Lindsay’s Lips tightened, her gaze losing all warmth.


    “Forget it,” Joann whispered sharply, clutching Lindsay’s arm.


    “Why even ask her for help? Someone as malicious as she is would relish seeing us embarrass ourselves.


    She’d never truly assist us.


    ”


    Faced with their disdainful stares, Ste maintained herposure, disengaging from the petty argument.


    Meanwhile, Bet and Matthew returned to the banquet hall after their private talk, noticing the brewing conflict.


    As they approached, Joann quickly hid behind Bet, casting fearful looks at Ste, ying the victim.


    Bet, however, kept his eyes on Ste, not paying attention to Joann at alt.


    Joann, fueled by growing resentment, managed a shaky voice.


    “Bet…”


    Only then did Bet shift his intense gaze to Joann, his brow creased as he asked, “What’s going on?”


    Niki’s face was grave as he dered, “Bet, your fiancée has shown disrespect for my work.


    I insist she remove the fake she’s wearing at once.


    Also, my studio will no longer supply her with designs.


    ”


    Joann’splexion turned ashen, but with Bet by her side, she stood her ground.


    Defiantly, she shot back, “Fine! Just remember, I paid for this dress myself, even if it’s just a replica.


    Nobody has the right to take it from me!”


    Niki’s expression grew steely, his voice dripping with disdain.


    “Every one of my designs is protected by patents.


    It’s illegal to copy and wear them publicly.


    Considering you’re a member of the distinguished Crawford family and the star of this engagement party, your audacity shocks me.N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    It makes me question the standards of your upbringing.


    ”


    Niki, once genial, mow seethed with indignation, sparked by Joann’s careless words.


    His affability vanished, reced by a barrage of biting remarks.


    The party’s guests watched in silence, their gazes fixated on Joann as she crumpled under Niki’s fierce condemnation.


    She looked desperately at Bet, her eyes begging him to step in.


    Having grasped the essence of their conflict, Bet’s forehead creased with concern.


    He turned to Niki.


    “I’m sorry, Niki.


    I’ll handle this right away.


    ”


    He then looked at Joann.


    “You need to apologize to Niki.


    ”


    Wearied by the mounting tension, Niki dismissed them coldly, saying, “An apology isn’t necessary.


    ”


    Niki coldly stated, “I just want her to change into something else immediately.


    ”


    After he spoke, the murmurs of others grew louder and louder.


    “How disgraceful! She should have apologized sooner.


    Why did she cause such a scene?”


    Someone snorted and said, “Joann has always been arrogant, especially since she hooked up with Bet.


    Today, she’s finally getting what she deserves.


    ”


    Hearing thements around her, Joann couldn’t bear to look up.


    She refused to back down.


    If shepromised now, either wearing a fake dress or being coerced to change, it couldnd her in the entertainment headlines.


    By then, she’d risk bing aughingstock.


    Joann stayed silent, pursing her lips, waiting for Bet to speak up for her.