The Concert Challenge

Caspian's face flushed with lingering irritation as he grabbed Bennett's sleeve. "Did you hear that? Listen to how righteous she sounds about bleeding our accounts dry. And every single thing she bought was just for herself. She didn’t bother picking out a single birthday gift for Jules!"

Margot leaned back, rolling her eyes. She tuned out Caspian’s childish whining, letting his complaints wash over her like static.

That evening, Margot smoothed out the simple, elegant one-piece dress she had purchased earlier and joined the family at the massive stadium. Down in the second row, Bianca maneuvered swiftly, stealing the seat directly next to Bennett. Unbothered, Margot calmly settled into the empty chair beside Gideon.

Within minutes, the stadium lights plunged into darkness. Julian stepped onto the stage in a sleek black suit. A deafening wave of fanatic screams ripped through the thousands of fans. Margot winced, grimacing mildly as the blaring cheers attacked her eardrums.

For over an hour, Julian commanded the stage, delivering hit after hit. Then, a smiling emcee strode out under the glowing spotlights.

"Tonight is a milestone!" the emcee announced. "To celebrate the tenth anniversary of Julian's debut, our digital ticketing system will run a random lucky draw. One lucky fan will come up on stage and sing a duet with Julian!"

The audience erupted into a frenzy. On the giant screens overhead, thousands of seat numbers blurred into a frantic spin before grinding to a sudden halt. Number twenty-six.

Gideon choked on a gasp. He pointed a trembling finger at Margot's ticket. "Holy cow! Margot, you're number twenty-six!"

The stadium cameras zoomed in. The emcee grinned. "Let's welcome fan number twenty-six down here!"

Margot narrowed her eyes. She glanced down the row and caught the smug, gloating expression on Bianca’s face. The realization clicked into place. This was no random coincidence. Bianca had manipulated the ticketing system to drag her into the spotlight, desperately hoping to watch her make a fool of herself.

Realizing she had no choice, Margot stood up and made her way down the aisle, her steps measured and calm as she climbed onto the massive stage.

Julian stared in visible shock as his family's mysterious guest stopped right beside him.

"Wow," the emcee beamed, looking Margot over. "You are stunning, miss. Tell us, what is your name?"

"Margot Sterling," she answered in a steady tone.

A massive wave of shocked whispers swept through the stands. Julian's hardcore, possessive fans recognized her name instantly from the recent news reports regarding the Ashcroft marriage contract. Burning whispers twisted into immediate, vicious envy.

"Alright!" the emcee cheered. "We are going to perform Goodnight by Noelle. I’m sure you know it, Miss Margot. We just need you to tackle that tricky chorus alongside Julian."

Everyone knew Noelle—a globally legendary, mysterious female singer famed for her incredibly complex vocals.

Margot pursed her lips and brought the microphone back up, politely declining. "I know the song well, but I am a terrible singer. I will have to pass."

The hostile crowd snapped. Vicious jeers and crude insults rained down from the bleachers.

"Get off the stage!"

"Why do the Ashcrofts even want a useless country girl who can't sing?"

"Stop embarrassing yourself and get away from him!"

Margot’s competitive drive flared hot in her chest. She knew the mastermind behind this stunt was currently celebrating her public humiliation. She refused to give Bianca the satisfaction.

She turned to look Julian dead in the eye. Raising the microphone, she spoke with unyielding calm. "I cannot sing, but I can play the complex piano accompaniment instead."

Julian stared at her in deep doubt. The piano arrangement for Noelle’s track was notoriously difficult. He studied her face, wondering if this country girl was simply pulling his leg.

Ignoring the continued taunts from the thousands of hostile fans, Margot turned her back on the crowd and walked steadily toward the sleek grand piano resting in the shadows of the stage, preparing to take her seat and either silence her doubters or suffer a massive public humiliation.