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

ever protested like

that you're dominating—even beating the international

to kick

just picking on someone they think is

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

it's either real public

own gain.

not know who's really talented,

For now, let's

"Any luck collecting evidence against

got everything we need. Just waiting for the right moment to

nodded. "Alright.

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

skipped this competition?

the media

given up on me, I have no reason to

competition."

this contest does mean a lot to

replied, "No

it is, nothing matters

You just

Don't

you out."

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

"Next week. But it's

the ensemble round—those rules

contestants are