La Novels
Chapter 657
Connor's words cut through the tension like a knife. Everyone there knew he was right. If every baseless accusation required you to prove your innocence, it'd be a free pass for troublemakers. Plus, the law clearly puts the burden of proof on the accuser. So, even if the jewelry was in Mrs. Sartori's bag, no one could search it without her consent.
Lisa, oblivious to the legalities, was relentless. "If you refuse a search, you've got something to hide. It must be Chloe who took my rose brooch. Chloe, you're a thief!"
Connor saw through Lisa's ploy. With all eyes on them, he couldn't let the brooch appear in Chloe's bag. This clumsy setup would eventually unravel, clearing Chloe's name. But if discovered now, the misunderstanding would be public, and no amount of vindication could erase the stain of suspicion.
As Connor stood firm, Chloe gave his sleeve a playful tug, reminiscent of a Diana-like elegance. Connor turned to her, catching the mischievous sparkle in her eyes-a silent cue. Chloe wasn't panicked or angry; instead, she seemed amused, like a clever fox with a trick up her sleeve. Connor relaxed, realizing Chloe anticipated this.
As Chloe stepped forward, Connor didn't intervene. "Lisa, accusations come with consequences. You claim I stole your jewelry; what proof do you have?"
Lisa, brimming with misplaced confidence, retorted, "The evidence is in your bag. It has to be you; you had the motive. Chloe, you're my sister, and I know you liked that brooch. If you wanted it, I would've given it to you. There's no need to disgrace the Meadows family over this."
The room buzzed with whispers, spectators drawn like moths to a
flame. The revelation that these two were sisters added a layer of
intrigue. For a moment, even the
queen's tears were forgotten.
Everyone was eager for the next twist in this unfolding drama.
Despite the gossip, most found it hard to believe that the poised Miss Chloe would resort to theft. After all, Connor was a well-known tycoon, and Chloe, as his companion, wouldn't risk her reputation over a brooch, no matter its worth. Yet, with Lisa claiming sisterhood and their apparent rivalry at the auction, a family feud seemed plausible. Maybe Chloe had taken the brooch after all.
Eyes darted back and forth between the sisters, searching for clues in their expressions. Chloe, calm and unflinching, challenged, "Go ahead, search my bag. But what if you don't find what you're looking for?"
Lisa was convinced. She'd watched Chloe carry the bag back after
slipping the brooch into a hidden compartment. Chloe seemed
oblivious, confident because sh
truly hadn't taken anything. But confidence wouldn't matter if the jewelry was found-it would be a stain she couldn't wash away.
"If I've falsely accused you," Lisa declared, "I'll do whatever you ask."
Chloe, unfazed, replied, "Then you can bark like a dog three times in public, since you're so good at barking."
Lisa seethed with anger, feeling the sting of Chloe's words. But she was sure that once the brooch fell from Chloe's bag, Chloe's smugness would vanish.NôvelDrama.Org (C) content.