Chapter 382

The murmurs in the room grew louder as Olivia Sinclair stood her ground. "This isn't something you can simply purchase at any store. Seraphina Kensington has mastered the art of deception. How amusing." Her voice dripped with sarcasm. "After being cast out from the Kensington family, do you honestly believe she could afford such exquisite jewelry?"

The mocking laughter turned cruel. Several guests looked at Olivia with undisguised contempt, their gazes making her feel like something unpleasant they'd stepped in.

"I feel physically ill sharing the same space with a thief and her mother," one woman declared loudly.

"Can security remove them immediately?" another demanded.

Ignoring the ignorant crowd, Olivia calmly retrieved her phone. With practiced fingers, she located the digital certificate for the emerald bracelet she'd purchased at auction last month. The document clearly showed she'd acquired a piece worth three times what Evelyn Hartley claimed to have lost.

Olivia's voice cut through the noise like a blade. "The certification number is right here. Feel free to verify it right now if you doubt me. I don't make false claims."

Her confidence gave the onlookers pause. Uncertain glances were exchanged. Evelyn, however, remained unconvinced.

"Even if you can prove you bought one, what does that matter? Some people steal not out of necessity, but envy. Perhaps your daughter simply coveted my bracelet."

Olivia pocketed her phone with a derisive laugh. "I own multiple auction houses and have first pick of the world's finest jewels. The idea that my Isabelle would need to steal anything is laughable."

Evelyn gasped. "You're lying! How could—"

Done with this pointless exchange, Olivia turned her piercing gaze to Lillian Winslow, who stood trembling with guilt.

Olivia enunciated each word carefully, ensuring Lillian understood the gravity. "This hotel has comprehensive surveillance. The value of this bracelet constitutes grand larceny. I'm calling the police immediately." She paused deliberately. "I won't name names, but the mastermind should know that police involvement means arrest records. A conviction stays with you forever."

As predicted, Lillian collapsed to her knees, her face ghostly pale. "I'm sorry, Olivia! I took the bracelet and framed Isabelle! I didn't mean to! Please don't call the police!"

Olivia's disappointment cut deep. Their encounter days earlier had softened her toward the girl, assuming Lillian suffered under Catherine Winslow's roof. She never imagined such cunning from one so young—a perfect reflection of Catherine's worst traits.

The sudden confession stunned the crowd. Lillian knelt sobbing, as if suddenly realizing the magnitude of her actions. She began bowing repeatedly. "I'm sorry! It was me! Please don't make me leave!"

A bystander spoke up. "She's just a child. She didn't know any better. Let it go."

"Yes, she's young and foolish. Don't be so harsh," another added.

Olivia's lips curled at their hypocrisy. Where was this mercy when they'd condemned Isabelle without evidence? She'd never intended to punish Lillian—only to clear her daughter's name.

As Olivia reached to help Lillian up, someone moved faster.