Chapter 304

"Of course," Evelyn Hartley said smoothly, handing her clutch to the female officer.

The officer unzipped the small designer bag with no compartments, its contents now exposed to everyone's view.

Gasps rippled through the crowd. The necklace was nowhere to be seen. Giselle Sterling's triumphant smile froze, then shattered.

Daphne Whitmore's jaw dropped. This couldn't be happening. She'd personally slipped the diamond pendant into Evelyn's bag mere minutes ago.

"Officer," Evelyn's voice cut through the murmurs, "would you mind accompanying me to the ladies' room for a more thorough search?"

The female officer nodded. "Standard procedure."

They disappeared into the restroom.

Five tense minutes later, they returned.

"Ms. Hartley is clean," the officer announced to her partner.

Giselle and Daphne exchanged horrified glances. The necklace had vanished like smoke.

The male officer turned to Giselle. "We've conducted a complete search of Ms. Hartley and her belongings. Perhaps you misplaced the necklace before visiting the restroom?"

"Impossible!" Giselle's voice rose shrilly. "I specifically put it in my bag before leaving!"

The officer's gaze traveled upward to the security cameras dotting the ceiling. "We could review the surveillance footage."

Giselle's manicured fingers twitched. "Those... those cameras were turned off tonight. Privacy concerns for our distinguished guests."

His frown deepened.

Evelyn's lips curved. "Officer, I just remembered something important."

All eyes turned to her.

"Ms. Sterling wasn't alone in the restroom, was she?" Evelyn's voice carried clearly.

The crowd erupted in whispers.

"Daphne went with her!"

"If Evelyn's a suspect, then Daphne should be too!"

Giselle's face darkened. "Preposterous! Daphne was with me the entire time!"

Evelyn arched an eyebrow. "The entire time? Even in the stall?"

Giselle's mouth opened, then snapped shut.

Daphne stepped forward, chin raised. "I have nothing to hide. I'll submit to a search as well."