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.

other contestants continued

day, no one had

Stella, but since she'd lost to her, she walked

first day of the round-robin tournament. The others still had a

all the matches concluded, the host announced the results of the

guess—who do you think

picked Rachel, and a couple chose

contestants.

believed Stella was

Three voted for Rachel.

two each picked someone

suspense had built up, the host finally revealed the

today's fan favorite

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

Cameron came in just behind, with one point four

mention third place—it was simply too

Rachel stared in disbelief.

What?!

only a hundred

the voting, that was all she'd managed

soon as the event ended, Rachel

didn't you say you'd help boost my votes?

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