Julian Montclair let out a warm, low chuckle. His eyes sparkled with genuine amusement. "Evelyn, I just addressed the entire room. Did you truly not hear a single word I said?"

A deep blush instantly colored Evelyn's cheeks. "My apologies, Mr. Montclair," she stammered, her voice laced with unease. "I must confess, I was completely startled."

He dismissed her concern with a reassuring wave of his hand. "Think nothing of it. You can trust my judgment." His tone was confident. "I could never mistake a gown I designed myself. What you are wearing is undoubtedly a piece I created two years ago. It is an absolute pleasure to see it worn by someone with such radiance."

"Thank you," Evelyn murmured, offering a grateful smile.

Yet, a frown of confusion creased her brow. "But if this is truly your design, why did you initially suggest something was wrong when you first saw me? You gave me quite a fright. I was terrified I might be wearing a counterfeit."

Julian's expression shifted to one of swift reassurance. "Oh, heavens, no. I was merely taken aback. Seeing the dress in its completed form, especially after the alterations, was a surprise."

He paused, collecting his thoughts. "When I originally conceived this gown, I was immensely proud of the final result. However, a private buyer purchased it shortly after its completion and mentioned potential modifications. Given the substantial offer, I agreed without question."

His appreciative gaze swept over Evelyn's attire. He naturally assumed she was that mysterious client. "The final version is breathtaking on you. I understand you studied design. Your work shows remarkable talent!" he remarked, his voice filled with admiration and a touch of surprise.

Evelyn, however, grew more bewildered with each word. She had made no changes to the dress.

Could Alexander have secretly arranged for the alterations? Was he the anonymous buyer of Julian Montclair's creation?

Whether Alexander had modified the dress was almost secondary; Evelyn had long recognized his innate sense of style.

The true shock was the dawning realization that Alexander possessed the means to acquire such an expensive piece. This gown carried a price tag in the millions!

Trying to calm her racing heart, she managed a reply. "This dress... it was a gift from my husband. But it's baffling. There's simply no way he could afford something this lavish. I'm completely at a loss..."

Julian, perplexed by her obvious distress, offered a casual shrug. "Why not simply ask your husband about it when you return home?"

He didn't linger on the subject. "Well, Evelyn, I really must be going. Let's connect another time, if possible."

With a brief, friendly wave, he hurried away, leaving Evelyn alone with her swirling thoughts.

She stood perfectly still, a whirlwind of confusion engulfing her.

Time seemed to stretch endlessly as she wrestled with her emotions. Finally, drawing a deep, steadying breath, she retrieved her phone from her clutch. Her fingers trembled slightly.

Julian's advice echoed in her mind. She needed to confront Alexander directly.

Just as her thumb hovered over his contact, ready to dial, a familiar voice cut through her haze of indecision.

"Evelyn? Is that really you?"

Startled, she looked up to see a familiar face breaking into a wide, warm smile.

"Amelia!" she exclaimed, her own face mirroring the surprise and delight.

Amelia stepped closer, her smile broadening. "It really is you! For a moment there, I thought I was seeing things."