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."

eyes. "This competition used to have some serious corruption going on, and back then,

contestants ever protested

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

desperate to

just picking on someone they think is

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

either real public outrage,

own gain.

who's really talented, but

have a plan. For now, let's just

evidence

grinned. "We've got everything we need. Just waiting for the

"Alright.

then, Joshua spoke up. "Ms. Cameron, didn't you say before that it wasn't the end of the world

skipped this competition?

media and other

up on me, I have no reason to give up

competition."

contest does mean a lot to

"No

is, nothing matters

life itself. You just

Don't let this

you out."

then turned to Abby. "Abby, when's the next

said "Next week. But

the ensemble round—those rules

so contestants are