Chapter 305

Evelyn took the lead, striding purposefully toward the restroom with the female officer trailing behind her.

Two minutes later, the officer emerged holding up a delicate necklace. "Is this what you were searching for, Ms. Sterling?"

Giselle's breath caught. It was indeed the missing heirloom.

Her hands trembled as she reached for it. "But... how?"

"Daphne must have stolen it," someone in the crowd murmured. "Did you see how she defended Evelyn earlier? What a hypocrite!"

"To betray your best friend like this... absolutely despicable."

Daphne stumbled out of the restroom moments later, her face ashen. Confusion clouded her features as she looked around wildly. "This isn't possible... I didn't..."

"Ms. Whitmore," the male officer said firmly, "you'll need to come with us."

"No!" Daphne's voice cracked with desperation. She turned pleading eyes toward Giselle. "You know I would never do this! Please, you have to believe me!"

Giselle's mind raced. Despite her shock, she couldn't let them arrest Daphne. A police record would ruin her friend forever. "Officers, there must be some mistake here—"

Evelyn's mocking laughter cut through the tension. "How amusing, Ms. Sterling. When you accused me, you were so certain. Almost as if you'd planted it yourself. Weren't you just saying how invaluable this necklace was? How you'd make the thief pay? But now that it's your dear friend..." She arched a perfect eyebrow. "Suddenly it's all a misunderstanding? Are you wasting police time?"

Giselle's mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water.

The officer cleared his throat. "Regardless, we must proceed with our investigation. The suspect needs to come to the station."

As they turned to leave, Evelyn's voice rang out sharply. "Wait!"

She approached the officers with confident strides. "Before you go, there's something you should know about this necklace." She extended her hand. "May I?"

After a brief hesitation, the officer handed it over.

All eyes followed as Evelyn sauntered toward Giselle. A knowing smirk played on her lips as she dangled the jewelry just out of reach. "For something so precious, Ms. Sterling... it's curious you didn't notice this is a counterfeit."

The crowd erupted in gasps.