Answer:
C. Euphemism
Explanation:
Euphemism is essentially replacing one phrase with another when it sounds too harsh or unnecessary.
A. You can easily rule out wishes and entertainment because the definitions (and connotations) do not match the rest of the sentence. Embarrassment also does not fit, because one can infer from word choice that the people were far more angry than embarrassed.
On my opinion, I'd rewrite it as,
"The spotlight of ambition"
or
"Ray of aspiration"
