Chapter 18

Emma was clever. When one plan failed, she quickly devised another. But her opponent was Elysia, who, unlike others, wouldn't be easily trapped.

Elysia retrieved a necklace from her bag, holding it aloft. With a warm smile, she said, "You know, I owe it all to Emma that I'm here with you all today. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't have had the chance to meet any of you."

She approached Emma, placing a hand on her shoulder while subtly opening Emma's bag, unseen by the others. She slipped the necklace inside, repositioning it as before, her movements so deft that Emma barely noticed.

"Emma, I really have to thank you for always looking after me, especially in front of everyone," Elysia said, emphasizing the first part.

Emma, confused, nodded. "You're being too formal. Looking after you is what I'm supposed to do."

Elysia withdrew her hand, her goal achieved. "Emma is so nice to Elysia; I'm a bit envious," Yolanda remarked.

Emma smiled, but her unease lingered.

Natalie turned to Selena, asking, "I heard your birthday was a few days ago, and your grandpa got you the Azure Ocean necklace? Why haven't you shown it to us yet?"

Selena replied, "It's special, and I haven't worn it yet. But I brought it to show you."

She opened a white box from her bag, revealing it to be empty. She gasped. "Why is it empty?"

"Maybe you left it at home?" Yolanda suggested.

Selena shook her head. "No! I checked multiple times before leaving."

Yolanda trailed off, implying theft, glancing pointedly at Elysia.

Natalie dismissed the suggestion, but her eyes subtly lingered on Elysia. Selena, understanding, glared at Elysia. "Did you take it?"

Before Elysia could answer, Elena spoke. "You can't accuse someone without evidence. That's not fair."

Selena sneered. "I'm not making this up. She's the only one here who didn't grow up with privilege. She spent eighteen years in the countryside. Maybe she was a petty thief." She continued, "Plus, she's the newcomer. Why didn't this happen before? As soon as she arrives, my necklace vanishes?"

Elena countered, "I'm new here too. Are you saying I'm a suspect?"

Elysia, surprised by Elena's defense, had underestimated her.

Selena said, "Elena, you're different. You're the student union president. We trust you."

Yolanda suggested, "Let's search her."

Selena demanded, "Do you dare let us check you?"

Elysia laughed softly. "Of course. But if you don't find anything, what's my compensation for the trouble?"

Selena, confused, asked, "What loss?"

"My reputation," Elysia replied. "You've accused me, and now I'm being searched. If nothing's found, I deserve compensation."

"What do you want?" Selena snapped.

"The Azure Ocean. Do you dare to offer it?" Elysia grinned.

Selena's anger flared. "Did you take it?"

Elysia remained calm. "I'm asking if you'll take that bet."

Emma intervened. "Don't act like this. If you took it, give it back. Azure Ocean means a lot to Selena. How can you demand it as compensation?"

Elysia tilted her head. "Should I ask for something else?"

Emma was speechless.

Yolanda said, "Elysia, Selena's necklace is missing, and you're suspected. Demanding her necklace is too much."

Elysia chuckled. "Too much? Since you're so righteous, Ms. Yates, why not let me search you first?"

Yolanda retorted, "They don't suspect me!"

"So you refuse? What right do you have to criticize me?"

Elysia turned to Selena. "Have you decided? If not, we can go to the police. But if nothing's found, I won't settle for just one Azure Ocean."

Natalie whispered to Selena, urging her to comply. This was all part of their plan.

Selena asked, "Fine. If it isn't found, I'll give you the Azure Ocean. But what if it is?"

Elysia replied confidently, "If it's found, you can do whatever you want with me."

Emma's initial smugness turned to unease at Elysia's composure. She doubted the necklace was in Elysia's bag, but felt certain they'd find it there.