Chapter 1623

Maddie's expression froze, disbelief clouding her gaze as she looked at Chandler. Was he really defending "Kaylee" so openly now? Her instincts had been right; it was clear that "Kaylee's" presence had prompted Chandler to push for an early termination of their contract. "Mr. Chandler and Ms. Maddie, it's time to enter," a staff member's voice broke into her thoughts. Maddie quickly straightened up, holding her head high as she followed Chandler into the concert hall. Regardless of what the future held, for this moment, she was the future Mrs. Newton. As long as she held that title, she would carry herself with dignity. Not long after they settled into their seats, the performance began. Unlike her usual self, Maddie's attention today was completely focused on the audience, her gaze discreetly sweeping across the front rows. Only after confirming that "Kaylee" and her children were absent did she shift her focus back to the stage, her expression confident and resolute. This was proof that "Kaylee" and her family simply weren't in the same league. Caught up in the moment, the music cast a spell over Maddie, causing her lips to curve into a smile that wouldn't fade. After more than an hour, however, her facial muscles began to tense as the concert drew to a close. At that moment, a staff member crouched and sprinted within half a yard of the stage. He placed three small stools down before quickly retreating. Moments later, Lincoln appeared from behind the stage curtains. He guided Sienna and Ivy by the hand as they took their seats side by side. Maddie's eyes widened as she sat up straight. She couldn't believe they were actually in the front row. Why had special seats been set aside just for them? What was going on? Before Maddie could fully grasp the situation, the host stepped back into the spotlight with a microphone in hand. The stage lights dimmed, and the crew cleared away the previous setup, leaving only a piano on stage. "…I'm sure everyone is eager for more after that last performance, but don't worry! Today, our orchestra has a special guest for the grand finale. I'm confident you'll leave completely satisfied. Please join me in welcoming Ms. Kardashian, a protégé of Mr. Yorgson. She will perform 'Swan Lake'!" With that, the concert hall erupted in applause. From the shadows on stage, a slender figure approached the piano, settling onto the bench with grace. Maddie's heart raced as she silently pleaded, "Please don't let it be Kaylee. Don't let it be her!" The lights abruptly went dark. Accompanied by suspenseful music, the spotlight moved across the venue before finally coming to rest on the stage. There sat Helen, adorned in a champagne-colored strapless gown, her hair elegantly pinned up. After a brief moment of hushed anticipation, her fingers danced over the piano keys, weaving a mesmerizing melody that flowed effortlessly. Even in those opening moments, she captivated the audience, earning another wave of applause. Meanwhile, Chandler sat nearby, completely engrossed in the music. Maddie felt as though she had been struck by lightning, her body frozen in her seat. She couldn't believe that "Kaylee" was Ms. Kardashian—the prodigy who had taken the world by storm was, surprisingly, a single mother of two. Just moments ago, she had foolishly challenged "Kaylee", utterly unaware that she was walking into a trap. What a humiliating blunder. To make matters worse, she had openly criticized "Kaylee's" children in front of Chandler, dismissing them as ill-mannered. In reality, those two kids had likely grown up surrounded by renowned musicians, completely beyond any notions of social hierarchy. Maddie realized she had made an absolute fool of herself.