Chapter 306 Forced to Take the Stage
Sophie shot Katherine a sharp look. "Don't you get what 'save the day' means? You need to get on stage and finish Scarlett's part in 'Hamilton'!"
Katherine raised an eyebrow. "Me? On stage? Why would I do that?"
Sophie rolled her eyes. "Duh! Everyone's caked in makeup for the show. No one will know it's you. Just go up, finish Scarlett's part, and we'll say Scarlett sang for Marcus. No one will be the wiser!"
Scarlett, listening in, quickly caught on to Sophie's plan.
Sophie was clearly setting Katherine up to fail on stage!
A country girl like Katherine wouldn't know the first thing about opera!
Her background wouldn't have given her the chance to learn. She'd definitely mess up and embarrass herself, and Marcus hated it when amateurs butchered his beloved classics.
Scarlett had worked hard on this birthday performance to impress Marcus.
But judging by Marcus's attitude today, it seemed like no matter how well she sang, she wouldn't win him over. If she didn't meet his standards, he might even dislike her more.
So Scarlett had already decided not to perform. Instead, she wanted to use this chance to make Katherine the scapegoat, so Bernard would get mad and kick Katherine out.
Scarlett had noticed that ever since Aria mistakenly thought Katherine was her daughter, Marcus had been considering making Katherine his god-granddaughter.
If they followed Sophie's plan and let Katherine bomb on stage, ruining Marcus's favorite piece, Marcus would definitely be furious and drop the idea of making Katherine his god-granddaughter!
A wicked glint flashed in Scarlett's eyes. If she couldn't win Marcus's favor, neither would that bitch Katherine!
Feigning concern, Scarlett said, "Sophie, isn't this too much for Katherine?"
Sophie waved it off. "What's so hard about it? It's just a famous opera piece, not a death sentence! Scarlett, your foot's too injured to perform. Let Katherine handle it!"
Scarlett snuggled into her brother's arms, looking pitifully at Katherine. "Katherine, could you please..."
"No." Katherine cut her off, raising an eyebrow at Sophie. "If someone needs to finish Miss Scarlett's birthday gift, why don't you do it, Miss Jones?"
Sophie's face fell, and she stammered, "I... I can't sing opera!"
Katherine smirked. "Miss Jones, if you can't do it, why do you think I can?"
Sophie protested. "Even if you can't, you're definitely better than me! I'm a dance major; I can't sing , let alone opera! Plus, I need to stay here and take care of Scarlett, so I can't go on stage!"
Katherine remained firm, ready to refuse once more.
Bernard cut in, his voice sharp and impatient. "Enough! Stop arguing! If Scarlett can't go on stage, no one else will. Grandpa won't blame anyone; I'll explain the situation to him."
Katherine felt a wave of relief wash over her.
But Scarlett, with tears in her eyes, insisted, "Bernard, I didn't prepare any other gift for Mr. Ayers. If I don't give him anything, he'll think less of me later. I can't break my promise."
Bernard frowned, looking at his stubborn sister. "Scarlett, your health is more important! You can sing for Grandpa another time; it doesn't have to be today."
Scarlett shook her head. "No! Today is Mr. Ayers' birthday; it won't mean the same another day! I've already told him I have a special gift. I can't go back on my word! And Alex is waiting to see me perform. I don't want to disappoint Grandpa and Alex."
Bernard's eyes darkened. "Scarlett!"
Sophie stepped in, backing up her friend. "Bernard, you see, Scarlett still wants to perform. If we don't find someone to replace her, she won't cooperate with getting her foot checked!"
Bernard considered Sophie's point.
Scarlett was gentle but also incredibly stubborn, like when she decided as a child that she would marry Alex.
Sophie was right; even if they forced Scarlett to the hospital, she wouldn't cooperate with the treatment, making things worse.
Thinking of this, Bernard, concerned for his sister's injury, looked at Katherine with a stern expression. "Katherine, get ready. You're going on stage for Scarlett!"
Katherine didn't treat Bernard the same way she treated Sophie and Scarlett. "Mr. Mitchell, aren't you worried I'll mess up the gift your sister worked so hard on?"
Bernard replied coldly, "For Grandpa, it's not about perfection but the thought. Just go on stage and sing a few lines to show Scarlett's intent."
Sophie added, "Katherine, if you don't go on stage, Scarlett won't be at ease to get her foot checked. If her foot suffers long-term damage because of this, can you bear that responsibility?"
Katherine asked, "Are you sure you want me to go on stage for Scarlett?"
Scarlett looked at Katherine with pleading eyes. "Katherine, I'm injured and can't go on stage myself. If you could help me out, I'd be very grateful. You have such a nice voice; I'm sure you won't sing badly. I believe in you."
Katherine looked at Scarlett, then at Bernard, and after a moment of consideration, sighed. "Alright! Since Mr. Mitchell is asking, I have no choice but to follow my boss's orders. If I don't sing well, don't blame me."
"We won't! Katherine, thank you for helping me!" Scarlett said gratefully, then turned to Sophie. "Sophie, help Katherine with makeup and costume. If we delay any longer, it'll be too late!"
Sophie smiled triumphantly and nodded. "Alright, Scarlett, don't worry. I'll take her there right away!"
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