The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 689

After the host finished explaining the competition rules, the ten contestants each drew a number from a box.

Whoever picked the same number would face off against each other that day.

Stella unfolded her slip of paper.

Number One.

The host called out, “Can the two contestants who drew number one please step forward?”

Stella took a step forward and revealed her number.

To her surprise, the other person who stepped out... was Rachel.

Of all people—her nemesis!

“Whoa!” Abby’s eyes grew wide. “Stella’s luck is insane! First day of the contest and she gets to wipe the floor with Rachel!”

Honestly, what could be more satisfying than crushing Rachel in front of the judges and a global audience?

Especially with Mr. Walden watching, and the whole world tuned in to the live broadcast.

The thought alone made Abby’s blood race.

They’d put up with Rachel’s attitude for far too long. The fact that Mr. Walden would even take someone like Rachel as a student just proved his glory days were over.

—

Stella arched an eyebrow at Rachel, a slow, confident smile tugging at her lips.

She was thinking exactly the same thing as Abby.

Running into Rachel on day one? Talk about luck.

Rachel, on the other hand, looked thunderstruck.

She’d lost to Stella once before.

It hadn’t been an official match, but for Rachel, losing to Stella was an unforgivable humiliation.

Even knowing Stella was the Williams family heiress, Rachel refused to believe she was in any way inferior. Stella didn’t deserve the life she had.

If Stella was still stuck at the level she’d had back in elementary school, Rachel was sure she could win.

The thought gave her a boost of confidence.

Since Stella and Rachel would perform on the same stage, Stella was up first.

Usually, Stella was scheduled near the end of competitions.

This was the first time she’d ever opened a show.

Countless pairs of eyes were fixed on her—no longer distracted or tired like during the final performances, when some people started scrolling on their phones, chatting, or even standing up to stretch their legs.

To be the center of attention like this—for the first time in five years, Stella felt a strange sense of unreality.

How wonderful.

She was finally back where she belonged.

Stella offered the audience a gentle bow, then lifted her violin and drew the bow across the strings, beginning to play.