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.

They'd get crushed before they even got started."

Judge B nodded in agreement. "Even if Stella gets a zero this round, her skills are

more than enough to make the cut. She's a top contender. We cannot let her be

pushed out."

A few others from the operations and planning teams chimed in as well.

"From a skills perspective and for the sake of the show's viewership, we can't let

Stella quit."

Someone suggested, "How about we redo the round and let them compete

again?"

Another person shook their head. "That won't work. The rules are the rules. If we

start breaking them whenever there's trouble, how can we expect the contestants

to respect the process?"

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

asked, exasperated.

At that moment, Howard Shaw, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up.

"There's a real flaw in our team

competition rules," Howard said

evenly. "I think this is the perfect

time to revise them. Let's change

the rules so contestants can choose

their own partners. That way

teamwork is still tested, but ifnoveldrama

someone's partner can't make it for

any reason, it's on them, and no one

else gets dragged down. What do

you think?"

Someone considered this. "That could work, but the contestants who've already

scored points might not accept a redo."

Howard replied, "No decision will

ever make everyone happy. But if we

push Stella out now, and later they

bomb at the world finals, they'll

blame us for forcing her out. So, do

we take the heat now, or do we

embarrass ourselves on the world

stage later? You know me-l can't

stand unfairness. But would

disqualifying Stella be fair to her?

She didn't choose to get into an

accident. She didn't want to get

hurt."

Howard's words left the room in thoughtful silence.

Moments later, someone spoke up.

"I agree."

"Me too."

"Count me in."

"Alright, it's settled then."

...

As soon as the show's announcement about the rematch went public, it caused a

massive stir.

Interest in the competition exploded to new heights, with the topic trending

everywhere. Within a day, discussions had soared past two hundred million.

But just as the show's popularity

reached its peak, it was instantly

eclipsed by another bombshell a

piece of news so shocking it broke

the internet.

A scandalous livestream video featuring Karl and another man hit the top of the

trending charts, crashing servers on every major platform.