The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

The foreign woman paused at the words, surprised for a moment, then broke into a laugh.

"Oh, that's right-I almost forgot. Our youngest is from Novaris, isn't she? If the professor took her on as a student, she must be talented. Looks like Novaris finally has someone to show for itself. It's not just Antoney anymore."noveldrama

The blond man chimed in, "By the way, I heard there's a promising newcomer from Novaris lately-name's Stella, I think? I watched some of her performances online; she's got real potential. If she competes this year, I'm honestly looking forward to what Novaris might achieve."

The three of them were already major figures in the industry—people who were routinely invited to serve as mentors or judges, no longer competitors themselves.

The brown-haired man remarked, "The professor's students are all over the globe now. Many of them represent their own countries in competitions. Watching our juniors go head-to-head-it's actually pretty entertaining."

,

Chatting like this, the three made their way to Mr. Walden's residence.

Rachel, well aware her senior classmates would be visiting today, had been waiting there for quite some time.

Just as the three entered the parlor, they caught sight of Rachel deep in conversation with Mr. Walden. Whatever the topic, it had Mr. Walden laughing heartily-something none of them were used to seeing.

They exchanged surprised glances. Mr. Walden was known for his stern, almost rigid demeanor; seeing him laugh, truly laugh, was a rare sight indeed.

Besides Mr. Walden and Rachel, there was one other person in the room: Colby Martinez, another of Mr. Walden's students. Colby was about thirty, from Silverthorne, a brilliant pianist whose skills had earned him considerable acclaim.

At the moment, Colby was watching the conversation with a smile, his eyes fixed on Rachel, admiration clearly written on his face.

"Professor," the foreign woman called out.

Only then did Mr. Walden notice the newcomers. Still smiling, he said, "You're here! Come, meet your youngest classmate."

Colby hurried over to greet them. “Hello, senior classmates!"

Colby was one of Mr. Walden's more recent protégés. He'd met these three before, but they weren't particularly close.

Rena, the foreign woman, smiled and said, "Colby, you're here as well?"

Colby replied, "I heard the professor was coming to Neo-Vespera for music exchange. I live fairly close to Novaris, and since I had some free time, I figured I'd fly over and visit.”

After Mr. Walden made the introductions between Rachel and the three older students, he invited everyone to sit.

Johnny, the blond-haired man, couldn't hold back his curiosity. "Professor, you've been in

Neo-Vespera for a while now-have

you heard of a Novaris musicianet

named Stella? Her performance of 'Moonlight' is going viral overseas. People are saying she's the closest anyone's come to matching the spirit of the original."

At the mention of Stella, the mood in the room shifted. All three of the senior

students fell silent, an odd tension settling over the group.

Johnny and Rena exchanged puzzled looks.

"Did I say something wrong?" Johnny asked.

Colby finally spoke up. "Stella? She's Novaris's online sensation these days-tons of fans, a real internet celebrity. As for her actual skill..." He gave awry smile. "Let's just say, don't take everything you see online too seriously. Not everything on the internet is what it seems, is it?"