Chapter 29
Desperate, Bonnie grabbed Lenore’s arm. “I swear, I just bumped into her at the sink after using the bathroom. Suddenly, her necklace was missing, and now I’m the one being blamed! Lenore, please believe me, I didn’t take it!”
Yvonne crossed her arms, a smirk on her face. “Just because you say you didn’t do it doesn’t make it true.”
Helen sneered, her tone laced with mockery. “I heard you’re also from a small town. No wonder you and Lenore are friends. Birds of a feather, right?”
Bonnie had built a strong reputation at Greenvine High School, rivaling Esther’s. There were whispers that she was an orphan from a small town with a traffic cop named Ken attending her parent–teacher meetings. Some even speculated he was supporting her financially.
Bonnie’s irritation was evident as she snapped, “Helen, back off She was indifferent to others‘ judgments, but she wouldn’t tolerate anyone speaking ill of Lenore.
Helen’s disdain was palpable in her retort. “If you’re gonna grab the spotlight, you gotta deal with the fallout when you’re caught.”
Esther was surprised to see Lenore at Culinary Ascent with Bonne, especially since they were right next door in the private
TOOM.
Resentment flickered in her eyes as she spoke to Bonnie. I don’t think you’re that kind of person, but we were alone in the restroom earlier.”
Helen and Yvonne were always eager for a chance to shine. With the Duncan heir and the wealthy heirs of Jinslenburg’s elite in the VIP room behind them, they weren’t about to miss an opportunity to make an impression.
“Are you really claiming you didn’t take it? So, you think Esther hid it to set you up?” Helen asked, her tone dripping with disdain.
“Exactly. With folks like you around those fancy shops, how can we be sure you weren’t there to lift something?” Yvonne chimed in.
Bonnie’s anger flared as she shot back at them. “If you can’t prove anything, you’re just spreading rumors
She usually kept to her own class, having been pushed aside because of Esther. Despite that, she focused on her studies and stayed out of drama, managing to keep to herself without any
issues.
She knew these classmates, but they weren’t close friends. She was taken aback at how effortlessly lies could spill out
“Proof?” Helen sneered. “Do you have cameras in your bathroom or something?”
“Bonnie…” Esther’s voice trembled, tears welling in her eyes. “If this were about anything else, I wouldn’t care, but this necklace was a gift from my aunt just two days ago for me being top of the class. It was worth fifteen–thousand dollars.”
Lenore had been quietly observing, and everything suddenly clicked. A cold smile appeared as her sharp gaze landed on Esther. “So, you’re saying Bonnie stole the necklace your aunt gave you?” Her voice was calm but carried undeniable weight.
Esther glanced at Lenore without answering, biting her lip as tears filled her eyes. “If you really like it, I can get you one just like it,” she said to Bonnie, her voice shaky. “But can you please give this one back to me?”
Esther had a natural talent for dancing, and her pink and white dress made her look sweet and innocent tonight. When she
20:25 Wed, Feb 5
Chapter 29
cried, she resembled a delicate flower swaying in the breeze–so vulnerable and lovable.
Janet frowned, narrowing her eyes at Bonnie with clear contemp “She looks so innocent, but who knew she could be so shady?”
As soon as Janet spoke, the others jumped in, their attention fully on Bonnic
“Why would you buy her another one? She stole your stuff and has the nerve to ask for more?” one bystander exclaimed. “You’re in the same class, and she’s taking things your aunt gave you. Isn’t that just pathetic?” another onlooker remarked.
“Don’t push us: if we get involved, it’ll end badly for everyone,” a third voice warned.
Each comment struck a nerve, cutting deep into Bonnie’s feelings.
Amid the chaos, the manager of Culinary Ascent stepped in. A man in his forties, he was already balancing the demands of his own family.
He knew he couldn’t afford to offend the Duncan family. After assessing the situation, he turned to Lenore and Bonnie, his expression grave. “Young lady, if you’ve taken something, please return it immediately, or we’ll have to involve the police!
Bonnie stood firm, her expression resolute. “I didn’t take anything, and I’ve got nothing to hide. If you want to call the cops. go ahead. I’m not afraid.”
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