Once alone, N quickly changed into the white dress, though it was a bit loose around her waist. She took a safety pin from her purse to cinch it. Then, picking up her original dress, she left the dressing room.


    When Jane saw N in the white gown, her smile faltered even more. If N had resembled a mermaid in the ocean earlier, she now looked as ethereal and untouchable as moonlight, her beauty strikingly cold and pure.


    Jane clenched and unclenched her hands before praising, “Ms. Kinsey, you really do look beautiful in anything. This dress suits you well!”


    Not missing the sh of envy in Jane’s eyes, N smirked. “Really? I have you to thank, Ms. Wilkie. I appreciate the loan.”


    “You’re wee. Let’s head back down,” Jane replied.


    As they walked back to the main hall, guests took in the contrast between Jane’s bold red gown and N’s elegant white one. Inparison, Jane’s dress now seemed gaudy, almost overdone, while N shone with understated elegance.


    Jane’s smile strained even further as she noticed the lingering looks. She excused herself, Ms. Kinsey, I’ll leave you now. I have things to attend to.”


    N gave a polite nod. “Of course, Ms. Wilkie.”


    As soon as Jane left, Vrie hurried over. “N, I heard about what happened earlier. I’m so sorry I wasn’t there for you!”


    Meeting Vrie’s worried gaze, N reassured her, “Vrie, it’s alright. It’s not your fault.


    11


    She knew Jane would have made a move against her regardless of Vrie’s presence.


    What she didn’t understand was Jane’s hostility over a dress, especially at their first meeting. How could Jane risk ruining her grandfather’s birthday celebration just to pick on her?


    Vrie frowned. “Still<b>, </b>that maid was clearly following orders. You should call the police once the party’s over.”


    N nodded thoughtfully. “Mm, I know.”


    Vrie nced at N’s dress, hesitant to speak. She wondered how Jane had gotten hold of an outdated dress for N. If anyone else wore it, Jane probably would have outshone


    them.


    After a moment’s hesitation, she added in a low voice, “I saw Jane talking with Reba


    outside earlier. I’m not sure what they were discussing, but you should be cautious around her.”


    If Reba had said something to Jane, this incident would make more sense.


    It had been five years since N had fallen into the sea, and Damon had already made Reba pay for her actions.


    N had no intention of reopening old wounds. But if Reba dared to cross her path again, she wouldn’t back down.


    “Thank you, Vrie,” N replied.


    “Come on, no need for thanks!” Vrie nudged her.


    They turned to lighter topics and continued enjoying the party.


    Meanwhile, Jane slipped out toward the garden, only to be grabbed and pulled into the shadows near a rock formation. She gasped in fright, about to scream, but then frowned when she saw Gabriel. N?velDrama.Org is the owner.


    “Gabriel, you scared me! What are you doing?” she asked, patting her chest to calm herself.


    Gabriel remained impassive as he looked at her. “Why did you have Pauline target N?”