The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Some of the other contestants who still had a shot at the finals began putting

pressure on the show's producers, demanding that Stella be disqualified.

No matter how many times the organizers explained that Stella was the innocent

victim of a car accident and only missed the competition because of that, the

other competitors refused to listen.

They had one refrain:

"It's because of Stella that Felipa was dragged down and lost by default. Stella

should take responsibility for that, otherwise it's unfair to Felipa."

With the accusation of "unfairness" hanging over them, the organizers found

themselves in a difficult position.

In the conference room, the show's team leads gathered to figure out what to do.

Manager A spoke up first. "This whole situation isn't Stella's fault. Honestly, the

problem's with our rules. Felipa is blameless, but Stella shouldn't be punished

either. How about this: Stella gets zero for this round, and Felipa advances

automatically, just like the other group that moved on by default?"

Manager B shook his head. "If we do that, the others will say it's unfair to them.

Advancing Felipa is unfair, but giving Stella zero is unfair too. There's no winning

here."

Judge A gave a cold chuckle. "Those contestants' motives couldn't be more

obvious. Let's be real-they just want Stella out. But do they really think, if they

force her out, they'll have a shot against the international competitors? Please.

get crushed before they even got

agreement. "Even if Stella

cut. She's a top contender. We cannot let her

pushed out."

operations and planning teams

sake of

Stella quit."

"How about we redo the round and

again?"

"That won't work. The rules are the rules.

breaking them whenever there's trouble, how can

to respect the process?"

this won't work, that won't work-what do you all

asked, exasperated.

who had been silent until now, finally

a real flaw in

competition rules," Howard said

"I think this is

to revise

rules so

partners. That

still tested,

partner can't make

it's on them, and

dragged

you think?"

this. "That could work,

not

replied, "No

everyone happy. But if

Stella out now,

the

for forcing her out. So,

the heat now,

ourselves on the

later? You

stand unfairness. But would