The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 171

Deanna's nails dug into her palms, her entire body trembling with the effort to stay still. Every fiber of her wanted to lunge at Stella-to wipe that infuriating calm off her face with one sharp slap. But the crowd's eyes were on them, and dignity was the only weapon she had left.

Having weathered many storms in life, Deanna took a few deep breaths to calm herself down. She knew that if today's events got out, her reputation would be in tatters. All thanks to Stella, the troublemaker!

"Stella," Deanna began, her voice sharp and cutting, "Keen has worked so hard for this competition. Even if you weren't invited to accompany him, did you really have to go and ruin it for him? Besides, you don't have a rich family background, nor do you have a fancy degree. We can't just stand there on stage with Keen, can we?"

Her words were like daggers, laying bare Stella's lack of pedigree and education, with zero concern for tact.

earn their place-provided they brought undeniable brilliance to the table. Without it? Well, the whispers followed. In their world, you were either exceptional or invisible. Mediocrity wasn't just frowned

those from different social standings. Those with prestigious backgrounds sneered at mere intellectuals. Intellectuals often mocked celebrities and models. And people like Stella, with seemingly

How did she even become a part of the O'Brien family? Rumor had it she married Haynes because she was pregnant.

surely she should have at least one redeeming feature. Yet,

my dress, making it impossible for me to continue in the competition. She ruined my dress, so it's only fair she compensates me with a new one," Stella continued. "And who

audacity to speak to her like that but had

with so many eyes on them. "If you're