Chapter 328

"Look! Isn't that Lillian Prescott? I never thought we'd run into her here!" Abigail whispered excitedly into Evelyn's ear.

As an avid drama fan who followed entertainment news religiously, Abigail immediately recognized the rising star.

Lillian wore minimal makeup with her hair pulled into a sleek ponytail. Her designer casual outfit hugged every curve, exuding effortless elegance.

Evelyn wasn't familiar with the actress beyond knowing she was a celebrity. The silver screen made Lillian appear more striking than in person. Though they'd crossed paths before, they'd never interacted. When Evelyn noticed Lillian eyeing the same gown, she politely stepped back.

"I'll browse other designs," Evelyn offered graciously.

To her, surrendering the dress meant nothing. The boutique overflowed with exquisite options.

But Evelyn never expected her courtesy to be mistaken for provocation.

Lillian's stilettos gave her a height advantage over Evelyn. She positioned herself arrogantly before Evelyn and sneered, "These are one-of-a-kind couture pieces, not rental costumes. If you can't afford them, you shouldn't be here. This store isn't for just anyone."

Evelyn blinked in surprise at the unexpected hostility.

They were complete strangers. Why this sudden attack?

Abigail had been discreetly reaching for her phone to snap photos, but Lillian's words instantly shattered her admiration. The actress always played sweet, gentle roles. Was this her true nature?

"Welcome back, Ms. Prescott! Our new collection just arrived. You'll adore it," a sales associate gushed, practically tripping over herself to assist the celebrity while ignoring Evelyn.

Lillian preened under the flattery, shooting Evelyn a contemptuous glance. "Why do you allow such poorly dressed riffraff in here?"

Evelyn frowned, bewildered by the actress's inexplicable animosity.

The clerk fawned over Lillian. "Just pretend they're not here, Ms. Prescott. Shall I show you our latest catalog?"

"Do you know her?" Abigail asked, sensing the palpable hostility from both the actress and clerk.

Evelyn shook her head. "Never met her before."

Abigail couldn't comprehend why Lillian would target a complete stranger.

Did she look down on "commoners"? How appalling!

Lillian strutted over, scrutinizing Evelyn from head to toe with a mocking smirk, as if evaluating merchandise.

The invasive inspection made Evelyn's skin crawl.

"Is this all you've got?" Lillian chuckled, uttering words that baffled Evelyn.

Evelyn had endured enough of this arrogance. "Do you realize how rude you're being, Ms. Prescott?" Her voice turned icy.

Lillian's gaze dripped with even more disdain.

'This is the woman Dominic loves? She can't even handle mild provocation.'

Lillian believed she surpassed Evelyn in every way. Why would Dominic choose her?

Abigail glared at Lillian before steering Evelyn away. "Ignore that lunatic. Her on-screen persona is clearly fake. What pretentious nonsense..."

Lillian's smirk faltered as reality crashed down. They were in a public space. Had anyone recorded this?

Her last public outburst at Maxwell's bar had gone viral, tarnishing her innocent image. Her agency barely contained the PR disaster, but some fans' perceptions were permanently altered.

Scanning the area, she noted only a few distant shoppers and exhaled in relief.

Spotting Evelyn examining a pristine white gown, Lillian sauntered over. "That's Gi's latest design. It would cost you years of salary. Can't afford it, can you? Pick something cheap—I'll pay." Her condescension was palpable.

Evelyn laughed incredulously. Before she could respond, Abigail sneered, "Oh, is the celebrity flashing her wealth? Don't mind if we do, Evelyn. Why stop at one? I'd like something too. Since you're so generous, Ms. Prescott, care to cover mine as well?"

"Help yourselves," Lillian said magnanimously. "Working-class girls like you could never afford anything here. Unless..." Her eyes gleamed maliciously. "Some women use their looks to seduce wealthy men into buying them things. Where's your man today? Did he abandon you?"

Though bewildered by Lillian's hostility, Evelyn sensed something sinister beneath the surface.

Meeting Lillian's gaze squarely, Evelyn decided to play along for the first time regarding her relationship.

"My man? He's terribly busy today—couldn't accompany me shopping. So thoughtful though—he sent Abigail to keep me company and promised to pick me up afterward." She sighed dramatically. "Honestly, I wish he'd give me some space sometimes!"

Abigail stifled a giggle at Evelyn's exaggerated performance.

Lillian's mocking smile froze as Evelyn's words struck home...