Chapter 1: The Truth Behind the Masterpiece

No one spoke.

The ballroom stood frozen beneath the glittering chandeliers.

The blonde woman, Victoria, stared at the renowned designer as though the floor had disappeared beneath her feet.

"W-What do you mean... the only original?" she whispered.

The silver-haired designer turned slowly toward the guests.

"My name is Adrian Laurent."

A collective gasp rippled through the room.

Everyone knew the name.

For over forty years, Adrian Laurent had created the world's rarest couture gowns. His masterpieces were displayed in museums, auctioned for millions, and worn only by royalty and icons.

He looked down at the torn dress with genuine sorrow.

"This gown was never meant to be sold."

"It was my farewell piece."

"The last dress I ever designed with my own hands."

He gently traced the hand-sewn embroidery.

"More than eight thousand hours."

"Every stitch was sewn by me."

The room grew even quieter.

Victoria's confidence crumbled.

"I... I didn't know."

Adrian's eyes hardened.

"No."

"You never asked."

He turned toward the woman in white.

"I'm sorry."

"I promised this dress would never suffer another careless hand."

The young woman smiled softly.

"It's only fabric."

Adrian shook his head.

"No."

"It's history."

The guests who had laughed moments earlier suddenly avoided eye contact.

Several quietly lowered their champagne glasses.

The humiliation had changed sides.