Lana, whose family owned a well-known Seacrity art gallery, spoke. Her comment left everyone confused. While Yvette Chambers's dress appeared expensive, luxury was commonplace among those present. Its beauty was undeniable, but its impact was undeniably amplified by Yvette herself.

Jealousy simmered among the women. "Who'd want to be outshone by a girl just found in the countryside?" they seethed. Yvette's arrival had intensified the pre-existing discomfort caused by Winona's earlier appearance.

Some women seized upon Lana's words, their intentions far from benevolent. "You said you've seen this dress before, right? Does that mean Ms. Zeller's dress was previously worn? That wouldn't be good, would it?"

In high society, wearing a previously worn dress was deeply embarrassing. Such a revelation would ruin Yvette's reputation and humiliate her.

Nellie and Winona watched Lana eagerly, hoping for confirmation of their suspicions. Winona's gloomy mood lifted at the prospect of scandal. She suspected Sienna might have intentionally provided a secondhand dress to undermine Yvette. "If that's the case," she mused, "Yvette will be the biggest joke today!"

All eyes focused on Yvette, who stood calmly amidst the swirling accusations. Her deep, dark eyes, veiled by long lashes, held a cold, mysterious depth. She surveyed the crowd silently, her beauty once again arresting attention. Her silence, however, was interpreted by some as an admission of guilt.

Winona, feigning kindness, stepped forward. "Wearing a secondhand dress is taboo at our events. I have an unworn dress in my room. Why don't you change into it?" Her offer, however, was thinly veiled; Yvette wearing Winona's dress would only further emphasize her perceived inferiority. Several women, understanding Winona's true intentions, urged Yvette to accept the offer.

"Winona is so kind," one murmured. "You should go change, Ms. Zeller."

Others, wary of offending the Chambers family, whispered their agreement. Zeke, seeing an opportunity, added his voice, "Go change with Winona. The banquet is about to start."

Nellie remained silent, aware of Zachary's growing displeasure. Lana, meanwhile, sweated profusely, unable to interject. Richard and Robert watched with smug satisfaction. Yulia felt a pang of sympathy for Yvette, yet also blamed her naiveté.

Zachary, overwhelmed by the scorn, believed Sienna had deliberately chosen a previously worn gown. "Enough!" he thundered. "My daughter can wear whatever she likes! There's no need for this judgment!"

Winona's eyes flashed. Zachary's defense of Yvette offended many present, but the threat of angering the Chambers family, despite their decline, kept others hesitant.

Yvette, unfazed, turned her gaze to Lana. "Where did you see it?" she asked, her voice calm and distant.

All eyes fell upon Lana, her nervousness palpable. Winona, subtly encouraging her, repeated the question.

Lana, finally finding her voice, explained, "You misunderstood! I saw this dress at the Mysonna Art Gallery exhibition last year. It was a unique piece designed by Sienna for her muse. The gallery director had to persuade Sienna to display it for only two days. I inquired about it because I loved it so much. The fabric is pure silkworm silk, hand-crafted for 135 hours by over a hundred workers. The diamonds are the purest in the world, privately owned, each costing over three million. Even if you wanted to buy it, you couldn't—it's only available at auction…"

She paused, her voice filled with envy. "Mrs. Mith offered seventy million, but Sienna refused to sell. This dress isn't just expensive; it's one of a kind."

Silence descended. Everyone stared at Yvette, speechless. The only sound was the wind whispering through the vast garden.