Sadie stood rooted to the spot, her expression morphing from a smile to utter disbelief, then transitioning into a state of confusion.

Eventually, it settled into a blend of fear and guilt as her gaze met Holden's.

What on earth was going on?

A sudden wave of panic began to creep over Sadie as a chill traced its way down her spine.

However, she cast her gaze upward at Holden's imposing figure standing tall on the stage, and she inhaled deeply to steady her nerves and compelled herself to advance with deliberate steps, teeth clenched.