Chapter 708: Rivals of Singing Stars

As December unfolded, Martin returned to North America and made his way to Nashville, Tennessee, the epicenter of country music.

An airport shuttle awaited Martin and Bruce bright and early. They were whisked away to Forest Mountain as soon as they emerged from the airport.

Taylor Swift had acquired a sprawling Greek Revival-style manor in Forest Hills earlier that year, spanning nearly 25,000 square meters.

The journey to the manor was a lengthy one, winding through remote terrain until they reached their destination.

Pulling up to the grand entrance of the villa, Martin stepped out of the vehicle. A poised middle-aged woman greeted them, ushering Martin inside with a polite, "Mr. Davis, please follow me. Miss Swift awaits."

Acknowledging her with a nod, Martin made his way into the villa.

As the door closed behind him, the curtains descended, and the darkness was dispelled by the gentle glow of strategically placed lights, illuminating the staircase landing on the second floor.

Pausing, Martin slipped his hands into his pockets, gazing upwards.

Taylor Swift, donning a gown with daring slits, struck a pose at the center, hands on her hips and poised on tiptoe, showcasing a long leg.

A few meters away stood Karlie Kloss, exuding a model's grace and towering over Taylor in height.

On the opposite side, Blake Lively, resplendent in red, exuded effortless elegance, her figure rivaling even that of the professional model Karlie Kloss.

Simultaneously blowing a kiss to Martin, the trio descended the stairs.

Taylor spoke as they approached, "Today, Blake Lively seeks to join our inner circle. Martin Davis, as our esteemed evaluator, are you willing to put her to the test?"

Martin replied calmly, "That's precisely why I'm here."

Taylor continued, "Blake, should you wish to lend your voice to our melodies, you must ensure your vocal cords are clear."

Karlie, sharing a unique rapport, chimed in, "And maintain clarity within your throat as well."

Blake descended the steps, clasping her stomach and fixing Martin with an astute gaze. "I possess untapped talent, but it's trapped within my chest, stifling my song. Unlock it for me, and I'll sing with abandon henceforth."

Martin stood his ground, awaiting their approach.

Each interaction and utterance from the trio unfolded like a carefully choreographed drama.

Taylor and Karlie worked in unison to position a wooden table before Martin.

Blake leaned forward, meeting Martin's gaze as she spoke.

Before long, the melodies filled the air.

"He's showing you incredible things, magic, madness, heaven, sin. When I see you lying there, I want to see it!" Taylor's voice soared, delivering lyrics with fervor and uniqueness: "Oh, my God, look at that face, you look like my next mistake, love's a game, wanna play?"

Martin orchestrated the rhythm of their performance, guiding each transition seamlessly.

Initially, Taylor took the lead with Blake providing accompaniment. As the session progressed, Karlie joined in.

Eventually, what began as a solo evolved into a harmonious trio.

The impromptu concert stretched from afternoon into evening.

Blake Lively was officially welcomed into Taylor Swift's inner circle.

Over dinner, the quartet savored a rustic Tennessee-style meal.

Martin inquired of Taylor, "Was the song you performed this afternoon the latest addition to your repertoire? Is it complete?" Taylor's smile was akin to that of a sly fox: "It's slated to be the lead single of my upcoming album and destined for the top of the Billboard charts."

Blake added, "Your new song is truly exceptional, Martin."

Although Blake felt a twinge of disappointment at the prospect of dining alone turning into a group affair, the prospect of spending time with her idol once more easily outweighed any fleeting unhappiness. With a smile, she remarked, "The lyrics do have a knack for stirring up associations."

"Is that the effect you're aiming for?" Martin, guiding Taylor by the hand, effortlessly discerned her intentions. "Let the media and audiences worldwide speculate, fueling the song's popularity."

Taylor nodded in agreement. "You truly understand me."

Carly interjected playfully, "Didn't you claim Martin was your best mentor?"

Blake glanced at Martin. "I recall you have an A-list pupil."

"Who?" Taylor's eyes widened in mock horror. "Who dares to steal my teacher?"

"An actress, I believe. Saoirse Ronan," Martin replied casually, acknowledging her exceptional talent in both acting and singing.

As Martin's mentorship extended beyond Taylor, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of insecurity, as if knowledge that rightfully belonged to her had been appropriated by others.

Sensing her friend's unease, Carly leaned in and whispered, "Shall I introduce a few more to the bestie circle? I could arrange for them to join us tomorrow. I have some new faces in New York: Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, and Bella Hadid. They're a tad younger, though, not quite meeting your over-18 standard."

Taylor corrected her with a smile. "It's not my standard, it's Martin's."

Carly chuckled. "He's quite principled, isn't he?"

Martin then shifted the conversation to a serious matter. "Taylor, I have a film project here, a musical with numerous songs."

Taylor's eyes lit up with excitement. "Are you offering me the lead role?"

Martin shook his head. "Your acting skills aren't quite up to par. These days, it's male musicians who mainly sing the heroine's songs. And you're not quite suited for that either."

Blake interjected, eager to know more about the role. Martin, however, dashed her hopes. "You're not the right fit. You lack the personal experiences necessary for this role."

Despite Blake's illustrious background as a leading actress, Martin explained the role required a depth she couldn't quite convey.

As Martin outlined the role—a struggling actor turned star grappling with past relationships—Taylor perked up. "Writing songs to ex-boyfriends? That's right up my alley. Bring me the script next time I'm in LA, and I'll give it a read."

Martin agreed readily. "Consider it done."

As Blake prepared to playfully attack Martin, she encountered resistance in the form of Taylor's foot clad in stockings.

The tension between Taylor and Blake crackled in the air, noticed by Martin, who leaned back in his chair with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Shall we commence a duel to the death?"

Both Taylor and Blake were taken aback by Martin's audacity.

Just as the tension reached its peak, Taylor's phone rang, momentarily breaking the spell. Answering the call, she excused herself briefly before returning with a gleam in her eyes. "My goal has finally arrived."

Martin raised an eyebrow. "Isn't your goal me?"

Taylor's smile widened. "You are one of them, but there's another."

Ten minutes later, a car pulled up outside the villa, and the main door swung open once more.

A formidable woman with cascading brown-black locks and a coat adorned with a vibrant fruit pattern strode purposefully into the villa.

Martin's recognition dawned as Taylor introduced her, "This is Katy Perry, another esteemed singer."

Katy extended her hand to Martin, her gaze shrewd. "Rumors abound in the industry about Taylor's sage guidance, and it seems they're true."

Naturally, Martin stood by Taylor's side. "Taylor possesses remarkable acumen."

Taylor tugged Martin along, addressing Carly and Blake with a wave. "You two can entertain yourselves. Martin, let's adjourn to the study with Katy."

The trio traversed the corridor and settled into the study.

Taking her seat, Katy cut straight to the chase. "I've conferred with my agent team and am in accord with the strategy you proposed."

Taylor, seated beside Martin, remarked, "Your agent isn't lacking in intelligence, merely a tad obstinate. Cooperation would benefit us both."

Katy smirked. "No wonder you skyrocketed to fame and devised such ingenious publicity tactics."

"I can't take credit for that," Taylor leaned against Martin's arm. "Those ideas stem from Martin."

Martin interjected, sensing the tension. "Are you two gearing up for a showdown already?"

Taylor exuded charm as she replied, "Indeed. It's not just awards season in Hollywood, but also in the music industry. We'll pick the opportune moment during awards season to commence our rivalry."

Katy chimed in, "I intend to fire the first shot!"

Taylor, embracing her White Lotus persona, acquiesced, "No problem. I'll hand you the first shot."

Martin queried, "Are you planning to start this feud immediately?"

Noticing Taylor and Martin's unusual rapport, Katy teased, "How about we do it right here, Martin? I wouldn't mind having you cheer us on."

Taylor's expression darkened. She hadn't entertained the thought of recruiting Katy Perry into her inner circle.

Unfazed by the singers' banter, Martin intervened, "Direct enmity might be premature. It's advisable to portray yourselves as close friends initially, fostering a sisterly bond in the public eye. Later, when you reveal your true colors, the fallout will be even more dramatic."

Katy nodded in agreement. "Martin makes a valid point."

Taylor saw further potential in Martin's suggestion. "Our rivalry could manifest through music."

Martin offered an approving nod to Taylor. "Express your sentiments through song. You're sharp-tongued, Taylor, and you, Katy, can deliver your rebuttals. The media will be riveted."

Katy fixed Martin with an intense gaze. "I just want to—"

Taylor, seizing one of Martin's arms, issued a warning to Katy, "You and I are faux besties. Not the real deal."

As Martin rose to depart, he declared, "I have nothing further to attend to. I'll find Karly and Blake."

Taylor nudged Martin toward the door. "You go on ahead."

As Martin exited the study and made his way to the foyer, the two women seized the opportunity to pull him upstairs, insisting on serenading him.

Martin willingly obliged, lending his expertise to help them fine-tune their voices.

Taylor and Katy Perry deliberated for nearly an hour before the latter took her leave.

Taylor sought refuge in a secluded room, placing calls to her agent and parents.

This altercation wasn't just between two individuals; it involved entire teams.

The feud between Taylor Swift and Katy Perry was poised to ignite.