Eva slowly looked away and forced herself back into the present.
A few moments later, the store assistant returned with a large rack of gowns.
"These are some of our latest party-wear designs," she said politely. "Please take your time."
She began presenting the gowns one by one.
Olivia carefully examined each dress.
"This one is beautiful…"
She touched the fabric lightly before looking at another.
"But perhaps something a little more elegant."
"Of course, ma'am."
The assistant immediately moved to another dress.
"This design has been very popular recently."
Olivia examined it.
"It's nice."
But she didn't seem impressed.
The assistant continued showing her different designs.
Then suddenly, Olivia's eyes stopped.
Across the store, inside a large glass display case, stood a breathtaking baby-pink gown.
Olivia stared at it.
For several seconds, she didn't say a word.
The gown was unlike anything she had seen so far.
The fitted corset was decorated with delicate diamond-like beads that shimmered beneath the warm lights.
The details were subtle but elegant.
The flowing princess-style skirt gave the gown a graceful, almost regal appearance.
Every part of the design looked carefully crafted.
Olivia couldn't take her eyes off it.
Something about the gown felt strangely familiar.
Where have I seen this before?
She narrowed her eyes slightly.
She tried to remember.
But nothing came to mind.
After staring at it for another few seconds, Olivia finally turned toward the assistant.
"Excuse me."
The assistant looked at her.
"Yes, ma'am?"
"What about that gown?"
Olivia pointed toward the glass display.
"I really like that one. I'd like to try it."
The assistant followed her gaze.
Her expression immediately became apologetic.
"I'm sorry, ma'am. That particular design is reserved for customers with premium card membership."
Olivia's smile faded slightly.
"Premium membership?"
"Yes, ma'am."
The assistant gestured toward the exclusive section.
"That collection is part of our premium line. Only customers with a valid premium membership card can purchase or try those designs."
Olivia looked back at the gown.
"But I really like that one."
Her voice carried a faint note of disappointment.
"It's so beautiful."
She paused.
"I wish I could wear it."
Sophie immediately noticed her daughter's disappointment.
"Don't be upset, Olivia."
She smiled reassuringly.
"I'm sure Anne can give you that gown. She's your sister, and this is her store."
Then Sophie turned toward Madison.
"Isn't that right, Madison?"
Madison's smile stiffened.
For a moment, she found herself caught between two sides.
If she insisted that Olivia should receive the gown, it might appear as though she was asking the store to ignore its own rules simply because Olivia was Anne's sister.
But if she defended the store's policy, Olivia might feel rejected.
Madison glanced at the gown.
Then she looked at Olivia.
Finally, she turned toward the assistant.
"Would it be possible to make an exception?"
She spoke gently.
"The store belongs to my daughter, and Olivia is her sister. She really likes the gown."
The assistant looked apologetic.
"I'm sorry, ma'am, but we aren't permitted to make exceptions."
She shook her head respectfully.
"That is the store's policy. Only customers with a premium membership card can purchase or try designs from that collection."
Olivia lowered her gaze.
For a moment, disappointment flashed across her face.
But she quickly composed herself.
"It's okay."
She forced a small smile.
"I understand."
Eva had been watching her carefully.
She noticed the subtle change in Olivia's expression.
"Olivia," Eva said firmly, "why don't you look at the designs the assistant brought?"
Her voice softened slightly.
"She said there are similar gowns. You might find something you like even more."
Olivia looked toward Eva.
For a moment, their eyes met.
Then Olivia forced another smile.
"Okay."
She turned toward the assistant.
"Please bring the other collection. I'll take a look."
"Certainly."
The assistant nodded.
She turned toward another employee standing nearby.
"Lily, could you please serve our guests some refreshments?"
A young woman immediately nodded.
"Of course."
She approached the group with a tray of drinks and light refreshments.
Meanwhile, the assistant walked away to bring more gowns.
Olivia leaned back in her seat.
But her eyes remained fixed on the glass case.
The baby-pink gown continued to capture her attention.
Why does that gown look so familiar?
She frowned slightly.
There was something about the design.
Something she couldn't explain.
But before she could think about it any further, movement near the entrance caught her attention.
A young woman in her twenties had just entered the store.
Two elegantly dressed women walked beside her, while two bodyguards followed closely behind.
The moment the staff saw her, their attitude changed.
Several assistants immediately became more attentive.
One of them hurried forward.
"Miss Clara, welcome."
The assistant smiled respectfully.
"Please have a seat. We've prepared the premium collection for you."
The young woman nodded calmly.
She didn't seem surprised by the special treatment.
Without saying much, she walked toward the private premium section.
Olivia watched her with curiosity.
Sophie leaned closer to her daughter.
"Isn't that Clara Whitmore?"
Olivia nodded.
"Yes. Clara Whitmore—the heiress of the Whitmore Group."
Sophie glanced toward the premium section.
"I heard she's having a birthday celebration soon."
"Yes," Olivia replied quietly.
"She doesn't socialize with many people. She's known for being quite reserved…"
She paused.
"And a little arrogant."
Sophie raised an eyebrow.
"Do you know her?"
"No. Not personally."
Olivia glanced toward Clara again.
Then her eyes shifted toward the premium collection.
The same section where the gown she had wanted was displayed.
She watched as the assistant welcomed Clara and began showing her the exclusive designs.
Olivia's smile slowly disappeared.
So that's why she can access that section.
Her eyes moved toward the baby-pink gown.
The very gown she had been refused.
A moment later, Clara was standing directly beside the glass display.
Olivia's fingers slowly curled against her palm.
Something about the situation irritated her.
It wasn't simply because Clara could access the gown.
It was the ease with which she did so.
Clara didn't have to ask.
She didn't have to explain.
She didn't have to persuade anyone.
She simply walked into the premium section because she belonged there.
Olivia watched silently.
Why does she get everything so easily?
She quickly pushed the thought away.
It's just a dress.
But deep down, she knew it wasn't only about the dress anymore.
Meanwhile, Clara had reached the premium section.
Nina, one of the senior store assistants, approached her carefully.
"Miss Clara, this is the collection you ordered. We'll just need your premium card for entry."
Clara smiled calmly.
"Of course."