The young woman was dumbfounded. Although Alana's designs were expensive, she hadn't expected them to be so costly. Her face flushed.

Meanwhile, Abigail, though generally averse to interfering, couldn't stand by when Alana's name was involved. She rose from the couch and approached the woman. "Miss Palmer," she said, "there are many guests here. Perhaps you should change before continuing?"

Abigail didn't remember designing Joan's dress, but the gown was undeniably hers. The butterfly embroidery on the hem had been painstaking, yet she'd only sold it for 45,000. Joan, however, claimed to have paid 120,000—a blatant exaggeration!

"It's you?" Joan exclaimed, recognizing Abigail as the assistant who'd helped her try on her wedding dress at L. Moon Studio. She also remembered Abigail from the venue's entrance, where Sean had been looking at both of them. Feeling guilty and frustrated, Joan frowned. "Do you know where we are? How could they let anyone in here?"

East Joy Talent's banquets were private affairs, precursors to major entertainment projects. They attracted directors, sponsors, producers, and fashion design teams. Celebrities and influencers vied for invitations, knowing that securing support from those present could launch their careers.

Joan, having only gained entry through Sean, couldn't believe a mere store employee would be present, fully dressed, and attracting so much attention. Her expression hardening, she beckoned a passing waiter. "This woman is uninvited," she declared. "Aren't you going to deal with her?"

The waiter immediately stopped and approached Abigail. "Miss, please show me your invitation."

"Since I'm here, it means I'm invited," Abigail replied coldly, furrowing her brow. "My invitation just isn't with me."

(Chapter 21: In Your Dreams)

She'd given it to Luna to keep in her bag.

The waiter hesitated, while Joan sneered. "It's not with you, or did you just barge in? A few pictures from tonight's event would make a fortune for an assistant like you."

Her words were meant to ridicule Abigail and subtly influence the waiter. He, seemingly understanding, pressed Abigail further. "Miss, please show me your invitation, or we'll have to escort you out."

Abigail, wanting to avoid a scene at Kevin's event, tried calling Luna, but her calls went unanswered.

The young woman in the blue dress, noticing Abigail's predicament, apologized. "It's my fault. It has nothing to do with anyone else. Miss, thank you for your help."

Joan scoffed. "You're not only ignorant but also attention-seeking. You embarrassed me and claim everything's fine? Who do you think you are? Do you think anyone can just walk all over me?"

The waiter, also frustrated, said, "Miss, if you continue this, I'll have to call security." Without waiting for a response, he signaled a security guard. "Take this woman away and search her. Don't let her take any information from this event, and check her phone for pictures."

The security guards approached, and the lead guard snatched Abigail's phone, cutting off her contact. He even unlocked it and attempted to access her photos. Their initial attempts at explanation had shifted to a blatant invasion of privacy.

"That's illegal! You're invading her privacy!" Before Abigail could protest, the young woman intervened, trying to retrieve the phone, but was pushed away, nearly falling. Abigail caught her, and the young woman, her face grim, ordered, "Take me to Kevin. He'll tell you the answer."

Since Kevin had given her and Luna their invitations, reaching him seemed easier than finding Luna. The waiter smirked. "Miss, everyone who tries to sneak in is looking for Mr. Stewart. Do you think he'd meet everyone?"

Clearly accustomed to such tactics, the waiter gestured to the guards. "Take her away."