The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Without waiting for a reaction from the judges, Harry simply started playing the video himself, not caring what anyone thought.

Both the online audience and those in the hall leaned forward, eager for the kind of backstage gossip that always spices up a competition. The cameraman obligingly zoomed in for a close-up of Harry's phone.

The video picked up at the moment Stella asked, "So? What's the wager?"

Antoney let out a cold laugh. “I really thought Harry was shameless enough to handle any situation. Turns out he's not so impressive after all."

Harry had carefully edited out the earlier parts where he'd insulted Antoney and Stella's mother, leaving only the part about the bet.

The terms they'd set were equally harsh. Stella's challenge had a sting to it—a clear jab at Harry's pride. Harry's, on the other hand, demanded that Stella never play the violin again if she lost. On the surface, it seemed Stella was getting the worse end of the deal, but for many, dignity matters more than life itself. In truth, the stakes were equally devastating.

Now, with every eye in the venue watching and thousands more tuned in online, Harry played the video for all to see. Unless the judges gave a clear, unequivocal answer, there was no way to wrap this up.noveldrama

Stella was just a newcomer, while Harry was a revered master. Crossing him was unwise.

One of the more diplomatic judges spoke up. “Mr. Harry, your personal skill is beyond question, and your recent performance was truly flawless. But this is a team competition. We're judging the group, not just individual brilliance. Stella and Antoney's collaboration was impeccable. If you believe we made a mistake in our assessment, feel free to point it out now-we're open to reviewing our decision."

The judge neatly tossed the issue back to Harry.

Harry's expression darkened; for a moment, he was at a loss for words. As a professional, he simply couldn't find fault with Stella and Antoney's teamwork. Though he hated to admit it, their performance had been perfect, at least in terms of collaboration. Criticizing their individual skills would only make

him look petty.

But Harry wasn't about to let things end so easily. He spoke up again. “A wager demands a winner and a loser. Stella, do you dare face me in a direct match?"

The atmosphere in the hall grew even more charged. A renowned master challenging a rookie-how humiliating was that? Especially when the price of losing meant Stella could never play the violin again. It was obvious he

singling her out.

"Word is, Harry has always been ruthless with prodigies. He mocks and belittles them, pushing them to their limits until they can't take it anymore. Some quit the field, some fall into depression, and a few... well, some never recover."

"They say a lot of promising talents have burned out because of his words—some left the industry, some even took their own lives. Less than one in five make it through unscathed."

"No wonder Mr. Walden's protégés are all at the top-it's because he crushes every rising star before they can threaten his position. Honestly, Mr. Walden's methods are disgraceful."

"Harry only bullies those he thinks he can get away with. Would he dare pull this with Aurora Williams from the Williams family, or Lauretta from the Chapmans? Not a chance. He wouldn't live to see the next day.”

“No one would blame Stella if she refused. He's a world-class master, and she's just starting out-who'd risk their entire future on a single bet?"

“Poor Stella. She's really been backed into a corner. If she says no, the tabloids will have a field day, dragging her name through the mud for months..."