Chapter 303

Nathan responded instantly, his voice firm. "She's with me!"

Giselle quickly cut in.

Nathan's piercing gaze narrowed slightly as he turned toward Giselle, his eyes flashing with barely contained irritation.

Evelyn was taken aback by Nathan's unexpected defense. A warm surge of gratitude washed over her, but she knew she couldn't rely on him to handle this. If she didn't stand her ground now, these people would keep walking all over her.

Drawing herself up, Evelyn took a steadying breath before addressing Giselle with cool precision. "Ms. Sterling, are you suggesting I'm not free to leave unless I submit to having my belongings searched?"

Giselle met her gaze evenly. "Ms. Hartley, that's not what I meant at all. Our family would never resort to such tactics. However..."

She let the word hang in the air before continuing with a knowing smile. "If you refuse the search, perhaps involving the authorities would be more appropriate."

The mention of police sent murmurs rippling through the gathered guests.

Giselle pressed on. "I've made it clear how valuable that necklace is to me. This matter can't simply be dropped. If you cooperate now and the necklace is found, I'll show leniency. But if the police discover it on you..." She tilted her head. "You understand the consequences, don't you?"

With feigned concern, she added, "Think carefully about your next move, Ms. Hartley."

Evelyn's responding smile was ice-cold. "How considerate of you, Ms. Sterling."

Then, with deliberate calm, she turned to Natalie. "Call the police. Now."

Gasps filled the room. No one had expected Evelyn to escalate the situation by summoning law enforcement herself.

This bold move made several guests reconsider - surely someone guilty wouldn't invite police scrutiny? Yet Giselle hid a triumphant smile. This was exactly the outcome she'd hoped for.

Natalie shot Evelyn a worried look as realization dawned. Earlier, Daphne had "accidentally" bumped into Evelyn, causing her to drop her purse. It had been Daphne who retrieved it. Given Giselle and Daphne's confident expressions now, the necklace had likely been planted then. Calling the police would only trap Evelyn further!

But Evelyn appeared unshaken. She met Natalie's anxious eyes and murmured, "Trust me."

After a brief hesitation, Natalie nodded and pulled out her phone to make the call.

The police arrived swiftly - a male and female officer dispatched to the Sterling estate.

"Who placed the call?" the male officer inquired.

"I did, Officer." Natalie stepped forward. "Here's what happened..." She quickly summarized the situation for both officers.

When she finished, the male officer turned to Evelyn. "As you're the primary suspect, we'll need to search your belongings and conduct a pat-down."