The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

It wasn't that Stella's team had done poorly—far from it.

"Is Stella seriously this amazing? She's actually on par with someone like Harry now?"

“Mr. Walden brought in Harry to lend some star power, but honestly, that just seems beneath him. Even though they both got perfect scores... in the end, Rachel still couldn't beat Stella.”

“I just don't get it. Why would Mr. Walden choose Rachel as his apprentice over Stella?"

"Exactly. In terms of skill, looks, charisma, even talent-how could Rachel ever compare to Stella?”

One of the judges spoke up, “Our scoring is always fair and impartial. This was a team event, and Stella and Antoney worked together seamlessly. Every section was executed flawlessly.

If anyone has doubts, you're welcome to submit the full recording of the competition to the world's leading adjudication board."

Mr. Walden and the others looked visibly unsettled.

They were, after all, the top musicians in the field-no strangers to how these things worked.

They knew the judges hadn't played favorites.

The chemistry in Stella's group really did deserve a perfect score.

The host called the previous teams back onstage to announce the scores and the overall rankings.

Harry stood with a stony expression.

A tie was not the outcome he wanted.

Gripping the microphone, the host proclaimed, “Currently in second place, we have Miss Rachel.

And now, the undefeated champions of this competition—”

"Hold on."

Before the host could finish, another voice cut through the auditorium.

The host blinked, turning toward Harry.

"Mr. Harry, is there something you'd like to say?"

Harry stepped forward, raising his voice so the whole room could hear. "Stella and I made a wager backstage on the outcome of this match.

So, there can't be a tie. There needs to be a clear winner.

I respectfully ask the judges to decide."noveldrama

Antoney's face darkened. "Despicable!"

By bringing up the bet in front of everyone, Harry had cornered Stella, leaving her no way out-no room to back down.

He wanted the whole world to know: if Stella lost, she'd have to quit the industry, never to play the violin again.

The host was taken aback. “A wager? What wager?"

Harry lifted his chin, voice cold. "If

lose, I'll apologize to Stella's mother and her mentor in front of

everyone-and get down on my knees and bark like a dog."

5

The crowd glanced at each other, momentarily stunned.

Wasn't that a bit childish?

The host pressed on, "And if Miss Stella loses?"

A sinister smile flickered across

elnet

Harry's lips. "If Stella loses, she's ne never allowed to play the violin again. Ever."

A collective gasp erupted through the audience.

Up onstage, the judges recovered first.

“Mr. Harry, this is a competition—not a casino.

What wagers you make in private are none of our business, but this stage is not your betting table!"

Harry shot the judge a sideways glance. "What's the matter? Afraid that if Stella loses, she won't be able to represent your division in future competitions?"

The judge stiffened, caught off guard.

That was exactly his worry.

Geniuses like Stella didn't come along often in this region; he couldn't let Harry destroy her future.

Harry continued, "A bet's a bet. Stella agreed to it herself.

Need me to show everyone the video of our conversation from backstage?"