The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

After listening, Candida frowned. "Honestly, the climate back home really does need to change."

It wasn't long before the results of the match between Stella and Rachel were announced.

Stella earned ten points.

Rachel... zero.

Even though the host and judges praised Rachel for her valiant effort, she still felt utterly humiliated.

She'd lost to Stella. Again.

Fortunately, she'd prepared herself before stepping onstage, so at least her dignity remained somewhat intact.

Rachel forced herself to smile gracefully. Turning to Stella, she said, "Ms. Cameron, congratulations on winning the first round."

Stella's own smile was impeccably polite. "Thank you, Ms. Pearce. We'll have another chance to compete soon. I hope you recover quickly, and that your hand heals well. Maybe next time, you'll take back the win."

This time, Stella scored ninety-nine points.

To beat her, Rachel would have to achieve a perfect score.

Even Antoney, the undeniable prodigy of the day, had only managed ninety-five.

Rachel's score didn't even come close.

Defeating Stella wasn't going to be easy.

After their display of polite rivalry, Stella and Rachel stepped down from the stage.

continued

no one had

had the second-highest score after Stella, but since she'd

The others still had

the matches concluded, the host announced the results

do you think is today's fan

others picked Rachel, and

contestants.

the ten judges, five believed

Three voted for Rachel.

two each

the suspense had built up, the host finally revealed the

today's fan favorite is...

the end of the competition, she had received one and a

in just behind, with

simply too far behind to

Rachel stared in disbelief.

What?!

only a

the help Joshua promised with the voting, that was all she'd managed to pull ahead

event ended, Rachel

boost my votes? Why did I only barely

Joshua sounded utterly

unconcerned. "Stella was the

undisputed champion today. She's

expect to win by-three million? Five mittion? Ten? The public isn't stupid, Ráchel. Beating her by