Felipa''s motives weren''t hard to figure out.


    But using someone else''s misfortune for personal gain-that was something Ste could never ept.


    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''te from a wealthy family; the violin she used was a cheap, worn- out model that couldn''t do justice to her talent. Ste had noticed Felipa''s potential—and her genuine love for music. Since they''d be partners, Ste decided to help her out, choosing a violin that actually suited Felipa''s ying style.


    But in the end, Felipa bit the hand that fed her.


    Ste asked quietly, "Have you been able to get in touch with the organizers?"


    Abby nodded. "Yes, I''ve already spoken to them and exined everything that''s happened."


    "What did they say?"


    "They promised to rify things for us as soon as possible. An official statement will carry a lot more weight than anything we say ourselves. Still, with how fast rumors spread online, there''s no telling whether people will actually believe it."


    Ste shrugged. "It doesn''t matter. I''m not in this for poprity or attention. Abby, don''t let what others say get to you."


    Abby sighed and nodded. "I know."


    She already felt sorry enough for Ste—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 Ste out of thepetition. Abby had no intention of backing down-she was ready to fight them every step of the way.


    Ste 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."


    Ste immediately poured him a ss of water. "Here, have some water first."


    Joshua took the cup. “Thanks.” He finished it quickly.


    Ste epted the empty cup from him. "Would you like some more?"


    He shook his head. "No, I''m good." Looking at her, he added, "I heard everything just now."


    Ste nced 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 Ste,


    Ste 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."


    Ste replied, "It''s nothing serious.


    ???


    go see. Burtonter and get something for it. By the time the finalse around, 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?" Ste smiled, her confidence unwavering. "Of course."


    Not even a hint of doubt in her answer.


    эле


    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 thepetition wouldn''t be affected. You''re at the top of your game right now-a lot of the other contestants are jealous. They might band together and pressure the organizers to disqualify you."


    Ste''s eyes flickered with surprise. She hadn''t expected Joshua to be so perceptive.


    But she just shrugged, unfazed. "If ites to that, then so be it."