apter 32
Chapter 32
The manager, seeing the stunned silence, took the lead. “Yes, do you have any information for us?”
The woman surveyed the group, then opened her palm to reveal a silver necklace. “Is this what you’re after?”
The manager, not recognizing the necklace himself, looked to Ether, Helen, and Yvonne, who had been the most vocal about the missing piece, uncertainty in his eyes. “Ladies…” he asked, seeking confirmation.
Janet recognized the necklace from that morning in the dance studio’s changing room. Now, catching sight of it in someone else’s hand, she frowned. “Where’d this come from?” she asked.
The woman holding the necklace pointed to the restroom, replying. “I spotted it under the sink while I was washing up. I heard the ruckus you guys were making, so I figured I should bring it over.”
Wayne let out a laugh, shaking his head. Finding it under the sink, seriously? This is just too much,” he said, his amusement
clear.
Silas glanced at Wayne, a frown of disapproval on his face.
The necklace was so noticeable; it seemed odd that it had been missed under the sink. Yet, Esther had been quick to blame Bonnie and Lenore for its disappearance.
A voice from the crowd questioned, “Throwing around accusations without any proof?”
Another added, “Maybe you’re the one who hid it there to frame your own sister.”
And someone else pointed out, “If someone’s got the cash to buy a necklace worth 180 grand, they’re not eyeing a 15–grand piece.
Esther’s clear animosity towards Lenore and Bonnie was palpable. Bystanders, on their way to get food, were drawn into the drama and started murmuring amongst themselves, their comments carrying through the air.
Helen and Yvonne were both at a loss for words, their mouths hanging open. Esther was so flustered that she could hardly speak, biting her lip till it nearly bled, and Janet felt the sting of the situation as if she’d been physically hit.
Lenore took the necklace from the woman and threw it at Esther, along with the one featuring the little dolphin, her frustration evident.
The whole scene was a blindside. Lenore, with her hands in her pockets and a chilling demeanor, towered over Esther, commanding. “Apologize.”
Esther’s knuckles turned white as she clutched the necklaces, anger welling up inside her. “I’m lost here. L..”
“Apologize!” Lenore barked, cutting Esther off, her voice growing colder and more threatening with each word
1- Esther attempted to retort, but was interrupted.
“You were out of line. You jumped the gun, and now we see it was all a big mistake. Esther, an apology is in order!” Janet stepped in, her voice steady yet assertive,
Janet, though she had little patience for Lenore’s type, was a sticker for justice and wouldn’t be swayed by deception. She 100 was embarrassed by Esther’s behavior today.
20:26 Wed, Feb 5
Chapter 32
Janet’s anger was p
palpable, her voice sharp with it. Esther, who had been diligently trying to build a bond with Janet and the Duncans, knew she couldn’t let this incident shatter all her efforts
Esther’s face showed her anguish, her lip bleeding from where shed bitten down too hard. Her eyes welled up with tears as she addressed Lenore and Bonnie. Lenore, Bonnie, I’m so sorry I messed up by assuming things without making sure.”
Feeling the pressure, Yvonne and Helen also found themselves compelled to offer apologies under Janet’s unwavering gaze.
Lenore strode towards Esther, radiating a winter–storm chill. Upon facing her, she met Esther’s gaze, catching a glimpse of the concealed resentment that others couldn’t see.
Lenore’s smirk was icy, almost feral, as she whispered close to Esther’s ear, “Troy and Yves probably told you not to get on my bad side, didn’t they?” Her words were a cold breath that raised the hairs on the back of Esther’s neck.
Esther couldn’t help but shiver, her skin erupting in goosebumps as a chill swept through her entire body.
Their conversation was private, but Janet, noticing Esther’s discomfort, interjected with a stern frown, “Lenore, Esther’s already said she’s sorry. Ease up a bit!”
Lenore ignored Janet as she stepped back and delicately took the dolphin necklace from Esther’s hands.
The necklace, originally intended for Bonnie, was now deemed too tainted by Lenore for being passed around. With a quint, she slowly fastened it around Esther’s neck.
“You seemed to really like the $15,000 necklace, so I’m sure you’ll love this $180,000 one,” Lenore said with a chilling smile. “It’s a reunion gift. Treasure it.”
Her tone was light and airy, but it felt like a cold draft had swept through the room,
Esther stood frozen, trembling, her legs weak under Lenore’s intimidating presence.
After composing herself, Lenore signaled for Bonnie to leave. As she turned away, the delicate dolphin pendant on Esther’s $180,000 necklace suddenly shattered into dust.
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