?Chapter 914:


    A gentle warmth bloomed in Christina’s chest. Robin truly was a good friend. “Not much to boast about,” Christina replied with a subtle, dignified smile, herposure radiating poise and grace.


    Lorraine’s hands tightened around her wine ss, seething at Christina’s unruffled elegance. How she longed to throw the drink straight into that serene face. But she was well aware of the repercussions such an act would bring. With Robin’s fierce and unwavering protectiveness toward Christina, Margot would almost certainly have her thrown out of the venue if she dared to ssh wine on Christina. Celine had mentioned that Margot was very fond of Robin.


    Seething, Lorraine released a sharp, derisiveugh. “Ha!” Her gaze swept Christina from head to toe, dripping with disdain. “That gown you’re wearing—hardly worth much, is it? What, maybe a hundred thousand?”


    “That’s none of your concern,” Christina answered evenly.


    Lorraine’s lips curved into a smug smile. “Do you even know how much mine is worth?” Without waiting for a response, she added, “Over two hundred million! Designed by Allison—the only one of its kind in the world, made exclusively for me. An unwanted woman like you, scrabbling for status and sparkle through men, could never dream of owning a custom Allison gown.”


    Christina’s eyes flicked to Lorraine, a softugh escaping her lips.


    “What are youughing at?” Lorraine’sughter somehow pricked her sensitive nerves.


    Christina’s smile was refined, almost indulgent. “If I recall correctly, that gown was originally custom-made for Katie. With your standing, you wouldn’t have ess to Allison’s custom designs. I imagine you paid dearly to buy it from her.”


    Christina cherished that gown, you know—nned to save it for truly important asions. I’m surprised she sold it to you.”


    Christina arched a brow. “You wore it once at Brendon’s engagement party, and now again for Margot’s birthday. I see you make excellent use of your wardrobe.” The implication was clear—Christina was suggesting Lorraine was poor.


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    Color rushed to Lorraine’s cheeks, her fingers curling tightly into the fabric of her skirt. The sting of Christina’s words was sharp, humiliating. Indeed, the gown had been purchased from Katie.


    Celine had tried to ce a custom order from Allison for Lorraine, only to be met with an unexpected blow—whoever named Lorraine Reynolds was cklisted, permanently barred from making any custom piece.


    Lorraine still wondered which unlucky namesake had ruined her ess. What an absurd twist of fate.


    In high society, it was an unspoken rule: evening gowns were worn only once for truly special asions, especially prestigious ones. Wearing one twice was unheard of.<fn52e3> This update is avable on find(?)ovel</fn52e3>


    Lorraine refused to be outshone by the socialites of Lorbridge, but if she had had another option, she would not have worn this gown again. Still, it was an Allison original, one of a kind. Given its staggering value, she believed repeating it was forgivable. Yet, Christina had deliberately turned it into a weapon, using it to publicly humiliate her. Christina knew exactly where to strike. Outrageous! A forsaken orphan with no family background dared to shame her!


    Forcing herself to rein in her temper, Lorraine sneered, “Even if I wore this gown a hundred times, it would still be better than those cheap rags you call clothes.”


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