Chapter 517
“Isn’t she that award–winning actress? I can’t believe she’d actually steal something.”
“I didn’t,” Hannah retorted, feeling the sharp sting of the crowd’s accusatory stares.
“Yeah, I don’t think Ms. Cole would’ve stolen it,” Shirley quickly defended Hannah. “I was just chatting with her earlier, and we really hit it off. She even said mynecklace was pretty and wanted one too…”
Shirley’s voice trailed off as she suddenly paused. Then, she turned to Hannah with a surprised expression as she covered her mouth. “Could it be…”
Sure enough, her words stirred up a storm of whispers.
“Ms. Watson is just too naive. She didn’t even catch the double meaning in that woman’s words.”
“Exactly. She said she wanted one, too. Clearly, she had her eye on the necklace. She definitely stole it!” “Wait, I think I saw her at the Sinclair Group and Lancaster Group ribbon–cutting ceremony. She was dressed provocatively, just like those promo models at car shows. And then Mr. Lancaster took her away afterward!” “What? Isn’t Mr. Lancaster engaged to Ms. Watson? So that woman is…”
super
In an instant, all the malicious speculation zeroed in on Hannah.
Even Grace’s expression shifted after she heard all those whispers. So, she’s the one who seduced Dominic and made him refuse to marry Shirley,” she thought.
Hannah clenched her hands.
Before she could speak, Shirley went on again. “Everyone, please don’t jump to conclusions. I believe Ms. Cole isn’t that kind of person! She probably just took it by accident.”
Shirley was trying hard not to smile as she looked at Hannah innocently. “Ms. Cole, could you please give the necklace back? If you really like it, I’ll give you an even prettier one.”
Now, Hannah was beginning to see just how skilled Shirley really was.
She had Dominic take Hannah away the other day, and now publicly expressed her trust in Hannah. Shirley had been manipulating the narrative all along, carefully crafting herself into the perfect victim.
The more reasonable and gracious she appeared, the more disgusted and scornful people were toward Hannah.
“No matter how flawed I may be, I would never stoop so low as to steal something!” Hannah raised her voice, wanting the crowd
to hear her clearly. “If anyone insists on slandering me, don’t blame me for fighting back!”
“I’d like to see how exactly you plan to do that when you’re all alone.” Frederick stepped forward, his expression dark. “Now hand over my sister’s necklace!”
With someone playing the villain, Shirley naturally positioned herself as the peacekeeper. “Don’t get so worked up. We shouldn’t wrongly accuse someone without solid evidence. But speaking of evidence…”
She blinked, as if struck by a great idea. She then turned to Hannah with a sweet smile. “Why don’t you show everyone your bag, Ms. Cole? If the necklace isn’t inside, it’ll prove your innocence, won’t it?”
Hearing that, Hannah froze for a second, instinctively clutching her handbag tighter.
If the necklace wasn’t in her bag, it would indeed clear her name. However, if it was, then no matter what she s be able to explain her way out of it.
e wouldn’t
With the way Shirley was looking at her, something had obviously already been set in motion. But when had it happened?
Hannah quickly scanned the faces in the crowd, and finally, at the far end of the group, she caught sight of the maid who had
Chapter 517
+25 BONUS
taken her to clean the cream off her dress earlier.
It was her.
The memory came rushing back. When Hannah left the restroom and passed through the hallway, that maid had bumped into her again.
Her handbag had fallen, spilling everything onto the floor.
The maid immediately apologized and scrambled to help Hannah pick things up.
Hannah hadn’t thought much of it at the time.
But when the maid was putting Hannah’s things back into her bag she must have slipped the necklace in too.
That maid was trying to frame her!
C
