The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Mr. Walden let out a heavy sigh, as if in an instant he'd aged ten years.

"So many eyes are watching me right now. If I were to expel Rachel from my

tutelage at this moment, who knows what stories people would concoct-how

they'd twist the tale to suit themselves.

This matter needs to be approached with caution."

No one else said a word.

...

With Stella's flawless performance of the notoriously difficult piece, *The Gaze*,

her victory at the competition was practically set in stone.

A video of Stella defeating Harry was spreading like wildfire online.

Invitations to music festivals and masterclasses poured in, so many that Abby's

hands ached from sorting through them all.

Tickets for Stella's recitals—and even the competition—were selling out at record

speed.

Abby could barely contain her excitement; she was so energized, she worked late

into the night without a hint of exhaustion.

"Star, we've really made it this time! Even with Haynes pulling strings for Rachel

and Mr. Walden paving the way, what good has it done them?

when they

how Mr. Walden must be losing

at the very peak of her

for her upcoming

to let her focus completely

the latest news, Abby chatted with Stella.

a shoo-in for the international title now. Just play *The

will be able

even Harry was enough

world. It was nothing short of

said, "I really was in rare form this time. That kind of state is hard to

Honestly, it's unlikely I'll ever play at an even higher level in the

waved off her

you have a dip, you can still

Gaze* without

be

hold yourself to

standards—you're already

incredible."

smiled as she changed the water in the

the bouquet of baby's breath.

Joshua really has a thoughtful side,

sighed. "You were married to Haynes for five years, and he never

your assistant for, what,

he already knows your

hand paused

to get them

her head. “I

about telling him

but

my

I haven't had a