His Housewife Had Secret Identities novel Chapter 834

She arrived in the latest Rolls-Royce Phantom, and the moment she stepped out, she was blinded by a storm of camera flashes. But Ramona had always craved the spotlight, reveling in the feeling of being the center of attention, the most envied woman in the world.

She had spared no expense for tonight’s gala. She’d commissioned a rush order for a custom jewelry set laden with rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. From her hair ornaments to her earrings, necklace, bracelet, and ring, every piece was an extravagant, multi-layered cluster of gems. Her evening gown was also a rush custom design from Coralis’s most famous couturier. The theme was a peacock, with a massive train fanning out like peacock feathers in an iridescent, pearly blue-green. Ramona was certain this battle gown would make her the undisputed queen of the gala.

And the person she most wanted to outshine wasn't some movie star, but Niamh. She knew Niamh would be attending. Although the government seemed to be on the outs with the NJ Group, the company’s contributions this year were too significant to ignore, so Niamh and Jonathan were sure to be there.

Ramona sauntered down the red carpet, striking poses. She had deliberately arranged with the organizers to have Niamh walk the carpet right after her, ensuring the media would draw a direct comparison. In Ramona’s mind, Niamh always opted for understated, simple attire at such events. Niamh’s plainness would only make her own peacock splendor seem all the more unique and magnificent.

But just as Ramona was signing the guest board, a wave of gasps rippled through the press.

“It’s Niamh!”

When she heard the word “phoenix,” Ramona’s face fell. She craned her neck to look toward the end of the carpet and saw Niamh gliding gracefully toward her. Breaking from her usual style, Niamh wore an exceptionally eye-catching gown. The cut was exquisitely unique, its fluid lines and perfect tailoring accentuating her already flawless figure. With long sleeves, a deep V-neck, and an A-line train, the dress was both sensual and grand. The fabric was a fiery red in varying shades, and the train was ingeniously designed to resemble either roaring flames or the vibrant tail of a phoenix. Pearlescent sequins scattered across the silk fabric acted as the final touch, refracting a rainbow of colors under the lights.

Unlike Ramona, who had piled on jewels to project opulence, Niamh kept her accessories minimal. Her wavy hair was left to cascade naturally, her only adornment a pair of large, high-quality ruby stud earrings.

Ramona had intended for Niamh to be her foil. Instead, she had become the foil herself, perfectly highlighting Niamh’s vastly superior taste. In the eyes of the media, Niamh was a heaven-sent goddess, a phoenix reborn from the ashes. Ramona, on the other hand, looked like a nouveau riche upstart whose attempt to mimic a peacock was nothing more than a clumsy parody.