The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

At the competition venue.

Abby and Antoney scanned the room anxiously, their faces tight with worry.

"What's going on? Why isn't Star here yet?"

Antoney's expression darkened. "I've called both Star and Joshua, but no one's picking up."

Abby's concern deepened. "Star's supposed to be on stage any minute now. If she doesn't show... we could be looking at a forfeit."

"That's not even the worst of it," Antoney replied. "Today's the team event. If Star doesn't show, she drags her partner down with her."

Abby's face blanched at the realization.

Stella's popularity online was sky-high—on par with any A-list celebrity.

If she missed the competition without an explanation, the trolls would have a field day tearing her apart.

But whether Stella would get roasted online was the least of their worries right now.

What mattered most was-

What if something had happened to her?

Abby hadn't come to the venue with Stella today because she'd been busy coordinating with the concert organizers. Antoney had left from the studio. Stella, meanwhile, was supposed to come with Joshua, setting out from her apartment complex.

None of them had met up beforehand, so they had no clue what could have gone wrong.

Minutes ticked by, each one heavier than the last.

After the previous group finished, it was time for Stella's team.

But when the spotlight hit the stage, only Felipa walked out.

At first, everyone assumed Stella was just making a grand entrance. With her star power and talent, it made sense-maybe the organizers wanted to milk the moment, drum up some drama.

But several awkward minutes passed. Stella still didn't appear. The lights and music never kicked in. Felipa just stood there, visibly uncomfortable, as the anticipation curdled into confusion.

Gradually, it dawned on the audience that something was wrong.

"What's going on? Did Stella not show up?"

"She's not sick, is she? If she's missing because of illness, that's a real shame."

"No way it's an illness. If Stella was sick, the organizers would have announced it by now."

"Poor Felipa. She's getting dragged down by Stella's absence."

As the crowd murmured and speculated, the host strode out, looking grim.

"Sorry,

One. Since contestant

Stella failed to arrive on time, afteret

discussion with the judges, this round is considered a forfeit."

Felipa broke down in tears the moment she heard the verdict.

A wave of outrage rippled through the audience.

"So Stella didn't show up and they lost, fine-but this is a team

so Felipa gets penalized

going to make up her score?

"It's not fair. Felipa doesn't deserve this!"

“These rules are messed up! If someone wanted to sabotage their partner, all they'd have to do is bai at the last minute, and the other

f.n'

Anyone aiming for a high score could bribe their teammate and throw the whole thing!" noveldrama

person goes down with all

"... You're right! I never thought about that."

"But seriously, why didn't Stella show up? There's got to be a reason."

The venue buzzed with speculation-everyone had an opinion.

Backstage, Rachel watched the chaos unfold, unable to hide the glimmer of satisfaction in her eyes.

Lately, Joshua had been the one driving Stella to every competition.

It was obvious-he'd won her trust.

And now, at the most critical moment, he'd done her a huge favor.

If Stella lost this round, Rachel would tie with her for first place.

And next time? All Rachel needed was for Joshua to help her out one more time,

and Stella's reign at the top would come crashing down.