Cassian stopped dead in his tracks. “What happened?”
“Mr. Rhodes, I found that one of the diamonds is missing from the earring!” the store manager said nervously.
“When I took out our signature piece, I checked it carefully–everything was perfect when I brought it out. I even had staff record a video, but now.. The flagship store manager looked at Cassian anxiously.
She was innocent! But whether he believed her was up to Cassian.
So she watched him carefully, terrified that one angry word from him would cost her job.
“Find out what happened,” Cassian said simply.
Sonia couldn’t resist stirring the pot. “Oh my God, what’s going on? I remember when I was wearing the earring, all the diamonds were there. How did one suddenly disappear? It’s a pink diamond, and pretty big too. That’s gotta be worth serious money, right?”
Her words made everyone freeze up.
Who the hell would dare say anything? If they couldn’t find that diamond, they’d all be screwed.
Just then, Ana came out after changing clothes.
“What’s going on?” Ana asked.
“Perfect timing. Did you know one of the diamonds from the earring is missing?” Sonia asked pointedly.
Ana paused, but instead of taking the bait, she looked toward the earring.
“Can I take a look at it?”
“Give it to her,” Cassian said.
Cassian didn’t believe for a second that Ana would do something like this. If Ana wanted it, he’d give it to her–hell, he’d give her the whole damn company if she asked.
Ana took the earring and examined it carefully.
Sonia kept adding fuel to the fire. “You can stare at it all you want–it’s not gonna magically reappear.”
Ana ignored Sonia completely, not even sparing her a glance, treating her like background noise.
After a moment, Ana said, “This earring was designed with a special setting technique for aesthetic reasons. It looks like the stones are just sitting loosely on top, but actually the prongs are strong enough to hold the diamond securely. Without using force, it’s impossible for it to fall out.”
Sonia thought Ana was pretty sharp–she’d figured out the problem right away.
But so what?
Sonia kept pushing. “Wow, you know so much about it. This wouldn’t have anything to do with you, would it? How else would you know someone used force to pry it off?”
Aurora shot Sonia a look. “Sonia, shut up.”
Sonia acted all startled, her eyes widening. “Aurora, I’m just telling the truth. Is that wrong?”
“Speaking the truth is fine, but you can’t just throw around accusations without proof,” Aurora said.
Sonia’s tears started flowing like she was the most wronged person in the world.
– J Tadau Married Tomorrow: My Overnight Wedding to a Tycoon
136.09
Chapter 273
“What did I ever do to you? Why are you, as my boss, not protecting your own talent but constantly defending some outseler like Arastacia? Or is there something going on between you two?”
Everyone paused. The way Sonia put it, maybe Ana and Aurora really did have some shady relationship.
From the beginning, Ana and Aurora had been standing together talking like they were best friends.
Sonia’s move was pretty clever–she’d gotten everyone suspicious about Ana and Aurora’s relationship.
But Aurora never played by the rules. “You’re my employee, and I’ve known you since you were a kid. If I won’t even help you, why would I help Ana? You’re so eager to pin this on Ana–are you doing this on purpose?”
Sonia froze, her eyes flickering as she avoided Aurora’s gaze.
Jenny watched Sonia with worry–she’d been too hasty and might have blown their cover.
Sonia realized she’d messed up and decided to go on the offensive.
“If that’s what you want to think, I’ve got nothing more to say!” Sonia turned to leave.
“No way,” Ana said. “Nobody leaves until we find that diamond.”
Sonia’s eyes narrowed as she looked at Ana. “You suspect me? I haven’t even said I suspect you, and you dare suspect me?”
“I’m not actively suspecting anyone, but everyone here is worth suspecting.”
“So you think Cassian’s suspicious too? This is his own company’s stuff–would he steal from himself?”
Sonia laughed coldly. “You know exactly what kind of background you come from. If you need money, you could ask me or anyone else here for a loan instead of getting your hands dirty.”
“Thanks for offering to lend me money, but I don’t think that’s necessary,” Ana said.
Sonia paused. Ana sounded so confident–did she already know something?
“I had the photographer show me the photos from the shoot. When the earring was on you, it was complete. But when I started shooting, the diamond was already missing. During the entire shoot, I never left everyone’s sight. So I have zero opportunity to commit this crime.”
Ana paused, then continued, “On the other hand, you’re much more suspicious.”
Sonia was so shocked she lost all ability to speak.
“That’s impossible,” she said in disbelief. “How could a photo show that clearly?”
“Don’t you know? Modern cameras have crazy high resolution. You can zoom in tons of times, especially with professional equipment like this.”
“I don’t believe it! Show me,” Sonia demanded, reaching out her hand.
Ana extended the camera toward her.
Just as Sonia was about to grab it, Ana pulled it back, and Sonia grasped at air.
Sonia’s eyes turned to daggers, looking like she wanted to cut Ana down. “What the hell are you doing?!”
Ana raised an eyebrow. “What do you think? You really think I’m stupid enough to hand over evidence so you can destroy it?”
“Confess now, or I’m calling the cops. When they get here, you won’t be able to talk your way out of it.”
Suddenly Jenny spoke up. “Oh wow, this is all just a misunderstanding! I went to the dressing room where Sonía changed and found the diamond.”
The moment she emerged with the diamond, Sonia breathed a huge sigh of relief.
Chapter 273
She glared at Ana viciously. “What do you have to explain now?”
Ana laughed, her eyes full of mockery.
“What do you think? What do I need to explain? Aren’t you the one playing the thief crying thief?”
“I’m done talking to you!” Sonia turned to leave.
“Hold up.” Ana said. “You deliberately damaged the earring. Don’t you need to pay for repairs?”
“Who told you I broke it?! I have no idea what happened,” Sonia insisted it had nothing to do with her,
“No problem, I’ll call the police. At least we know it definitely wasn’t any of the staff.”
“Fine! I’ll pay, okay?!” Sonia’s eyes flashed with anger.
Just wait. She couldn’t take Ana down this time, but she’d definitely find another chance!
(5)
