical talent already surpasses her mother, Nora. As for me... I'm not nearly as gifted. Honestly, I worry I'll just hold you back, Harry. Who knows-maybe they'll actually beat us this time."

Harry had never thought much of Rachel. If it weren't for their teacher asking him to help, someone with Rachel's abilities wouldn't even be worth his time, let alone his criticism.

He was fiercely competitive, and since coming of age, he'd only ever lost once—a defeat that had burned into him a deep resentment toward anyone more talented than himself.

With his usual arrogance, Harry sneered, "Nora only managed to beat me before I turned eighteen. After that, she was never my match."

He paused, then scoffed, "As for this Stella... She's about to find out what real despair feels like."

From Mr. Walden's attitude, Harry could sense the old man's dislike of Stella. Harry took pleasure in destroying prodigies—he certainly wouldn't go easy on her. This time, he wanted to crush Stella in front of everyone, leaving her utterly powerless to fight back.noveldrama

The competition began soon after. Performance order was determined by ranking, with those at the bottom going first. Since there weren't many contestants left—just nine after Felipa's withdrawal—the event wouldn't take long. The later you performed, the more time you had to prepare, and the better you could adjust your state of mind.

Many contestants approached Harry for autographs and photos before the show started. Arrogant as he was, Harry wasn't completely without social skills; he didn't bother putting down those he considered beneath him —it just wasn't worth the effort. As a result, a lot of the participants found him less unpleasant than the rumors suggested.

Several judges, upon hearing that Harry himself had entered, hurried over to chat and curry favor. The cameramen seemed to devote half their footage to Harry and Rachel's team; their corner was bustling, almost festive.

In contrast, Stella's group sat quietly off to one side, almost entirely ignored. They hadn't asked Harry for a photo or an autograph; instead, they were focused, calmly preparing for their performance.

As showtime approached and the judges filtered away, the backstage area finally fell quiet.

That's when Harry strode over to Antoney.

"I'm surprised you're still clinging to the violin," he said, his tone mocking. “Didn't expect that.”

Antoney's face was stony, ignoring Harry completely.

Harry chuckled, as if recalling something amusing. "Remember our little wager, Antoney? Loser had to drop to their knees and bark like a dog. You lost so badly that time. still have the video on my phone. Want me to show it to your precious protégé?"

Antoney's face drained of color, his eyes wide with shock. He clenched his jaw. "Shut up, Harry."

Harry flashed a self-satisfied smile. “If you want me to stop, you'll have to beg.”

Stella had assumed Harry was just talking trash, but seeing Antoney's reaction, her heart sank. When had this happened? Why hadn't she heard a word about it?

Harry's gaze shifted to Stella. “So,

you're Nora's daughter-Stella, right? Your mentor here is useless. Couldn't even defend your teacher's honor. I wonder if you'll turn out just as pathetic as he is?"

Stella's expression grew colder by the second.