Part 2 of the book is titled “The Rivals”; in keeping with this, these chapters focus on the competitive dynamics between the characters, highlighting The Complexity of Relationships Formed Under Pressure. Despite their initial rocky start, Bella and Kat grow closer together while Kat and Heath continue to grow apart. Both evolutions are a result of the same crucible of competitive pressure the trio is placed in—Kat sees Bella as more understanding of and helpful to her ambitions while simultaneously beginning to believe that Heath is holding her back. Yet another set of character dynamics that comes to light and underlines this is the relationship between Veronika Volkova and Sheila Lin. Veronika, who participates in the documentary, is described as Sheila’s archrival, and the rivalry carries forth into the next generation as her niece, Yelena, competes alongside Heath, Kat, Bella, and Garrett. Both Veronika and Yelena become important characters over the course of the story, and by introducing them in the context of rivalry and competition, Fargo develops the underlying tension that eventually comes to a head.

With the focus at this point of the story being on competition and rivalry, The Cost of Ambition is clearly outlined as it pertains to human connection and relationships. Heath and Kat’s relationship falls apart after Heath learns about Kat and Garrett’s photo shoot. With his already mounting jealousy over Garrett’s perceived attention toward Kat, Heath’s discovery of Kat’s secrecy is the final straw: He declares that he cannot trust her anymore. While this is presented initially as an overreaction, his reaction becomes more justifiable after he overhears Kat confessing that he is holding her back. While Heath’s insecurities undoubtedly contribute to this fallout, Kat is also culpable in failing to acknowledge or address his insecurities. She chooses not to expend energy on nurturing her relationship with Heath because she is entirely focused on her performance and because she begins to recognize that their relationship is not entirely beneficial anymore. This prioritization of ambition ultimately costs Kat her relationship with Heath.

The dissolution of Kat and Heath’s relationship is contrasted by a growing closeness between Kat and Bella; however, this is a complicated dynamic as well, highlighting The Complexity of Relationships Formed Under Pressure. Kat and Bella are the only ones who truly understand each other’s deepest ambitions and desire for success. Although both of these women love the men in their lives, they also see them as a means to this end—Heath for Kat and Garrett for Bella. This is illustrated through how easily Bella is able to suggest switching partners and how Kat actively considers this, despite being aware of Heath’s feelings and insecurities. However, Kat and Bella are also each other’s direct competitors. Their shared dreams of winning are mutually exclusive, as one’s success guarantees the other’s failure. In the context of their unwavering focus on their personal goals, highlighted by their treatment of their current skating partners, the novel raises the question of how Kat and Bella’s friendship will survive the next phase of their careers.

The sport of ice dancing itself serves as both context and a motif in the novel as Kat and Heath become more deeply involved in the competitive sport. Ice dancing is a team sport, but the team is comprised of only two partners; for an ice-dancing team to be successful, not only does each performer have to be talented, but they also need to match each other’s level of skill and desire to win. The partnership and synchronicity of the sport are used in symbolic ways throughout the book, mirroring these elements in Kat’s and Heath’s personal lives, and their performances become a reflection of the state of their relationship. When Heath feels distrustful of Kat, their performance suffers, as it is overwhelmingly out of sync, and the reverse happens as well. Through this motif, the novel further develops the theme of the complexity of relationships formed under pressure.