Hailey immediately moved closer, speaking in a cautious yet slightly fawning tone. "You're so right! That Serena... I know her best. She's..."
***
Meanwhile, on the other side of the hall, Isabella stood in an exceptionally grand gown, surrounded by a crowd of her friends.
"Isabella, you look stunning today! Is that gown a top-tier custom design from the great Antonio? I heard that getting him to come out of retirement costs at least thirty million dollars!"
"As expected of Vaelion City's wealthiest family. You're really rolling in it!"
"Isabella, you're so spoiled. Just to attend a banquet, Mrs. Lancaster specially commissioned Antonio to design a gown for you and bought you such expensive jewelry... I'm so jealous."
"Well, that's because our Isabella is outstanding enough for the city's richest family to dote on her! Don't forget, Isabella is Vaelion City's number one socialite!"
"Isabella, you're engaged to a Blackwood, which means you'll soon be Brianna's sister-in-law! I heard you two are very close. Are you going to go up on stage with Miss Blackwood to cut the first slice of her birthday cake?"
Isabella was on cloud nine from all the praise, enjoying it as if she were the star of tonight's banquet. Outwardly, however, she maintained an air of humility.
As they were talking, one of her friends suddenly gasped, "Over... over there... so beautiful!"
Serena entered the banquet hall, carrying a sleek, lacquered tiffin
carrier. In her striking red gown, she exuded a powerfulaura, like a phoenix rising from the flames Coolly stunning, with intensely beautiful features, she instantly drew everyone's gaze.
Wherever she stood became the focal point.
She saw Edward Lancaster and Catherine Vinton surrounded by several influential figures from politics and business, so she decided not to interrupt them.
Ignoring the various stares of amazement and curiosity, she walked straight to a relatively quiet sofa in a corner and sat down. She opened the container, preparing to finish the rest of her food.
Suddenly, an affected voice came from nearby. "Sister, why are you sitting here all alone?"
Isabella, holding two glasses of champagne, sat down across from
Serena. She pushed one glass toward Serena, her lips curved into a perfectly polite smile. "Is this your first time at a banquet like this? Are you a little nervous and not quite used to it?"
Just moments ago, she had been the center of attention, basking in her friends' praise. But Serena's appearance had instantly stolen their focus. They were all gushing over Serena's face and her gown, even comparing it to Isabella's.
Was there even a need for comparison? Serena's gown, a private commission from YB's exclusive designer, Cloud, was far more dazzling than her own. Calling it priceless wouldn't be an exaggeration. How could she possibly compare?
Seeing Serena command so much attention even while sitting in a corner made Isabella's jealousy flare into a frenzy.
She couldn't resist the urge to put Serena in her place, to make her understand the gap between them.
"Sister, if there's anything you don't understand, or any etiquette you need help with, you can always ask me." Isabella's jealousy grew wildly, but he smile only became sweeter and gentler. "Even though the family hasnt held a fortroduction for you and no one knows your identity, you still need to be careful. You wouldn't want to cause a scene and embarrass Mom and Dad over some breach of etiquette."