NovelEnglishThe flickering light from the television screen cast deep shadows over Karl's face, making his features appear
almost spectral-sinister and cold as a ghost.
He stared at the woman being interviewed, his lips curling slowly into a twisted
smile.
"Stella, | won't let you get away with this."
After the solo competition cthe ensemble round.
This was where teamwork was truly put to the test—not just individual skill, but the ability to blend, to anticipate
and support one another. In international
competitions, ensemble scores carried the most weight. No one could afford to be a lone wolf; working together
was the only way to win.
Partners were assigned at random.
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Stella's partner turned out to be Felipa, a girl in her early twenties with a natural gift for music and a spark in her
eyes. Still, Felipa was green; to make it to the finals, she'd need more experience under her belt.
Joshua drove Stella to the venue, the city rolling by outside as she sat in the passenger seat with her eyes
closed, quietly gathering herself for the competition ahead. Even though today's round posed little real challenge
for her, Stella knew better than to let her guard down-especially with Rachel in the mix, always scheming, always
eager to trip up the competition.
The car was cloaked in an uneasy silence.
Suddenly, Joshua spoke. "Ms. Cameron, today's event is an ensemble. If your partner isn't up to par, could it drag
down your score?"
Stella leaned back, eyes still closed and voice steady. "No. In ensembles, it's all about synergy. Not everyone is at
the slevel-if it were just about raw ability, there'd be no point in having a team event."
Joshua nodded. "I see."
Just then, his expression shifted-tightening with concern. "Ms. Cameron, we might have a problem."
Stella's eyes snapped open. "What's going on?"
Joshua checked the rearview mirror, gaze sharpening. "We're being followed."
Stella twisted in her seat and saw them-several unmarked cars, trailing at a careful distance.
Joshua kept his pace steady, not giving anything away. "They don't realize we've spotted them yet. If
catch on, they might try to box What do you want to do?"
This was the only road to the competition venue.
Stella thought for a moment. "There's a side road up ahead. Take it."
"Understood."
Ten minutes later, Joshua's jaw was set in a grim line. "Ms. Cameron, they're still on us. And..." He glanced at the
road ahead, where more cars appeared, blocking their path. "Looks like they were expecting us to take this
detour. They want to corner us." Sw
A cold weight settled in Stella's chest.
hye fors
There was no chance to switch drivers now; they were committed.
Joshua broke the silence again, voice tense. "Should | try to lose them?"
Stella hesitated, caught off guard by the question.
Joshua, misreading her pause, pressed on. "Unless... you'd rather we go out in a blaze of glory?"
Before Stella could protest, he nodded, as if convincing himself. "Forgive me, Ms. Cameron. That was
thoughtless. If we lose them now, they'll just find us again. Maybe a crash is the only way to end this once and
for all." swW
Stella:
Had she even said anything?
She opened her mouth to speak, but Joshua was already flooring the gas.
With a roar, the car shot forward, slicing through the night.
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