Rebecca's words left Evelyn speechless.

Her logic was completely absurd.

Evelyn hadn't even uttered a single word, yet Rebecca was already spinning wild tales.

But Evelyn had no intention of indulging her.

Past experience had taught her that arguing with Rebecca was a complete waste of time and energy.

Moreover, Evelyn was here for a specific reason. The last thing she needed was to get entangled in a meaningless argument and become the center of gossip at this reunion.

So, Evelyn simply ignored her. She turned and found a quiet corner to sit down and collect her thoughts.

Rebecca stood there, a smug smirk plastered on her face.

She had thought Evelyn was tough, but it seemed a few sharp words were all it took to silence her.

As the crowd around Anastasia began to thin, Rebecca saw her chance. She eagerly stepped forward, her voice dripping with flattery. "Anastasia, it's been so long! You look absolutely stunning tonight!"

Anastasia, draped in a striking red evening gown, moved with an air of undeniable confidence. She basked in the compliments from Rebecca and the others, her ego visibly inflating with each praising word.

Suddenly, a voice cut through the adulation. "Wait a minute... that dress looks incredibly familiar. Didn't I see someone else wearing an identical red dress earlier?"

Anastasia's smile instantly froze. Her expression soured, shifting to one of clear irritation.

"What nonsense are you spouting?" she snapped. "This gown is custom-made, designed exclusively for me by a premier designer. It is one of a kind. It's impossible for anyone else to have it!" Her tone was thick with condescension as she attempted to shut down the remark.

The surrounding crowd gasped in unison.

A one-of-a-kind dress? That must have cost a fortune! Anastasia truly spared no expense.

Realizing their blunder, the person who spoke quickly backtracked. "Oh, my mistake... I must have been imagining things."

Rebecca paused, feigning deep thought. Then, a calculated idea seemed to strike her. Her eyes gleamed with mischief. "Wait, are you sure you aren't thinking of Evelyn's dress?"

She turned and pointed directly at Evelyn, who was sitting quietly in the corner. A sly grin spread across Rebecca's face.

Anastasia's gaze sharpened, following the direction of Rebecca's finger. Her face fell even further.

It was indeed identical!

Anastasia's expression darkened considerably. The simple, understated way Evelyn wore the dress somehow made it look even more elegant and fitting than it did on Anastasia herself.

Rebecca saw the perfect opportunity to twist the knife. She sighed heavily, as if struck by a sudden, sad realization. "You know, this whole situation reminds me of that campus belle contest all those years ago. The final round was supposed to be a showdown between you and Evelyn. But then, out of nowhere, she withdrew. Maybe she was just too intimidated by your beauty and your family's status? Perhaps that's why she backed down."

Her words struck a raw nerve in Anastasia, dragging up bitter memories she had tried to bury.

The truth was, Evelyn's unexpected withdrawal had always been a sore point for Anastasia. She had never been able to understand why Evelyn had pulled out when they were so close to the final judgment.

Back then, whispers had circulated through the campus. Many had speculated that if Evelyn hadn't withdrawn, the title of campus belle would have undoubtedly been hers.

Anastasia seethed with anger, recalling the conversations she had overheard.

"Honestly, Evelyn is far prettier than Anastasia."

"I still don't get why she dropped out. Do you think Anastasia pressured her into it?"

"That's entirely possible. Everyone knows Evelyn isn't just beautiful; she's kind-hearted too. Maybe she didn't want to cause a scene and just let Anastasia have the win."

Anastasia's chest tightened, the old bitterness surging within her.

Her hands clenched into tight fists at her sides. Without another word, she stormed across the room, lifting the hem of her expensive gown with a mixture of fury and grim determination. She was headed straight for Evelyn.