Shock rippled through the assembled faces.

"It's really Mr. Montclair! He's a living legend in our industry. We studied his work in our textbooks."

"I thought Anastasia was just making empty boasts, but she actually pulled it off!"

"So Anastasia was telling the truth? Evelyn might be in serious trouble now."

Rebecca was practically vibrating with excitement. "Anastasia, you're unbelievable! Mr. Montclair is incredibly busy and rarely makes public appearances. To get him here with just one phone call is astounding."

Basking in the admiration, Anastasia replied with visible pride. "Naturally. My husband has the honor of Mr. Montclair's acquaintance. A simple phone call was all it took. It was nothing, really."

Rebecca smirked and turned to Evelyn with mock amusement. "I've heard Mr. Montclair is famous for his brutal honesty. He never minces words. He'll identify a counterfeit instantly."

She paused for effect, then added with feigned concern. "Evelyn, there's still time to apologize. If Mr. Montclair publicly declares your dress a forgery, it will ruin your reputation. It could even affect your career at Aethelgard Industries."

Hearing this, some of their former classmates began to shift their allegiance towards Anastasia.

"Oh my, why is Evelyn being so obstinate? I almost believed her story at first."

"I had my suspicions about that dress. Back in university, she was always working multiple part-time jobs because of her financial situation. And now she's married to... him. How could she possibly afford an authentic Julian Montclair original?"

"Evelyn is such a fraud."

Lucas stepped forward then, trying to reason with her. "Evelyn, you should just apologize to Anastasia now. Things will only get worse for you if you don't."

Others chimed in with pretended worry.

"Maybe Evelyn was just swindled herself. Her husband isn't exactly wealthy, after all."

"Evelyn, an apology now might save your reputation. Don't let this situation escalate."

Despite the growing pressure, Evelyn remained unshakable. She shook her head calmly. "What's the hurry? Mr. Montclair hasn't even arrived yet. I find it hard to believe a designer of his caliber would fail to recognize his own creation."

Witnessing her stubborn resolve, even Lucas felt she was being utterly unreasonable.

He sighed, shaking his head in disappointment. "Evelyn, you're just too proud."

The other former classmates exchanged silent glances filled with mockery and scorn. "She's clearly in denial."

Rebecca and Anastasia, however, were thrilled, eagerly anticipating the moment Evelyn would be humiliated.

Finally, under the intense scrutiny of the entire room, Julian Montclair entered at a measured pace.

He was a distinguished man with a neatly trimmed beard, dressed impeccably in a white suit.

His entrance caused an immediate stir. Given that everyone present was a design graduate, he was instantly recognized.

A wave of excitement passed through the crowd. Many hoped to approach him, to make a connection that could launch their careers.

This was Julian Montclair, after all.

While most hesitated, too intimidated to make the first move, Anastasia strode forward confidently. She greeted him with a radiant smile. "Mr. Montclair, it's been too long. Thank you for coming all this way. Please, have a seat. Let me explain the situation."