The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

"No, please! Stella's so talented and elegant-if she can never play the violin again, what a tragedy that would be!"

"Please, let's hope she doesn't draw one of Harry's pieces. Fingers crossed!"

The internet was ablaze with speculation as the host reached into the lottery box. He unfolded the slip of paper.

The moment he saw the chosen piece, the color drained from his face.

It was *The Gaze*.

*The Gaze* was even harder than *Echoes of the Wind*-and it was notorious for being the most vicious of the so-called "Devil's Trilogy."

Of all the possibilities, they hadn't drawn one of Stella's own compositions, but instead ended up with the most impossible challenge.

This was bad. For Stella, this was real danger.

If he could, the host would have torn up the slip and drawn again. But with so many eyes on him, there was nothing he could do but unfold the paper with a look of defeat.

and Mr. Harry will be

into chaos, the noise rivaling a

Stella's defense. But nearly everyone felt a pang of pity for the prodigy-a woman

the Violin Warrior. Another rising star, about to be

glanced at the host, then turned to

what a shame. Didn't get either of your originals. I wonder have you ever even played *The Gaze*

smirk. "For fairness' sake, I'll go first. That way you can get familiar with the score. Of course... if you'd rather spare yourself a second humiliation, you can forfeit now. No one would blame you for losing to me. Don't worry-I won't make you beg on your knees like a

at him. Ignoring his taunts, she addressed the host. "If Mr. Harry wants to play first, that's fine. I'll go

room, Stella unlocked her storage case and took

always brought two violins

but she

own

the

traced the strings-Nora's strings—and a gentle melody drifted

door. Antoney entered and paused, surprised to see

mouth, as if to say something,