"MY DRESS!!"
Dahlia's shriek immediately caught almost everyone's attention, both those on the front yard and some of those who were inside.
The ones who were inside came out to see what had happened and the ones outside came closer to see and hear much more clearly. Thus, a small crowd of socialites gathered around Dahlia and the group.
Lucian frowned as he noticed the crowd around. He hated being involved in such dramas as it brought a lot of unnecessary attention, which he hated. And though they kept their distance, it still made him feel uncomfortable.
And his displeasure was clearly visible as Catherine smirked. She glanced at Dahlia, who was busy trying to get the stain off with a piece of cloth she found nearby, and then at Lady Genevieve who was smirking.
Genevieve sensed someone's glare and immediately caught Catherine's eye. She nodded and cleared her throat. She then shoved the empty glass to someone near her and ran to Dahlia.
"Oh my goodness, Dahlia dear, are you alright?!"
Dahlia stared at her, displeased. She huffed and continued her current task.
But Genevieve was not taking it as she then offered, "Here, let me help...."
Dahlia was about to refuse her because her helping would probably make it worse but Genevieve forcefully took the cloth from her before she did and began cleaning the stain forcefully, thereby....
"No, stop! Don't do that! It'll make it worse!! Stop-—"
And she was right. Genevieve didn't stop but instead continued.
By the time Genevieve did stop as a result of Lucian grabbing her wrist to stop her, the not so noticeable stain had turned into a huge smudge that stretched from the back to the lower back of Dahlia's dress.
The onlookers gasped at the sight and Dahlia turned pale. Her expression, horrified.
Lucian frowned and clenched his jaw, not because of the stain but because he knew this was all someone's fault as well as plot.
He glanced at his suspect, or rather, the culprit, but Catherine simply shrugged in response.
It felt like she was acknowledging as well as denying her deeds.
Catherine then marched over to where Dahlia stood and took a look at the dress.
She held it in displeasure and frowned.
"Tsk, Genevieve, you should have been less violent and more gentle. You were cleaning a stain, not removing a curse.
Ugh, who cares now, that stain is definitely not coming off. Even if it did, judging by the fabric, the color would surely fade. It wouldn't be this beautiful anymore.
I suggest you buy a new one, Dahlia dear. I'm pretty sure Marcus wouldn't mind. Afterall, he'd do anything for you. He loves you to bits!"
When she said the last line, she glanced at Lucian. Lucian's face crumpled in anger and disgust as he clenched his fists, grinding his teeth in anger as he marched away. Catherine smiled further.
"Anyway, I apologize for Genevieve's...deed. It's surely something to be angry and lash out about but you... I know you would never do that. You're like an angel!
Genevieve, come. We need to have a talk. What you did was not good at all".
Catherine then turned to a woman with blonde hair and amber eyes, who seemed to be in her mid-twenties.
She was wearing a stunning navy blue gown with long sleeves along with navy blue diamond accessories. Her hair was styled into an elegant bun with baby hairs left at the front sides.
Her nails were wine red which also complemented her lipstick. Her posture was amazingly elegant yet natural. This was none other than Lady Evangeline Beaumont.
"Eva, darling...", Catherine called.
Evangeline, aka Eva, gave Catherine an elegant smile as she came to her side like a servant answering its master.
"If you don't mind, please do me a favor and let our dearest Dahlia borrow one of your amazing dresses for the occasion.
I mean, the soiree will start in a few minutes and it'll be a hassle for Dahlia to go back home. So, I think it's best she takes one of your dresses...just for the evening.
I'm sure she'll return it after the event...."
Catherine grinned as she stared at Evangeline, thereby showcasing her pearly white teeth.
To all present, she looked and presented herself as a noble and caring lady who cared for all, even those who tried to steal her man.
She was trying to help, even when it wasn't her fault.
Catherine was indeed upholding her perfect lady image. But to Dahlia....
Evangeline laughed as she said,"Oh my, Cathy, honey, you make me sound like a petty and selfish woman who hates sharing her things and doesn't want to help those in need!
Of course, Dahlia can borrow one of my dresses for the time being..."
She then turned to Dahlia who forced a smile.
Dahlia wasn't dumb. She could see through their plans clearly. And she hated them.
She knew this was never about the dress.
In Valemere, nothing is as it seems.
But How dare they do this to her!