The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Rachel was well aware of this, so she didn't dare stir up any unnecessary trouble.

Abby nodded. "Her song choices were actually pretty good. She's had some experience in competitions, and her performance was solid-nothing spectacular, but no major mistakes either."

Antoney chimed in, “The fact that she got accepted to Neo-Vespera University and even caught Mr. Walden's eye proves she's got some real talent.”

"If she'd just put her energy into the right things, she could achieve so much more. It's a shame, really..."

He let out a mocking laugh. "But instead, she spends all her time scheming to steal Star's spotlight or trying to set Star up."

Abby shared his sentiment. "I'll admit, she's talented. But compared to Star, there's still a big gap."

"Mr. Walden must really be losing his touch, taking her under his wing and thinking she's better than Star."noveldrama

Antoney shrugged. "If she plays to her strengths, a second-place finish is well within reach."

He recognized most of the other contestants, after all-they all moved in the same circles, and he had a pretty clear sense of their abilities.

Rachel was definitely stronger than the rest.

And when it came to the international stage, Rachel's skills were nothing to scoff at-she was among the best.

"If she'd just behave herself, with Star on the team, our division might actually earn a top-three spot this year."

Abby frowned. "Just top three? Every competition Star's ever entered, she's never had to settle for second place."

Antoney shot her a look. “This is a team event. Making the top three would already be impressive."

At that moment, Neville Connolly, who'd been silent until now, finally spoke up. "What about the solo competition? Do you think Star can take first place?"

Antoney turned to him. "Mr. Connolly, I'm sure you've heard the saying-there's always someone better, always a higher mountain to climb."

Neville raised an eyebrow. "So, Mr. Watson, you mean to say..."

Antoney's lips curled into a faint, confident smile. "What I mean is-Star is the summit."

His tone was calm, but there was an unmistakable note of pride and audacity in his words.

The truth was, Stella still hadn't fully regained her former strength. She hadn't picked up a violin in five years, and no matter how hard she practiced now, it was impossible to recover overnight.

But after this national competition, and especially after the upcoming concert, she'd be back to her peak.

The domestic competition would wrap up before the concert, while the international event would take place after. Stella would have plenty of time to prepare.

Antoney was convinced her talent and skill set the gold standard for her generation of violinists.

Neville listened, and instead of surprise or skepticism, a small, knowing smile played at his lips.

"I knew it. I never doubted her for a second."

Antoney glanced at him but said nothing. Neville, unlike Haynes, never rained on anyone's parade-in fact, he had absolute faith in Stella.

As their conversation wound down, Rachel's performance came to an end.

The audience erupted into enthusiastic applause.

The host, beaming even more brightly than before, stepped onto the stage.

"This year's contestants are truly full of hidden talents! What a pleasant surprise!"

The host's delight wasn't because

Rachel had outperformed

Stella she hadn't-but because, whileRachel was a notch below, she was still a formidable competitor.

This year, they finally had a shot at making a name for themselves on the international stage.

The host began to interview Rachel.

Meanwhile, backstage in the control room, Howard was glued to the live stats.

The head technician sighed. "She's

not attracting fans as fast as Stella

did. The number of viewers is

actually dropping. There are new

people tuning in, but not fast enough to offset those leaving."

Howard watched the live audience drop from over a million to just over eight

hundred thousand, and felt his heart sink.