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.

before

if Stella gets a

make the cut. She's a top contender.

pushed out."

operations and planning teams chimed in

the sake of

Stella quit."

we redo the round and let

again?"

person shook their head. "That won't work. The

breaking them whenever there's trouble,

to respect the process?"

won't work, that won't work-what do you all suggest, then?"

asked, exasperated.

Shaw, who had been silent until now, finally spoke

a real flaw in our

competition rules," Howard said

this is the

to revise

rules so

partners.

still tested, but

can't

it's on them,

gets dragged down.

you think?"

"That could work,

not accept a

replied, "No

everyone happy. But

now,

at the

for forcing her out.

the heat

on the

later? You

stand unfairness. But would