The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

"If she really did that, it'd be going too far."

Because Stella was competing on home turf, most of the crowd was firmly in her

corner.

Of course, Harry had his own group of admirers, and they weren't shy about voicing their support for him.

The host's voice rang out again, commanding everyone's attention.

"Now, let's welcome our winner, Miss Stella, to say a few words."

Stella took the microphone, her smile calm and gracious. "Thank you to everyone who's supported me. I'm sure you all know about the wager between Mr. Harry and myself. If I lost, I promised to retire from the stage-never to touch a violin again. If Mr. Harry lost, he agreed to apologize to my mother, Nora, and my mentor, Anthony—and get down on his knees and bark like a dog."

Her words sent a ripple through the audience.

Most people had been caught up in the drama of the wager, but now, as they took in the details, the implications became clear.

"Wait-Stella's making Harry apologize to her mother and mentor? Does that mean Harry insulted her mother?"

"With his personality? Wouldn't put it past him."

"Wasn't Stella's mom, Nora, the one who passed away? That's just reprehensible -insulting someone's late mother!"

apologize! Make him

bark like a

hungry for drama, began shouting at

who glared

continued, "Harry is Mr. Walden's protégé and a renowned figure in the community. To strip

a flicker of relief passed over Harry's face, and

Even if he lost, she wouldn't force him to

tone shifted, her eyes sparkling as she looked at

bet

I've decided to give

another option."

If be's willing to step back from

even have time to smirk; his expression

Quit? No way.

to the top-he hadn't

crowd. "What do you all think

erupted, voices clashing

apologize

would only stifle young talent-let

Harry choose—what's more important, his career

twitched as the reality

it meant to be hoisted