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."

to have some serious corruption going on, and

ever

that you're dominating—even beating the international competitors—they're acting like the

desperate to kick you

picking on someone they think is easy

suspect we might actually have a mole—someone bribed by

it's either real public outrage, or someone's stirring

own gain.

know who's really talented, but

have a plan. For now,

asked, "Any luck collecting evidence against Felipa and

Just waiting for the right moment to take her

nodded. "Alright.

Joshua spoke up. "Ms. Cameron, didn't you say before that

skipped this competition?

this pressure from the media and other contestants,

up on me, I have no reason to give up on

competition."

studied her. "So, this contest does mean a lot

"No

is, nothing matters

itself. You just

better. Don't let this

you out."

Abby.

"Next week. But it's

the ensemble round—those rules

so contestants are