“I don’t know either. It’s weird. You’d think the fake would be the one freaking out right now.”
“Did you notice that the impostor’s dress actually looks better? Honestly, the one on Ms. Ballard doesn’t seem as well made.”
“No way. They look pretty much the same to me.”
While everyone whispered and speculated, Bradley leaned over, carefully lifting the hem of Madeline’s gown. He examined it closely, then straightened up, his face completely unreadable.
“Alright. There’s no need to keep looking.”
Seeing Bradley’s serious expression, Claire arched an eyebrow. She was sure Madeline’s dress was a fake. Why else would Bradley look so grim?
Claire gave a cold, smug smile. “Bradley, aren’t you going to check mine, too?”
Bradley shook her head. “That won’t be necessary.”
Guests murmured to each other. “Bradley must have figured out the impostor’s dress is fake. That’s why she didn’t even bother checking Ms. Ballard’s.”
“Exactly. You could tell just by looking at his face. The impostor’s dress is definitely a fake.”
“I knew it. That impostor is just asking for humiliation. Let’s see what she does now. This is going to be such a disaster for her.”
The crowd buzzed with anticipation, everyone waiting for Madeline to be embarrassed. Claire was right there with them, shooting Madeline a look full of gloating and mockery.
“Bradley, just announce the results already. Tell her to accept reality and take off that fake dress,” Claire said, practically glowing with satisfaction.
Bradley’s expression didn’t change. He faced the crowd, calm as ever. “I’ve finished the assessment. The gown this young lady is wearing is the real one. I designed it myself and had it custom made.”
Bradley shook his head. “No need. Hers is real, and yours is fake. It won’t change, no matter how many times I look.”
Claire’s hands clenched into fists. She refused to believe it. Bradley must have been bribed by Julian.
She glared. “Bradley, I warned you not to throw away your reputation for a dress. Are you really going to lie for them, call a fake the real thing? Aren’t you just ruining your own name?”
Bradley smiled quietly, unfazed by the accusation. “Real things will always be real. The material and craftsmanship of your dress are not mine. I can spot a copy immediately. If you don’t believe me, compare them yourself. It’s obvious.”
Refusing to give in, Claire marched over to Madeline, lifted the hem of her gown, then inspected her own. At first glance, both dresses looked beautiful. But up close, the details on her own dress were indeed rougher, the diamonds nowhere near as bright as the ones on Madeline’s.
“This…” Claire’s eyes went wide, panic creeping in. “How could this happen? No… You…”
“What about me?” Madeline stayed calm, not bothered at all by Claire’s shaking finger. “Now that everything’s clear, are you ready to follow through and take off your dress, just like you said?”

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