Chapter 36

Just then, a well-dressed woman, the wife of a prominent businessman, began frantically seaching the floor.

The atmosphere shifted as curious glances spread through the crowd.

Given the wealth gathered at tonight's gala, even a pair of earrings could be worth a small fortune.

Archie, the host of the event, stepped forward calmly."Do you remember where you last saw them?"

The woman, flustered and clearly upset, gestured toward a lounge area. "I went to the restroom and left my earrings on the sofa, thinking I'd pick them up when I returned. But when I came back, they were gone!"

A ripple of murmurs passed through the guests. No one could believe someone would steaI at such an upscale event.

"Those earrings cost me millions," the woman said bitterly. "Whoever took them is a disgrace."

Kayla couldn't believe anyone would casually leave something so expensive unattended.

As Archie motioned for security to review the camera footage, a server leaned in and whispered something in his ear.

Archie's gaze shifted, briefly landing on Kayla.

Nearby, Jeremy watched the interaction intently, his expression unreadable.

Dewitt nudged him. "Is it just me, or does it look like Kayla is about to get accused?"

-Moments later, the server pointed to Kayla and raised his voice. "This woman was near the sofa earlier.Maybe she took them!"

Kayla's heart pounded. She hadn't expected to be dragged intothis.

Jeremy's brows drew together as he scanned the crowd, visibly unsettled. Archie held up a hand. "Let's not make assumptions. We'll check the security footage first."

But the woman wasn't convinced. She turned to Kayla with narrowed eyes. "Did you fake my earrings?"

Kayla held her ground."No,I didn't."

"Then let us search you," the woman insisted. "If you've got nothing to hide, what's the problem?"

Kayla let out a short, disbelieving laugh. She knew how it would look-letting them search her was tantamount to admitting guilt.

"If you're innocent, a quick search shouldn't bother you," Tricia chimed in, her voice dripping with faux concern.

Kayla stepped forward, glaring at her. "You want a show? Fine. Search away. I've got nothing to hide."

Without hesitation, she unzipped her purse and upended its contents onto the nearest table.

The crowd leaned in, hungry for drama. Tricia was practically glowing with anticipation.

Dewitt smirked at the spectacle. "Think we'll find the earrings?"

Jeremy shot him a cold loók. "Enough."

Kayla raised her voice, eyes scanning the crowd. "Take a good look. Are the earrings here or not?"

The woman rushed forward and began rifling through the pile like she was at a clearance sale.

After a tense moment, with every eye on her, the lady held up.a pair of earrings.

Her voice was sharp with triumph."Look at these!"

Gasps echoed around the room. Tricia feigned shock,pressing a hand to her chest. "Kayla, how do you explain this?"

Kayla turned pale. She stared at the earrings in disbelief. She had never seen them before in her life.

Her mind raced, trying to make sense of it. Then it clicked-she remembered the server she had bumped into earlier. Could he have slipped it into her bag?

Before she could speak, the woman seized her arm. "You're so young, yet already stealing? Who are you?How did you even get into this event?"

Kayla opened her mouth to explain, but the risingchorus of jeers drowned her out. The word "thief" rang through the room like a slap.

Tricia sidled up to Liam, whispering with a grin,"It's hard to defend her now. Looks like she's guilty."

Liam said nothing, Instead, he stepped between Kayla and the accuser. "How much are the earrings? I'll pay for them."

Kayla recoiled,furious. His gesture only made her look more guilty.

"I don't need your help," she snapped, shoving him aside.

"Kayla, don't escalate this," Liam urged. "These aren't people we can afford to cross. Let me pay, and it'll end here."

Her laugh was bitter and scornful. "So just because they were in my bag, I'm automatically guilty? Why are you so eager to throw me under the bus?"

The woman sneered. "Still denying it? Fine-I'm calling the police!"

Tricia, still playing the part of the concerned onlooker, chimed in, "Kayla, don't you realize how embarrassing this is for Liam? If word gets out that his wife's a thief, it'll ruin his reputation."

Kayla's stomach churned at the hypocrisy.

Archie finally stepped in. "I trust Kayla's character. There's likely been a misunderstanding."

Tricia folded her arms. "If that's true, then prove it. But until then, someone explain how that earrings got into her bag."

Kayla's eyes locked onto Tricia's with a steady, unblinking stare. She said nothing, but her silence carried weight.

The room quieted, though the whispers continued like smoke around her.

Then, á deep, clear voice broke through the tension. "I've been sitting by the sofa all night. And I didn't see Kayla touch a thing."