But just then, an uproar erupted in the main hall.

Startled, Linsey froze, her hand still on the zipper. What s going on?

We re about to find out, came Collin s steady voice behind her.

At his signal, one of the bodyguards stepped forward, bowing slightly. I ll check right away.

But before he could move more than a couple of steps, a crowd surged toward them like a wave, loud and chaotic, their footsteps pounding like a storm.

Leading the charge were none other than Kylee and Cynthia.

Linsey s eyes widened. A chill of unease crept down her spine.

Reacting instinctively, the bodyguards stepped forward, arms outstretched to keep the onlookers at bay. Cynthia was forced to halt but she didn t miss a beat.

Pointing an accusatory finger at Linsey from behind the shield of security, Cynthia screamed, She s the thief!

What did I steal? Linsey shot back, clearly bewildered, confusion flashing in her eyes.

Cynthia scoffed at her response, as if the question itself was an insult. With this many people watching, you still have the nerve to pretend you re innocent, you bitch?

Linsey s confusion deepened.

Pretending? Wasn t it natural to ask what she was being accused of? Before she could speak again, Collin positioned himself in front of her protectively. His eyes, cold as steel, fixed on Cynthia. Say one more word against her, he warned, and I ll cut your tongue out.

Cynthia s bravado crumbled in an instant. Shoulders hunched, she shrank behind Kylee like a scolded child. Kylee she whimpered.

Kylee, however, stood her ground and addressed Collin with forced calm. Don t be upset, Collin. Let me explain. Cynthia gave me a gold bracelet earlier, and it went missing shortly after. So

So now you think I took it? Linsey snapped, a bitter laugh escaping her lips. Why in the world would I steal your bracelet?

Find your imagination at galn ovels ; con

Cynthia peeked out from behind Kylee, her tone sharp. It vanished in the restroom. Only the three of us were there. If it wasn t you, who else could it be?

Maybe it was you, Linsey shot back, unflinching. Maybe you regretted giving it away and decided to take it back.

Ridiculous! Cynthia snapped, her cheeks flushing with anger.

Cynthia, enough, Kylee interjected, trying to steady the tension.

Then, turning back to Linsey with a sweet smile that didn t reach her eyes, she asked gently, If you have nothing to hide, Linsey, would you mind opening your handbag so we can all take a look?

All eyes immediately shifted to the handbag Linsey held.

Linsey s brow furrowed, but she stayed silent, refusing to respond.

Go ahead, open it! Cynthia exclaimed, stirring up the tension. If there s no gold bracelet inside, I ll get down on my knees and apologize to you right here in front of everyone!

The crowd jumped in, egging Linsey on to do what Cynthia asked. N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on FindN()vel.net

With no way out, Linsey reluctantly opened her handbag for everyone to see, turning it upside down and emptying it completely. A hush fell as a gold bracelet tumbled out for all to see.

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