?Chapter 31:


    Paige crumbled, her calctedposure falling apart. In her desperate attempt to humiliate Elliana, the engagement party hadpletely 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?”


    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 wless—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 ceholder who could be discarded at any moment.


    An ufortable 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?”


    “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?”


    “I recall now! That fabric is woven with actual gold and silver threads—known in fashion circles for its unmatched opulence and scarcity.”


    “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!”


    “I’ve been in the fashion industry for years, and by my estimation, Elliana’s dress wouldmand around eight million.”


    “Eight million? The Evans family allowing Elliana such extravagance? Who dares im shecks favor?”


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    “Compared to that, Paige’s five-hundred-thousand Emily dress seems almost pedestrian.”


    “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 outssed, several echelons beneath.”


    The murmurs cut through Paige like knives as she teetered on the edge of copse. Never had she imagined that beneath that innocuous sticker lurked Rosa’s prestigious mark. The revtion blindsided herpletely. Her scheme to disgrace Elliana had backfired catastrophically, leaving her drowning in her own humiliation. She couldn’t—wouldn’t—ept this reversal.


    Paige hissed, “Elliana, if your dressmands such a fortune, why hide the logo?” Her voice trembled with barely controlled rage. “Is it a counterfeit you feared would invite mockery?”


    Her usation nted seeds of doubt among the whispering guests.


    Elliana regarded Paige with amused detachment, as though observing a particrly 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?”


    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 thest. 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 zed behind her eyes. “I refuse to believe Cole wouldvish 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?”


    To the onlookers, her argument carried a veneer of usibility. The Evans family vault must overflow with designer creations. How simple it would be for Elliana to pilfer a piece or two for public unting. Elliana’s smile remained innocently serene. “My husband did gift me jewelry, but I deemed it too ostentatious, so I concealed that as well.”


    Paige’s gaze darted instinctively to Elliana’s neck. Indeed, through the delicatece shawl, the outline of a ne 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 ne. How could that possiblypare to her dazzling array? Her hair essories, earrings, ne, and ring collectively surpassed thirty million. Elliana couldn’t possiblypete with such opulence! She would use her jewels to crush Elliana’s pride once and for all!


    With this vindictive thought zing in her mind, Paige lunged forward and violently yanked away Elliana’sce shawl…


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