Linsey s eyes went wide with disbelief.

She barely had time to react before the room erupted into a frenzy.

She really did steal it!

Word is Collin s wife didn t come from money. If she saw something expensive, maybe the temptation was just too much.

This is humiliating. If I were Collin, I d divorce her on the spot.

Every whisper found its way to Linsey s ears, each one sharper and more cruel than the last.

Backing away, Linsey shook her head in desperation. I didn t steal anything! I have no idea how that bracelet got into my bag!

Cynthia folded her arms and sneered, her tone full of mockery. If you didn t take it, then how did it get in there? Do you think the bracelet just grew legs and walked inside on its own?

Kylee s voice was softer but no less pointed. If you wanted the bracelet, you only had to ask me, Linsey. There was no need to steal. You re Collin s wife. How could you stoop so low?

She finished with a quick glance at Collin, gauging his reaction.

Most people looked on with shock, outrage, or disdain. Only Collin s expression remained unreadable, his face blank and his thoughts hidden.

After a moment, Kylee tried again. Collin, isn t this embarrassing for you? Why

I don t believe she s a thief, Collin remarked, cutting her off without hesitation as his cold gaze swept across the crowd.

His words sent another wave of murmurs through the crowd.

Kylee stared at him, stunned.

Everything she knew about Collin told her he cared deeply about appearances and hated drama. Yet here he was, not only calm but openly defending Linsey in front of everyone.

Linsey turned toward him, a quiet tremor running through her chest. While the room buzzed with whispers and judgment, he stood as the only one who believed in her without question.

Catching her gaze, Collin arched a brow and gently pulled her closer. What s got you so rattled? Didn t I give you a gold bracelet last time? Just show it to them.

His words jogged her memory. Without hesitation, Linsey pushed up her sleeve and revealed the gold bracelet gleaming on her left wrist. This text is hosted at find?novel.net

Collin faced the crowd and remarked calmly, Linsey already owns a gold bracelet. I bought it for $30 million at an auction. Why would she bother stealing a fake one?

You re making that up! Cynthia blurted out, stumbling over her words. Kylee s isn t fake!

Collin shot her a cold look. There was only one gold bracelet sold at the most recent auction in Grester, and I was the one who bought it. So, if Kylee s is real, are you suggesting mine isn t?

I Cynthia faltered, her words drying up as her eyes darted away.

Kylee, picking up on the shift in the air, opened her mouth to say something. But before she could speak, Collin gave a quiet command to one of his bodyguards.

Without wasting a second, the bodyguard returned with a jewelry appraiser in tow. The expert wasted no time, carefully inspecting both bracelets right there in front of everyone. After a short pause, he looked up and remarked, The bracelet on Mrs. Riley s wrist is authentic. The one Ms. Russell has is completely fake.

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