Chapter 124
Isabel’s expression changed in an instant. Honestly, this was the first time she’d ever heard of something like this.
She’d rarely run into anyone wearing the same dress before. Usually, she placed orders directly with the brand’s boutiques, though she hadn’t reached the VVIP status just yet. This time, the dress was so hard to get that she’d gone through a private contact. But she’d paid a fortune for it, so she wasn’t afraid of any verification.
Effie was just digging her own grave-Isabel could already picture her embarrassment.
With a confident smile, Isabel said, “Alright, since Miss Bagnold is so sure of herself, why don’t we verify it right here? But if it turns out to be a fake, I hope Miss Bagnold will be prepared to take responsibility for her actions.”
Effie smiled calmly, her voice steady. “Of course. If my dress is a fake, I’ll take responsibility. But, Miss Isabel, if it turns out your dress has a problem, what will you do?”
Isabel’s smile faltered for a split second, but she quickly regained her composure. “There’s nothing to worry about. My dress is absolutely authentic.”
Sigrid, standing nearby, gave a sharp laugh and cut in, “Effie, stop pretending to be brave. If your dress turns out to be a knock-off, let’s see how you’ll even show your face here!”
Effie ignored Sigrid’s taunt. She simply took out her phone and opened the official UKISS authentication page, then gently lifted the hem of her gown to reveal the security code hidden along the inside seam. The code was so discreet that most people had no idea it was even there.
A hush fell over the crowd as people watched in surprise. So there was a trick like this?
Effie aimed the code at her phone’s camera. Instantly, the screen displayed the verification details:
“UKISS Private Couture, Serial No. A-2025-001, Custom Order: Effie.”
The information was crystal clear-listing the exact date of order, designer’s name, and the exclusive serial number.
The crowd gasped, murmurs rising around the room. “Oh my god, Effie’s dress is real! And it’s the very first custom piece UKISS made this year!”
What kind of background did she have to get the very first custom order?
Isabel’s face turned ghostly pale. She stared at Effie’s screen in disbelief, a wave of panic rising in her chest.
She bit her lip, forcing herself to sound composed. “That… that’s impossible! How could UKISS have two of the same custom dress?”
Effie put her phone away and glanced at Isabel, her tone laced with irony. “Miss Isabel, it’s your turn now. Why don’t you have your dress authenticated as well?”
Isabel’s hands trembled as she clutched the edge of her gown, hesitating. She’d bought her dress from a private source-paid an outrageous price for it, but never once thought to check if it was real. Now, with Effie’s challenge hanging in the air, panic started to set in.
Sigrid rushed to Isabel’s defense. “Effie, you’re going too far! How could Miss Isabel’s dress be fake? She’s a celebrity-she’d never wear a knock-off!”
But the crowd was no longer so sure. Moments ago, they’d all assumed Effie was the one wearing a fake. Now that her dress had been proven genuine, the possibility that Isabel’s might be the counterfeit suddenly seemed very real.
Effie gave a cold laugh, her gaze fixed on Sigrid. “If you’re so convinced it’s genuine, then what’s the problem? Or is there something you’re afraid of?”
Isabel’s face grew more and more ashen. She knew there was no way out now. Clenching her jaw, she finally lifted her gown to reveal the security code hidden in the lining.