Lindsays Lips tightened, her gaze losing all warmth.
Forget it, Joann whispered sharply, clutching Lindsays arm. Why even ask her for help? Someone as malicious as she is would relish seeing us embarrass ourselves. Shed never truly assist us.
Faced with their disdainful stares, Stella maintained her composure, disengaging from the petty argument.
Meanwhile, Bennett and Matthew returned to the banquet hall after their private talk, noticing the brewing conflict. As they approached, Joann quickly hid behind Bennett, casting fearful looks at Stella, playing the victim.
Bennett, however, kept his eyes on Stella, not paying attention to Joann at alt.
Joann, fueled by growing resentment, managed a shaky voice. Bennett
Only then did Bennett shift his intense gaze to Joann, his brow creased as he asked, Whats going on?
Nikolais face was grave as he declared, Bennett, your fiance has shown disrespect for my work. I insist she remove the fake shes wearing at once. Also, my studio will no longer supply her with designs.
Joanns complexion turned ashen, but with Bennett by her side, she stood her ground. Defiantly, she shot back, Fine! Just remember, I paid for this dress myself, even if its just a replica. Nobody has the right to take it from me!
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Nikolais expression grew steely, his voice dripping with disdain.
Every one of my designs is protected by patents. Its illegal to copy and wear them publicly. Considering youre a member of the distinguished Crawford family and the star of this engagement party, your audacity shocks me. It makes me question the standards of your upbringing.
Nikolai, once genial, mow seethed with indignation, sparked by Joanns careless words. His affability vanished, replaced by a barrage of biting remarks.
The partys guests watched in silence, their gazes fixated on Joann as she crumpled under Nikolais fierce condemnation. She looked desperately at Bennett, her eyes begging him to step in.
Having grasped the essence of their conflict, Bennetts forehead creased with concern. He turned to Nikolai. Im sorry, Nikolai. Ill handle this right away.
He then looked at Joann. You need to apologize to Nikolai.
Wearied by the mounting tension, Nikolai dismissed them coldly, saying, An apology isnt necessary.
Nikolai 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 Bennett. Today, shes finally getting what she deserves.
Hearing the comments around her, Joann couldnt bear to look up.
She refused to back down. If she compromised now, either wearing a fake dress or being coerced to change, it could land her in the entertainment headlines.
By then, shed risk becoming a laughingstock.
Joann stayed silent, pursing her lips, waiting for Bennett to speak up for her.