Ryan’s POV
The first challenge hit like a blade.
Not because it was complex in an impressive way.
Because it was simple in a merciless way.
Risotto.
A dish that didn’t let anyone hide.
No dramatic plating tricks could save you. No fancy garnish could distract from poor technique. There was nowhere to run once the rice told the truth: too tight, too wet, too broken, too raw, too salty, too bland, too proud of itself.
The MC stood centre stage with the grin of a man about to start a fight on purpose.
“Alright!” his voice boomed through the studio. “You’ve met our judges! You’ve met our producers! You’ve heard the speech that just gave some of you courage and gave the rest of you heart palpitations!”
The crowd laughed, loud and eager.
The contestants didn’t laugh.
They stood at the
