His sneering gaze made Joann falter.
She had no idea about the dresss storied past.
Feeling the eyes of everyone on her, she felt as though she was under intense scrutiny.
Yet, unwilling to concede, she clenched her teeth and persisted, I acquired this dress through a broker. Perhaps perhaps they deceived me.
Her voice wavered with uncertainty.
Nikolai, unyielding, pressed further, Then I suggest you summon this broker. I do not permit middlemen to sell my designs, nor do I tolerate forgeries.
Under the critical gaze of the onlookers, Joanns cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Left with no other option, she dialed the number, but there was no connection. Trying once more, she discovered the number was now disconnected.
With the mechanical tone echoing in her ear, Joann fought to keep her emotions in check and muttered, Its not going through
It seemed to Joann that even in the shadows, someone was disdainfully rolling their eyes at her. Her instincts kicking in, she clenched her fists tightly.
Noticing her distress, Nikolai quickly decided, Lets have someone take care of this dress situation.
Joanns expression shifted drastically. She gripped her sleeves and protested, No!
The thought alone terrified her: her engagement party would be a disaster, and she would be the butt of
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Desperately, Joann attempted to reason with Nikolai. I had no idea the dress was a counterfeit. Im not to blame here. Its still a beautiful dress, genuine or not. Doesnt that count for something?
Nikolai disregarded her plea, responding only with a derisive snort.
Frustrated, Joann turned to Stella and demanded, Why are you just standing there? You know him, right? Help me convince him.
Stella furrowed her brow, puzzled by Joanns behavior.
Lindsay joined in, urging Stella, Its Joanns engagement night. Since youre acquainted with Mr. Todd, perhaps you could extend some help to ensure the evening proceeds without a hitch.
Nikolais right here, Stella said straightforwardly, finding the situation funny. If you need to say something, tell him yourself. Why involve me?
Lindsay was taken aback by Stellas straightforward approach. But youre much closer to Mr. Todd than I am, she countered, her voice laced with a feigned helplessness. If you could just persuade him, hed surely agree. It would spare us all this awkwardness. Cant you help us out?
Lindsays desperate pleas and pitiful expression made Stella seem like the villain there. Observers would think Stella had been bullying her the entire time.
Stellas eyes narrowed slightly, and for a fleeting moment, she felt as if the Lindsay before her was a stranger.
Turning her gaze away, Stella responded coldly, This is Nikolais decision to make, and I have to honor that. Even if he did listen to me, once this is all over, who would get the credit? You or me?
Her gaze intense, Stella seemed to be trying to pierce through Lindsays facade.
Her intentions seen through, Lindsay found herself at a loss for words. She had assumed Stella, coming from modest beginnings, would prefer discretion. She never expected Stellas resistance.