Chapter 36
Vivienne peered down to see for herself, then back at her father in confusion.
“Is this a prank, Dad? Where is my gift? This better not be a joke else I’ll be angry.”
“Impossible! I clearly wrapped a diamond crown inside worth 10 million in half an hour ago. There’s no way it can be missing! Vivienne threw the empty box and looked at everyone inside the birthday hall.
“It looks like we have a thief in our midst, father.”
“What are you trying to say Ms Ashford? Each and everyone here is a dignified person in our community. Who would do such a shameful thing?” Someone exclaimed.
“I wasn’t referring to you sir, and not everyone here is as wealthy as you’re. 10 million dollars isn’t a small amount of money. To clear up the doubt, let’s hold a body inspection.” Vivienne declared calmly to the now silent crowd.
Sia’s stomach flipped, she had a bad feeling about this. Just as she was about to excuse herself to go to the bathroom, a maid stopped by her side.
“Pardon me Ms, can I check your bag?”
“Of course, go on.” Sia handed over her handbag to the maid.
“I knew something like this was bound to happen when Vivienne decided to suddenly invite you to her party.” Bella muttered beside Sia. “Really suits her sly personality.”
“Look! I’ve found the crown!” The maid suddenly exclaimed, taking out a glittering crown from Sia’s handbag.
“It was this lady that took it. I found it in her bag!” Her voice rang loud and clear gathering everyone’s attention and they all turned to look at the thief.
Sia frowned at the expensive looking crown. How did it appear in her bag? She had never even seen
it before.
“Sia?” Vivienne feign shock. “So it was you! You stole my gift.”
“That’s Sia!” Someone whispered not so lowly. “Her elder sister Rose is my cousin’s best friend. They said Sia had severed ties with the family, she has no money and turned to stealing.”
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A bout of gasps erupted after the Information which further riled Bella who exclaimed.
“Sia did not steal your crown. She has been by my side since the party began. I’m her witness!““We haven’t moved from this position for over ten minutes, which reminds me. A maid bumped into Sia around that time. Sla is most likely framed!”
Bella stood her ground and explained.
“Look who’s talking. Did you even look at yourself before you came here? You’re covered in rags. yourself, you’re likely her accomplice.” Vivienne’s friend said.
“Sarah is right. The evidence is right in front of our eyes, do you want to keep denying it? If you won’t confess now, maybe you will when you’re locked up in jail”
“I’m highly disappointed in you, Sia. I had invited you to my party out of the goodness of my heart, yet you repay me by stealing my gift.”
“How exactly did this crown end up in my bag. Viv? I’m sure you’d know that better than anyone, don’t you” Sia said icily.
She had been very careful to stay away from Vivienne all this time, but the girl still found a way to trick her. Now not only was she implicated, she had dragged Bella along as well.
“Why are you wasting your time arguing with these criminals?” Mr Williams said, “Have the guards drag them out and hand them over to the police right now!” He bellowed, backing his daughter.
Upon Mr Williams‘ words, guards rushed towards the scene determined to get Sia and Bella out, until a cold male voice commanded coming down from the stairs.
“Stop!” Was the man’s only word, but it was enough to get the guards to back up.
“Ah, Mr. Kensington! You don’t have to come down because of this! My apologies you had to witness such an embarrassment with your eyes.”
Alex raised his eyebrows when he heard William’s words. Someone he held in high esteem was being framed by these despicable people, and they expected him to stand by and watch? Not a
chance!
“Don’t worry about that. I’m here for a different reason. The ring on that lady’s finger caught my boss‘ eyes, he sent me here to inspect the ring.”
“Do you perhaps misheard your boss, Mr Alex? You’re referring to my diamond crown, right? It’s made of rare diamonds only found in South Africa…”
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“Did you just suggest Pin deaf, Ms Ashford?” Alex shot the girl a nasty look.
“Of course not, sir. I wouldn’t dare,”
“Great, now step out of my way.” Alex brushed them aside and strode to Sla’s side.
He would have held her hand in his and appreciate the legendary pink diamond, but thinking of a distressed Sebastian looking from above unable to come down and save his beauty himself and become the hero, the least Alex could do is not add jealousy to the various emotions boiling through him at the moment.
“Just as I suspected!” Alex exclaimed after a glance at Sla’s hand. “It’s the Devotion ring. The value of this pink diamond is hard to estimate. Ms Anastasia, on behalf of my boss, I’m offering one billion to buy this ring. Do you agree?”
As soon as Alex finished speaking, the entire hall erupted in murmurs.
