She Left She Thrived She’s Worth Billions novel Chapter 949

Lilian followed his gaze and, unsurprisingly, spotted Melanie.

Melanie was engaged in conversation, a champagne flute in hand, every movement radiating the elegance of a classic beauty.

At today's bespoke gown banquet, most attendees had opted for glossy silks and satins.

Others leaned into modernized designs, sporting traditional silhouettes heavily embellished with sequins and rhinestones.

The older guests gravitated toward rich velvets.

The only woman wearing a hand-dyed cotton heirloom gown was Melanie.

It should have been the most understated fabric in the room, yet from the moment she entered, she commanded endless attention.

For starters, she was undeniably breathtaking.

Preston, standing beside her in matching traditional wear, looked equally striking.

To suit the banquet's theme, Preston had ditched his usual black suit and tie for the Charcoal Mandarin Tunic. It was tailored to perfection, featuring subtle, dark embroidery that made him look sharp and commanding.

A pair of crisp white gloves remained permanently sealed over his hands, adding an inexplicable layer of authority.

As for Melanie, her dress was an exceptionally rare Ink-Wash Calligraphy Gown.

Ink-wash designs existed, but they usually featured landscapes.

Melanie's was different.

The pure white cotton possessed a rich matte finish with incredible drape and texture, exuding an indescribable aura of luxury and class.

Lines of poetry cascaded across the fabric like bold brushstrokes, but rather than being printed, every single character was meticulously hand-embroidered. The stitching was so flawless and smooth it spoke of an artisan with peerless skill.

Upon closer inspection, one would notice that the embroidered verses were celebratory poems, perfectly matching the jubilant mood of the evening.

Even her jewelry was different from her usual choices.

She wore the Blanc de Chine Nephrite Bangle on her wrist and a pair of emerald drops in her ears.

They weren't a matching set, but both pieces radiated an exquisite, antique charm.

It was because, when it came to classical gown design, Lilian firmly believed no one on earth could rival Cynthia.

Cynthia's taste was unparalleled; from the fabric selection to the tailoring, every stitch was executed with uncompromising precision.

Yet the younger generation rarely appreciated her genius.

They preferred flashy, shimmering things, which was fine in its own right.

But Lilian knew that at today's banquet, those glossy silk gowns would be a dime a dozen.

She wanted Melanie and Preston to leave a lasting impression on Silas, hence the recommendation.

Of course, the final choice had rested entirely in Melanie's hands.

If Melanie hadn't resonated with Cynthia's vision, no one could have forced the matter.

As it turned out, Melanie had an exceptional eye.