The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 189

Jasper was grinding his teeth, desperate to shut down the livestream.

His hands wouldn't stop shaking-whether from white-hot rage or helpless awe at Stella's brilliance, he couldn't tell. It took three steadying breaths, his fingers hovering over the keyboard like they'd forgotten their purpose, before he finally slammed the 'END STREAM' button hard enough to crack the screen.

And just when he thought he'd succeeded, his phone froze. Comments, animated gifts, and an influx of viewers eager to see the stunning performer overwhelmed the system.

It wasn't just Jasper's phone; even the server was struggling.

Jasper nearly lost it. "Damn it! Shut it down, shut it down!" he shouted, furiously tapping the screen until the livestream finally closed.

After Rachel finished her performance, the audience was able to gather their wits and applaud. But when Stella wrapped up her act, there was an almost eerie silence for a full minute.

Then, from somewhere in the crowd, a single clap echoed, breaking the spell. Suddenly, applause erupted, louder and more enthusiastic than before, nearly deafening.

If not for the decorum expected of them, the audience might have cheered and whistled for Stella. Her performance wasn't just music-it was a sensory eruption. The notes weren't played; they were conjured, weaving a tapestry so vivid the air itself seemed to shimmer with color. And the visuals-every movement, every flick of her wrist-was hypnotic, like watching a storm given human form.

have sneered at Stella's background, scoffed at her education,

held much value. But in

judges, brought back to reality, were visibly moved, their faces flushed with excitement. They didn't need to deliberate or even think; unanimously, they held up their perfect

I've never heard

Rachel couldn't match a tenth of her

the best I've ever

it means for music to

Marvin had a

performance was absolutely

group, little Keen didn't even

two-thirds of the piece was Rachel's solo, with only a third

much time to master their instruments, and playing a small part

few minor

and Marvin's duet