Chapter 31
Chapter 31:
Paige crumbled, her calculated composure falling apart. In her desperate attempt to humiliate Elliana, the engagement party had completely faded from her thoughts. She ripped the sticker off Elliana’s dress with a sneer, “Elliana, since you’re so happy, why not share with everyone which designer crafted that dress of yours p>
Every eye in the crowd shifted toward the exposed logo on Elliana’s gown.
In the prestigious Evans family, the heir’s wife was a reflection of the family’s status. Regardless of her internal position, her public image must remain flawless—a living testament to the elite family’s reputation. Earlier, when Elliana concealed the logo, guests had assumed the gown might not bear an illustrious international name. Yet, the exquisite design and sumptuous fabric hinted at a reputable house.
Now, curiosity spread through the room. Which brand adorned Elliana’s frame, and did it truly match the wife of the wealthiest man in the city? If not, it would signal her precarious position—just a placeholder who could be discarded at any moment.
An uncomfortable silence enveloped the room. When the crowd finally saw the logo, a collective gasp erupted, followed by excited murmurs.
“Can it be? Is Elliana wearing a custom Rosa creation p>
“It is Rosa! I’ve heard their custom pieces start at a million. The fabric draping Elliana looks impossibly luxurious. Can anyone fathom the price p>
“I recall now! That fabric is woven with actual gold and silver threads—known in fashion circles for its unmatched opulence and scarcity p>
“No wonder her silhouette captivates. It’s clearly extraordinary, crafted from the finest materials, bearing Rosa’s signature. That gown must cost a king’s ransom p>
“I’ve been in the fashion industry for years, and by my estimation, Elliana’s dress would command around eight million p>
“Eight million? The Evans family allowing Elliana such extravagance? Who dares claim she lacks favor p>
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“Compared to that, Paige’s five-hundred-thousand Emily dress seems almost pedestrian p>
“The richest irony? Emily’s designs have long been criticized in the industry for allegedly mimicking Rosa. Paige, standing there in Emily, beside Elliana draped in authentic Rosa—Paige appears woefully outclassed, several echelons beneath p>
The murmurs cut through Paige like knives as she teetered on the edge of collapse. Never had she imagined that beneath that innocuous sticker lurked Rosa’s prestigious mark. The revelation blindsided her completely. Her scheme to disgrace Elliana had backfired catastrophically, leaving her drowning in her own humiliation. She couldn’t—wouldn’t—accept this reversal.
Paige hissed, “Elliana, if your dress commands such a fortune, why hide the logo?” Her voice trembled with barely controlled rage. “Is it a counterfeit you feared would invite mockery p>
Her accusation planted seeds of doubt among the whispering guests.
Elliana regarded Paige with amused detachment, as though observing a particularly entertaining clown. “Paige, why must you always assume the worst? I’m wearing an authentic high-end Rosa creation. I concealed the logo because I didn’t wish to overshadow you, the soon-to-be fiancée. I aimed for modesty, but after searching my entire wardrobe, I couldn’t find anything simpler than your ensemble. I had no alternative but to select this understated color and mask the logo. Who would have thought my consideration would be rewarded with your suspicion and derision p>
Paige’s imagination spiraled with Elliana’s words, conjuring visions of what Elliana’s wardrobe must contain. It surely represented every woman’s fantasy—racks upon racks of custom designer pieces, each garment more exquisite than the last. Any single item would have eclipsed her entire collection.
This nearly drove Paige to madness, jealousy corroding her from within. All of it—all of it—should have belonged to her! Consumed by envy, her rationality disintegrated as rage blazed behind her eyes. “I refuse to believe Cole would lavish such luxury on you!” she spat. “That dress must be stolen! If Cole truly valued you enough to spend so extravagantly, where is your jewelry p>
To the onlookers, her argument carried a veneer of plausibility. The Evans family vault must overflow with designer creations. How simple it would be for Elliana to pilfer a piece or two for public flaunting. Elliana’s smile remained innocently serene. “My husband did gift me jewelry, but I deemed it too ostentatious, so I concealed that as well p>
Paige’s gaze darted instinctively to Elliana’s neck. Indeed, through the delicate lace shawl, the outline of a necklace was faintly visible. Yet, she dismissed the possibility that any ornament Elliana possessed could outshine—
Her own collection. Elliana appeared almost unadorned from head to toe, save for that single necklace. How could that possibly compare to her dazzling array? Her hair accessories, earrings, necklace, and ring collectively surpassed thirty million. Elliana couldn’t possibly compete with such opulence! She would use her jewels to crush Elliana’s pride once and for all!
With this vindictive thought blazing in her mind, Paige lunged forward and violently yanked away Elliana’s lace shawl…