Chapter 31
Chapter 31
“No way that’s the real deal.” Yvonne’s eyes widened, her tone dripping with skepticism.
Janet, looking just as surprised, asked, “Can I take a look?”
Yvonne passed the necklace over without a moment’s hesitation
The dolphin pendant was a stunning deep blue, glimmering like high–end gem, almost too perfect to be real.
Janet whipped out her phone’s UV light feature and started scanning the necklace. Her forehead creased as she concentrated. “This is no fake,” she declared.
She had bought a piece from the same Ocean Series last year and knew the drill Dreaming’s jewelry had those secret watermarks that only showed up under UV light, a surefire way to tell if it was authentic.
“No kidding.” Yvonne and Helen said together, their voices a mix of shock and doubt.
Janet’s brow furrowed as she responded, “Are you doubting my judgment?”
Helen and Yvonne exchanged glances and quickly backpedaled with awkward chuckles. “Not at all…”
54%
They doubted whether Lenore and Bonnie, known for their thrift store finds, could afford a piece worth 150 thousand if the necklace was the real deal.
Yvonne’s face twisted into a sardonic grin as she hit on something. “Lenore, you didn’t just lift this, did you?” she asked, her voice dripping with skepticism.
Helen was quick to chime in, her tone accusatory, Totally! We spotted you guys lurking around that high–end shop tod You definitely boosted it!”
Esther’s gaze was locked onto the necklace now in Janet’s grasp. She’d been pining after it for ages, but her dad had always shot down the idea–it was just too costly. There it was, in Lenore’s hands, leaving Esther feeling hollow.
With Lenore’s mother’s inheritance on hold, Esther was baffled by how Lenore could manage such an expensive purchase. Fighting back tears, she confronted Lenore. “Dad never held back for you, even with Greenvine High School. You didn’t steal, did you?”
“Esther, how could you- Bonnie tried to interject in Lenore’s defense but was swiftly hushed.
Defiance etched on her face, Lenore fished out à crumpled piece of paper from her pocket and hurled it at Esther.
The paper got caught in Esther’s hair. Before she could free it, someone behind her snatched it away. That guy scanned it and exclaimed, “Holy smokes! This is for 180 grand! It’s a legit receipt from Dreaming, stamped and dated this morning”
The revelation that the necklace was real hit Helen, Yvonne, and Esther like a ton of bricks.
It was shocking to realize that Lenore had actually bought it today.
Esther’s face went pale, her nails digging into her palms as she regretted her earlier accusations.
Breaking the tense silence, someone called out, “Esther, is this your necklace?”
With a $180,000 necklace in play against one worth just $15,000 there was really nothing more to discuss. It was clear that
1/2
20:26 Wed, Feb 5
Chapter 31
54%
some people were just trying to stir up
drama.
Janet shot a sharp look around the hallway, and the chatter quicted immediately.
Helen’s face flushed with anger as she clenched her teeth. “So what if it’s real? That doesn’t prove Lenore and Bonnie didn’t steal Esther’s necklace!”
Suddenly, a burst of laughter cut through the tension, drawing everyone’s attention to the entrance of the next room.
There, two men stood out: one tall in a sleek black silk shirt, exuding sophistication with his striking features, and the other with bright blue hair, his charming face and playful grin radiating youthful energy.
The room was thick with awkwardness when a voice piped up. What’s all the laughter about?”
Wayne chuckled, cigarette in hand. “Crazy to see someone who can afford a 180–grand piece go for a 15–grand trinket.” Actually, he hadn’t expected Lenore to be so wealthy.
Silas kept his mouth shut, but his eyes were fixed on Lenore, a hint of a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth.
Helen and Yvonne were both wishing they could vanish on the spot after that comment.
1–Helen began to speak, but was cut off by a polite voice.
“Are you looking for a necklace?” A woman with a child approached, drawing everyone’s attention.
E
