On the massive screen, Catherine's gaze swept over the racks of designer gowns. "Serena, sweetheart, I had these custom-made by several master designers just for you. Take a look and see which one you like best."
Edward squeezed into the frame. "Exactly! Our girl is wearing nothing but the finest! We can't let those snobs in the United Realmon States look down on a daughter of the Lancaster family!"
Old Mr. Lancaster leaned heavily on his cane, his piercing gaze fixed on the screen as his gravelly voice carried through the speakers. "Since our girl is having a gala over there, when she comes back, the Lancaster family will throw an even more magnificent ball for her!"
"Oh, absolutely! We definitely have to do that!" Edward nodded emphatically. "We can't let our celebration be outshone by theirs."
The Vinton family couldn't help but laugh. "What are you all stressing over? She's here with the Vintons. Naturally, we're going to provide her with the most exquisite gowns in the world, yet you still went out of your way to ship all these over."
"That's entirely different," Catherine argued through the screen, zeroing in on a few specific pieces on the racks. "My beautiful daughter deserves the absolute best! She needs to have the option to pick whatever she likes."
Speaking of which, she let out a dramatic sigh. "Honestly, I originally wanted to go to YB Atelier and purchase their crown jewel for her. But Mr. Sterne, their CEO, told me... without their big boss's explicit approval, that masterpiece isn't for sale or loan."
Lurking just around the corner, Isabella heard those words.
Her heart skipped a violent beat.
The crown jewel of YB Atelier...
Wasn't The Astral Symphony sitting in her bedroom right now?
Why did the CEO of YB Atelier claim it wasn't available for rent or purchase?
Then where exactly did her dress come from?
Catherine continued talking. "Dad even paid a personal visit to Mr. Sterne to pull some strings, and that's when he finally let it slip... the dress had already been claimed by their boss."
YB Atelier was a top-tier international luxury brand, notoriously difficult to procure.
The Vinton family was well aware of its prestige.
They had also pulled strings to secure several YB gowns suitable for Serena.
But as for that legendary crown jewel...
Even they couldn't get their hands on it.
Catherine sounded genuinely disappointed. "I'd love to know who had the kind of clout to walk away with YB's finest piece..."
But her tone quickly brightened
again. "No matter! We don't need
their dress. Our girl is stunning. She
could throw
on any of these gowns
and still completely outshine
everyone in the room!"
Hearing this, the knot in Isabella's chest loosened, and she breathed a sigh of relief.
Where was the crown jewel?
Safely in her possession, obviously!
She didn't know what kind of strings Agnes had pulled to acquire it.
But as long as she wore that masterpiece...
Whatever Serena chose to wear.
It simply wouldn't stand a chance!
Isabella watched the two powerhouse families enthusiastically helping Serena pick out a dress.
She let out a cold, mocking scoff.
When the day of the gala rolled
around and she made her grand-et
entrance in The Astral Symphony, she was going to grind Serena into the dust!
Meanwhile, Serena watched her relatives playfully squabbling over her wardrobe.
They were practically arguing over it.
A soft, genuine warmth spread through her chest.
She let out a light laugh. "Alright, everyone, you don't need to argue. I already have
a dress."
"Did you order it over there? Which designer?" Catherine asked eagerly.
"Yeah, it's from YB Atelier," Serena replied with a smile.
Hearing
nodded
200th brand, Catherine
in approval. "YB is fantastic. Their
aesthetic suits you perfecte
shovels nét
With the wardrobe crisis averted.
The families instantly pivoted to passionately debating over which styling team to
hire.