As Joann reveled in the envy of her peers, a man suddenly spoke up.


    “Why don’t I recall designing such a dress?”


    His tone was light yet puzzled, drawing everyone’s attention.


    Those familiar with the fashion scene recognized him and eximed, “It’s Niki! I’ve only ever seen his pictures in magazines.


    He looks even better in person!”


    Niki scanned Joann from head to toe and rified, “I didn’t design that dress.


    The one I designed is on her.


    ”


    He then pointed to Ste.


    As soon as Niki concluded, eyes turned toward Joann, allden with significance.


    “Oh my God! She was called out by the very person involved.


    If I were in Joann’s shoes, I’d die of embarrassment.


    ”


    “Such pretense! Even if she wore a regr dress, nobody would have cared.


    Why boast about it? Now, she’s been caught in her lie.


    ”


    The murmurs inevitably found their way to Joann.


    Seething with rage, she found no outlet for her fury.


    Her face, adorned with makeup, twisted in distress.


    Ste, meanwhile, was oblivious to the fact that her dress was a Niki original.


    Her makeup, done by the makeup artists Matthew had arranged, had diverted her attention from such details.


    Niki approached Ste with a warm smile.


    “It’s been a while.


    You always manage to surprise me whenever we meet.


    ”


    His gaze was one of genuine admiration.


    Caught off guard and unable to feign ignorance of Niki, Ste responded with unease, “Thank you.


    ”


    On the sidelines, Lindsay watched their exchange, her fists clenched so tightly that her nails nearly pierced her skin.


    She had wanted Matthew to introduce her to Niki, but he had deflected with excuses.


    Yet here he was, effortlessly facilitating an introduction for Ste.


    Lindsay struggled to contain her mounting jealousy.


    After some time, Lindsay approached Joann, who was still simmering with anger, and attempted to console her.


    “Mr.


    Todd would certainly recognize his own design.


    Perhaps you’ve been misled?”


    Hearing Lindsay’s voice, Joann slowly regained herposure, although her expression remained troubled.


    Before her engagement, she had requested Bet to tailor a dress for her, but he had excused himself, citing workmitments, and suggested she handle it herself.


    Determined not to face humiliation, she had someone pay two million dors for a designer gown by Niki.


    As she collected her thoughts, Joann spoke up with newfound assurance.


    “That’s impossible! The dress, costing me a fortune, must be authentic.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    Mr.


    Todd, considering the volume of designs you produce, it’s possible you’ve overlooked one or two.


    ”


    Laughter erupted from the audience at her audacity to challenge Niki directly.


    Niki merely smirked and replied, “I did create such a dress three years ago, but only one was made, and it was purchased by a Yulord princess.


    Are you iming to be her?”