The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

In the very same second, half a million new viewers surged in. The numbers were odd-suspiciously so.

Howard asked, "Are those bots?"

The tech guy shook his head. "No, they're all verified accounts. But the timing is a bit fishy. It looks like someone's trying to manipulate the stats."

Howard's frown deepened. He hated fake numbers; it was unfair to everyone else. "Do we have any solid evidence?" he pressed.

If they did, Howard couldn't disqualify Rachel outright, but he could definitely cut down her camera time, maybe even remove her from the highlight reel altogether.

The tech shook his head again. "Nothing concrete for now. We'll need to keep monitoring. It's too soon to make a call."

Howard nodded. "Alright. Keep an eye on it."

Meanwhile, out front, the host was wrapping up Rachel's interview.

Next up was the judges' scoring round.

Both Stella and Rachel were called back onto the stage.

welcome our judges to give their scores to

violinists-well-respected, though not as internationally renowned as

offer comments and serve as special guests, but the scoring was strictly

down their scores. Of the ten judges, nine gave a perfect ten. Only one

a staggering ninety-nine

hand, scored mostly eights, with her highest being a nine.

sigh of relief. "Thank goodness. I

himself a former

unbothered. "A judge's job is to be objective and fair, not to get swayed

back everyone's extra canter

now.

is watching, after

Venet

there were also plenty who suspected she was putting on a show Besides, when it came international competitions, no one would cut you slack just because you were sick or chasing a last wish. The world's top performers wouldn't step aside for

on Haynes and Jasper- not on the

persona she's built? It'll attract a lot of attention- maybe even more