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

into chaos, the noise rivaling a bustling

defense. But nearly everyone felt a pang of pity for the prodigy-a woman with

Violin Warrior.

at the host, then turned to Stella

a shame. Didn't get either of your originals. I wonder have you ever

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

"If

unlocked her storage case and took

brought two

she almost

her own

the Nocturne

strings—and a gentle melody drifted through the

entered and

as if to say something, but in