The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 693

"She's stunning, incredibly talented, and a composer on top of all that... Honestly, she might even be better than Antoney."

"I'm calling it—she's got this year's championship in the bag."

A ripple of excitement swept through the audience.

Rena couldn't help glancing at Mr. Walden. "But, sir, didn't you say Stella wasn't anything special? The skill she just showed was insane-way beyond what I saw in her videos."

Johnny chimed in. "I've been watching her closely. There's no way she was cheating. And her handling of that tricky D major section? Her fingerwork was flawless. Cheating isn't even possible at that level."

Easier pieces are one thing; it's possible to fake your way through them. But what Stella just played "Moonlight Bay"—was a true challenge, the kind you can't fake.

David wandered over, smirking. "You're all singing Stella's praises, but I don't buy the hype."

Rena and Johnny both turned, incredulous. "Come on, David! Out of all the students Mr. Walden's ever had, barely anyone can even compare to her. How can you say she's not amazing?"

David shrugged. "I'm not saying she's not good. I just mean, if the teacher chose Rachel as his apprentice over Stella, doesn't that mean Rachel's even better?"

Rena and Johnny's eyes lit up at the idea.

Of course if Stella's this good and Mr. Walden still chose Rachel, then Rachel must be on another level entirely.

Rachel really is the once-in-a-century

Stella quickly shifted into eager anticipation for Rachel's

radiant smile and the host's barely-contained admiration. Rachel's expression was

until

that, she had the advantage of playing an

bit down hard

off a miracle, overtaking Stella seemed

she supposed to do

embarrass herself in front of her teacher-and the whole

Her phone buzzed.

was a call from

had more bad

livestream record. More people tuned in than for last year's grand finale. Do you know how many

so tightly her knuckles turned white. "How

"A million," Joshua replied.

million votes-already? It hadn't even

clicks; every vote required ID verification, and each person

gather that many votes so quickly-Stella's popularity and influence were nothing short

"People are such shallow creatures! All