Chapter 125
Isabel’s hands shook as she pulled out her phone and opened the UKISS authenticity verification page.
She lined up the security code for the camera to scan, but the screen flashed with
a glaring red warning: “This code does not exist. Please confirm the authenticity of your UKISS product.”
Gasps rippled through the crowd. All eyes snapped to Isabel, and the room
erupted in a flurry of shocked whispers.
“Oh my god, Isabel’s dress is a knockoff!”
“No way. She’s a celebrity! How could she show up in fake designer?”
“This is beyond embarrassing…”
The color drained from Isabel’s face. She stared at her phone in disbelief, a wave of shame crashing over her. She’d never imagined being called out for wearing a counterfeit dress at an event like this.
How could she ever show her face in public again?
“N-no, I really spent a fortune on this. It can’t be a fake,” Isabel stammered, desperate for someone to believe her.
Tears welled in her eyes, her voice trembling-hoping for a shred of sympathy.
But the crowd was merciless. No one had patience for celebrities caught in scandal, especially not for wearing fakes.
Sigrid froze, stunned by how far things had spiraled. She opened her mouth, but no words came. How had this even happened? Effie’s dress turned out to be genuine how did she pull that off?
Effie glanced at Isabel, her voice calm and matter-of-fact. “Miss Isabel, looks like you got scammed. You should call the police-you might be able to get your money back.”
Isabel’s cheeks flushed scarlet. She shot Effie a furious glare, then turned on her heel and hurried away, barely holding herself together.
The commotion gradually died down, and the crowd dispersed.
With the scandal contained for now, the ceremony was finally about to begin.
Effie went off to find her colleagues, shaking her head in disbelief at what had just happened. She never expected such drama at a simple gala. Thankfully, the rest of the evening unfolded smoothly, and she even made a few new friends.
Suzan arrived not long after, arm in arm with Mitchell. Mitchell was no stranger to the fashion world-his family owned a jewelry company, after all-so he was well- connected and had received an invitation right away. For him, this was a perfect opportunity to mingle, and Suzan was thrilled to attend as his official girlfriend for the first time. From now on, everyone would know she was Mitchell’s one and only.
She clung to Mitchell’s arm as they entered the ballroom. They’d been chatting with a veteran in the fashion industry and had missed the earlier drama. By the time they walked over, the crowd was already dispersing.
Suzan asked Sigrid what happened and was instantly fuming when she heard the story. She’d hoped to see Effie embarrassed, not Isabel. Sigrid, sensing her frustration, dragged her to the refreshment table. Word was, a renowned chef had been hired for the event.
Suzan, eager for every scrap of gossip she’d missed, joined Sigrid for dessert and whispered commentary.
Meanwhile, Mitchell drifted through the crowd, and the moment he spotted Effie- standing in her elegant, custom-made gown, poised and graceful-he found himself unable to look away. His steps slowed, a tangle of emotions stirring inside him.
He noticed Effie slip out to the terrace, and, almost without thinking, he followed. There was something he needed to say.
Effie, feeling the room grow stuffy, had excused herself for a breath of fresh air.