Leo paused and looked up just as everyone else was attracted by the adorable voice they heard. Then, they began looking around and searching for the source of the voice, only to realize it came from a child Julia was carrying a few moments later.
With a fair face and a pair of big and beautiful eyes, the child appeared to be holding a microphone. At that moment, the first impression that came to everyoneâs mind was how adorable the child was, but soon, they were immediately stunned by a thought that simultaneously flashed through their heads.
Did this little girl just say that? Is she going to challenge Jodie Alston? Where did a little girl like her get all the courage to challenge an adult? Have we been mistaken?
âIâll sing!â The child in Juliaâs arms repeated her words one more time just when everyone was guessing where the voice came from. While the girl opened her mouth and uttered her sentence word by word, the adults finally made sense of what was going on.
âGoodness, it was her who said that.â
www me w âWhose kid is this? Thatâs some courage she has right there.â
âMy kid is older than her, but he doesnât dare to perform in front of a crowd.â
âWhy arenât my kids as talented as othersâ¦â
At the same time, Amelie finally noticed the childâs presence. Surprise was written all over her face as she asked, âHello, Bria. What brings you here?â It turned out that the little girl Julia was carrying was none other than Amelieâs daughter, Bria.
With two ponytails hanging around her shoulders, Bria rested her head in Amelieâs arms when she heard her motherâs words. Despite her slight guilt, she went ahead and answered loudly. âToday is your big day, so Iâve come to show you my support, Mommy!â She raised her fists in the air adorably, melting Amelieâs heart.
In the end, she forgot about lecturing her daughter. At the same time, the mother and the daughterâs lovely interaction also gave the bystanders a hint about Briaâs identity. Thus, they were curious to learn more about them.
Meanwhile, Jodie was caught off guard by Briaâs sudden presence, for she didnât expect the little girl to challenge her in her motherâs place. Whatâs the meaning of this? Are they implying that Iâm only fit to challenge a child?
The thought of that made her blood boil through every single vein in her body. She then glared at Amelie as a gesture to signal the latter to take Bria away. However, Amelie didnât notice Jodieâs signal, but Julia noticed it instead. Thus, she curled her lips upward and carried Bria onto the stage. âYou can do it, Bria!â Julia wanted to give the girl a high five.
In that instant, the cute girlâs response melted the hearts of everyone in the hall. âThat girl. Doesnât she belong to the Alston Family?â
âThat lady on the stage is from the Alston Family. Her name is Jodie Alston.â
âWhoa, is this a family battle or something?â
âMr. Alston divorced Amelie Dillon, so are they still a family?â
Soon, the place was filled with gossip and murmurs discussing the relationship between the Alston Family and Amelie. As they began to talk more and more about it, they grew more interested in Amelieâs story. After all, Amelie was challenged by her former sister-in-law just when her daughter showed up and accepted the challenge in her place. The show is getting better and better! Although all of the guests were from the upper class of society, they were no different from regular busybodies.
In the meantime, Jodieâs identity was revealed just as she found herself in a tight spot; much to her dismay. she had been challenged by a child. Standing on the stage in embarrassment, she didnât even know what to do other than react with a pale face. âIâm sorry. I will not accept the childâs challenge,â she replied, gritting her teeth.
How dare you challenge me, you idiotic brat?! While cursing Bria on the inside. Jodie desperately swapped eye contact with the girl in hopes that she would get her message and leave.
Nevertheless, Bria was not the same little girl she was, fearing Jodie no more. Soon, she took big strides toward the stage and stood next to Jodie, grinning at everyone else adorably. âGoodness! She is so cute!â
Briaâs beautiful smile instantly ignited the atmosphere as everyone cheered in excitement. After all, she inherited Amelie and Leoâs good genes, which were evident in her fair skin and beautiful face. At the same time, the huge difference between Jodie and Briaâs height presented an amusing sight to behold due to the childâs short stature.
Me Despite Jodieâs good looks and fashionable outfit, the guests couldnât help but fix their gazes on Bria.
Noticing that, Jodie became irritable and frustrated with Briaâs refusal to leave. Ugh! Why wonât this brat mind her own business?! She is standing by my side as if weâre both contestants in a competition. I wish I could just stomp her to death!
However, Bria acted as if she didnât notice Jodieâs anger. Instead, she gazed at the adult with a smile.
âDonât worry, Madam. I could sing first if youâre a little shy. You can sing after me and help me hype up the crowd.â
Is it so difficult to call me Aunt Jodie? Why did you call me Madam?! Jodie was annoyed by the way Bria addressed her, but soon, she quickly got over it, thinking her niece probably only knew how to sing some nursery rhymes that she learned from school as she hadnât heard Bria sing before.
Fine, since you insist, I figure I should teach you a lesson by knocking you down to size. When everyone hears your terrible voice later, theyâll all blame your mother for failing to teach you well. As for me, Iâm going to need a stage like this to show my talent. Then, Iâll visit Starlight Media for an interview again, and if Amelie Jodie was still angry about the humiliation she suffered at Starlight Media earlier, which was why she was determined to have her revenge. âTine.â Jodie nodded, feeling better at the thought of that. She then continued to hold the microphone in front of her mouth and said, âDonât expect much from a child who is still in preschool. If she sings poorly later, please go easy on her.â
When Julia heard that, she ambiguously curled her lips upward and spoke to Bria. âJust be yourself, Bria.â At the same time, Amelie only kept her head down as if she failed to notice Jodieâs sarcastic words directed at her daughter.
Upon hearing Juliaâs words of encouragement, Jodie felt relieved and stepped back, leaving the stage to Bria. While she smirked arrogantly and watched from the side, Bria seemed busy searching for the center on the stage, which Jodie found amusing and laughable. Without telling anyone to play the music, she then brought the microphone closer to her mouth and tested the audio.
The childâs actions were a sight of amusement for Jodie. âThis is funny. This little girl knows exactly what to do on stage like a professional even though she hasnât learned how to sing yet. It makes me wonder who taught her all these tricks, but without proper training, I doubt this is going to turn out well for her.â
As soon as Jodie finished her words, a clear and crisp voice was heard like the chirping birds in the forest. âWait, what?â Jodie looked as if she just saw a ghost, finding it ironic that she had just mocked Bria for her impractical tricks. Am I hearing things now? This voice is simply just⦠spellbinding.
Refusing to believe the voice was Briaâs, Jodie looked around her for signs that might suggest the girl was lip- syncing to a pre-recorded track.
On the other hand, Bria lost herself in the music, closing her eyes while swaying her body to the rhythm. âGoodness! I canât believe that little girl can sing so well despite her age.â
âHer voice is magical!â
âLook at the emotions on her face! Everything is perfect!â
Murmurs and gossip once again filled the silent atmosphere; no one thought Bria could sing so well.
After all, they thought she could only sing some nursery rhymes that she learned from school just like Jodie initially did.
Amelie was just as surprised as the guests while listening to her daughter sing. âSince when did my girl become so good at singing?â After all, she had always known Bria for being restless and playful.
Although she was also aware that Bria would pester Jamie to teach her how to sing, she didnât think her daughter would improve so much.
âMy girl is gifted!â Julia said as if Bria was her biological daughter.
Meanwhile, Bria had more surprises to show, singing at the highest pitch she could go at the end of the song. In that instant, everyone else was left with their eyes wide open upon hearing her voice, unable to believe a child like her could sing in such a high-pitched tone. While the guests were still intoxicated by the girlâs sweet voice, it suddenly came to a stop.