The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Afterwards, the remaining nine contestants posted a joint letter announcing their withdrawal from the

competition.

Their message was clear: if Stella didn't back down, they would quit, leaving her to compete alone—making

her the uncontested winner by default.

When Abby saw the news, she was livid.

"Star, can you believe this? They're ganging up on the organizers, trying to force you out. Their schemes are

so obvious, it's practically written all over their faces!"

All of them were seasoned professionals—they knew exactly where everyone's true abilities lay.

They were well aware of Stella's genuine talent, yet they still went out of their way to smear her name.

It was as if, by dragging Stella down, they could somehow gain an advantage for themselves.

But Stella just brushed it off. "What's the organizers' stance?"

Abby replied, "So far, they haven't caved in. They're talking to each contestant one by one, trying to calm

everyone down, and they've asked us to stand our ground, too.

They said this mess isn't our fault, and we shouldn't take the blame for it."

Stella was quietly touched by this.

"I honestly thought the organizers would fold under all the pressure and ask me to withdraw."

"This competition used to have some serious corruption going on, and

the contestants ever

that you're dominating—even beating the international

desperate to kick

they think is easy to push

starting to suspect we might actually have a mole—someone bribed by the

when things turn so one-sided, it's either real public outrage, or someone's stirring the

own gain.

who's really talented, but

For now, let's just tune out

asked, "Any luck collecting evidence against Felipa and her

need. Just waiting for the right moment to take her

nodded. "Alright. Let's

you say before that it wasn't the

skipped this competition?

media and

"As long as the organizers haven't given up on me, I have

competition."

her. "So, this contest does mean a

replied, "No matter

it is, nothing

You

Don't

you out."

Abby. "Abby,

said "Next week.

the ensemble round—those rules

contestants are