"I..."
Adrian stepped forward.
"That's enough."
But Vanessa was no longer listening.
Her eyes settled on the silver gown.
Recognition flashed across her face.
"I know this dress."
She pointed accusingly.
"That design was created exclusively for the Sterling family."
The crowd murmured.
She wasn't wrong.
Only one dress like it existed.
Adrian had commissioned it months earlier.
Vanessa had assumed it would become her wedding gift.
Instead...
Another woman was wearing it.
The humiliation burned inside her.
"So that's it."
She smiled without warmth.
"You've been hiding her."
Emily shook her head desperately.
"No..."
"I haven't."
Vanessa's voice grew louder.
"Do you know how many women chase wealthy men?"
"I don't want his money."
Several guests laughed quietly.
Vanessa heard them.
"So now you're pretending innocence?"
Emily looked at Adrian helplessly.
"I should go."
"You should."
Vanessa reached forward.
"And before you leave..."
She grabbed the shoulder of Emily's gown.
Adrian's eyes widened.
"Vanessa!"
Too late.
With one violent pull—
The delicate fabric tore from shoulder to waist.
The sound of ripping silk echoed through the silent ballroom.
Emily gasped.
She instinctively covered herself as the expensive gown slipped from her shoulder.