NovelEnglishFelipa's motives weren't hard to figure out.
But using someone else's misfortune for personal gain-that was something Stella could never accept.
The more Abby thought about it, the angrier she became. "Back when you were rehearsing, you helped her so
much-even gave her one of your own violins. She never once thanked you, and now she turns around and stabs
you in the back! How can someone be so shameless?"
Felipa didn't cfrom a wealthy family; the violin she used was a cheap, worn- out model that couldn't do
justice to her talent. Stella had noticed Felipa's potential—and her genuine love for music. Since they'd become
partners, Stella decided to help her out, choosing a violin that actually suited Felipa's playing style.
But in the end, Felipa bit the hand that fed her.
Stella asked quietly, "Have you been able to get in touch with the organizers?"
Abby nodded. "Yes, I've already spoken to them and explained everything that's happened."
"What did they say?"
"They promised to clarify things for us as soon as possible. An official statement will carry a lot more weight than
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtanything we say ourselves. Still, with how fast rumors spread online, there's no telling whether people will
actually believe it."
Stella shrugged. "It doesn't matter. I'm not in this for popularity or attention. Abby, don't let what others say get
to you."
Abby sighed and nodded. "I know."
She already felt sorry enough for Stella—she just didn't want any more mud slung her way. But life rarely went
the way she hoped.
After chatting a while longer, Abby got up to leave. She still had to handle the online fallout; plenty of trolls were
twisting the story, trying to force Stella out of the competition. Abby had no intention of backing down-she was
ready to fight them every step of the way.
Stella headed back to the hospital room. To her surprise, Joshua was already awake.
She hurried over. "Joshua, you're awake. How do you feel? Are you in any pain?" His voice was still rough from
sleep. "I'm fine."
Stella immediately poured him a glass of water. "Here, have swater first."
Joshua took the cup. “Thanks.” He finished it quickly.
Stella accepted the empty cup from him. "Would you like smore?"
He shook his head. "No, I'm good." Looking at her, he added, "I heard everything just now."
Stella glanced at the TV mounted on the wall. Felipa was still on-screen,
sobbing for the cameras,
surrounded by sympathetic
reporters and a growing chorus of
voices condemning Stella,
Stella looked away, calm and unbothered. "It's just public opinion. I'm not going to let it get to me."
Joshua's gaze dropped to her bandaged hand. "You hurt your hand."
Stella replied, "It's nothing serious.
yl
go see. Burton later and get something for it. By the tthe finals caround, I'll be back to normal."
Her injury wasn't severe, but it could still have an impact on her performance. Thankfully, she was skilled enough
that even hurt, she could still win.
Joshua hesitated, then asked, "Do you think you can beat Rachel?" Stella smiled, her confidence unwavering. "Of
course."
Not even a hint of doubt in her answer.
ane
Joshua's eyes lingered on the rolling news headlines on the television. "If you hadn't saved me, you wouldn't
have gotten hurt. Your chances in the competition wouldn't be affected. You're at the top of your gright
now-a lot of the other contestants are jealous. They might band together and pressure the organizers to
disqualify you."
Stella's eyes flickered with surprise. She hadn't expected Joshua to be so perceptive.
But she just shrugged, unfazed. "If it comes to that, then so be it."
Visit our social media platform to read fascinating stories every day and connect with the community!
