Hermia placed her napkin carefully on her lap, refusing to rise to the bait. "You'd know all about that, wouldn't you, Selena?" she said, her voice sharp but measured.
Selena's eyes narrowed, and before she could retort, Mariela, her mother chimed in, her voice soft but pointed. "Girls, let's not argue. This is a celebration, after all," she said, though her gaze lingered on Hermia, assessing her with veiled disapproval. "Hermia, dear, that dress is quite… unexpected. I didn't realize you had such taste."
Hermia smiled tightly, recognizing the subtle jab. "Thank you, Mum. I didn't realize you knew suc taste," she said sweetly, picking up her champagne flute and taking a delicate sip.
Selena leaned back in her chair, her arms crossed. "Well, you certainly have everyone's attention tonight. I heard some of the guests wondering how you managed to afford such an outfit. Care to enlighten us?"
