The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

The flickering light from the television screen cast deep shadows over Karl's face, making his features appear almost spectral-sinister and cold as a ghost.

He stared at the woman being interviewed, his lips curling slowly into a twisted

smile.

"Stella, I won't let you get away with this."

After the solo competition came the ensemble round.

This was where teamwork was truly put to the test—not just individual skill, but the ability to blend, to anticipate and support one another. In international

competitions, ensemble scores carried the most weight. No one could afford to be a lone wolf; working together was the only way to win.

Partners were assigned at random.

Stella's partner turned out to be Felipa, a girl in her early twenties with a natural gift for music and a spark in her eyes. Still, Felipa was green; to make it to the finals, she'd need more experience under her belt.

the city rolling by outside as she sat in the passenger seat with her eyes closed, quietly gathering herself for the competition ahead. Even though today's round posed little real challenge for her, Stella knew better than to let her guard down-especially with Rachel in the mix, always scheming, always eager to

cloaked in an uneasy

an ensemble. If your partner isn't

ensembles, it's all about synergy. Not everyone is at the same level-if it were just about raw ability, there'd be no point in having a team

Joshua nodded. "I see."

expression shifted-tightening with concern. "Ms. Cameron,

snapped open. "What's going

rearview mirror, gaze sharpening. "We're

saw them-several unmarked cars, trailing

pace steady, not giving anything away. "They don't realize we've

on, they might try to box What do you want to

the only road to the

thought for a moment. "There's a side road

"Understood."

glanced at the road ahead, where more cars appeared, blocking their path. "Looks

weight settled in Stella's