Chapter 152: The Ones Closest to Us

Upon seeing Linda's evident frustration, Selena asked directly, "You say there's something wrong with Scarlett's character. What exactly is the issue?"

Linda paused, then said hesitantly, "Isn't she rumored to have evaded taxes?"

Selena replied skeptically, "Do you really not go online? If a celebrity were actually evading taxes, they wouldn't be able to continue working. The fact that she's still active in the entertainment industry demonstrates she's not in any legal trouble."

"How could that be!" Linda exclaimed. "I seem to recall Javier mentioning that she even went back to pay her taxes!"

Christopher clarified firmly, "That issue was related to her family's agency and happened without her knowledge. As soon as she discovered it, she took immediate action to resolve it. This information has been widely shared online, establishing Scarlett's reputation for promptly addressing tax issues and setting a positive example for other celebrities."

It's hard not to feel sorry for Scarlett. Her agency was completely controlled by her mother and uncle, who carried out shady operations behind her back, causing her immense distress. They disregarded her hardships, constantly pushing her to work more. Even Hayden mentioned that Scarlett was severely exploited. If not for her family, her potential could have been better harnessed. After finally finding a boyfriend, she almost got dragged into another

The Quirk family listened, their frustration growing.

Meanwhile, since Linda's argument had been refuted, she muttered, "Regardless, she has issues."

Impatient, Selena retorted, "You simply don't like her, do you?"

Some mothers-in-law dislike their daughters-in-law, but this wasn't the case with Freya; Linda seemed unwell.

Linda's face darkened. Touching her necklace, she said, "This is a hassle, but I'll tell you, keep it secret. I promised my godson. He's loyal and sentimental. Even after breaking up, he doesn't want to embarrass his ex. But if Javier is still infatuated, I have to intervene. However, please don't expose what I tell you when dealing with Scarlett."

The Quirks saw Linda's concern for her godson.

"Because, once, when Javier brought Scarlett to visit, she tried to steal this necklace!" Linda exclaimed, her hand resting on her lustrous pearls. "Such greed! Are these petty thieves devoid of morals?"

Selena, shocked, reflected the sentiment of the entire Quirk family, who knew Scarlett as a grounded, hardworking, and law-abiding person.

Linda recounted the incident: "I planned to show her my necklace, so I brought her to my jewelry room. During dinner, my housekeeper said it was missing. We searched, but it was nowhere to be found. Just as I was about to call the police, it appeared in the bathroom! I'd checked there before. It must have been her, scared and returning it. It still had body warmth!"

"I wanted to call the police, but Javier stopped me. After they broke up, I stayed out of it. Little did I know my naive child would want to reconcile with that thief! I shudder to think how she might covet my jewelry. That thief absolutely cannot be with Javier!" Linda insisted. The Quirks pondered whether Scarlett might have acted out of confusion, though it seemed unbelievable.

As Isabella acted, the family engaged in the discussion. "Did she admit to stealing it?" Rosalie asked anxiously.

Linda responded, "Without catching her red-handed, she'll never admit it."

"So there's no evidence. Could it be someone else?" Evian asked.

Linda countered, "Are you suggesting the household staff? They've been loyal for years; it's unthinkable!"

Christopher speculated, "Is it possible you accidentally took it to the bathroom yourself?"

Linda snapped, "Do you really think I'm that forgetful?"

Alexander analyzed the situation methodically: "Stealing such a distinctive piece of jewelry doesn't make sense. It's too conspicuous, especially for someone in the public eye. The only plausible reason would be a desperate need for money, but given her financial status, that seems improbable. Alternatively, it could be a compulsive desire to collect unique items, but the risks make this unlikely." He noticed Isabella's admiring gaze, which made his heart skip a beat.

Alexander, slightly flustered, felt his cheeks warm. The Quirk family watched their interaction. Isabella stared at Alexander, her emotions a whirlwind.

The analysis was spot on; it was stolen to be sold!

The room fell silent. However, the thief wasn't Scarlett or the staff—it was Javier.

The Quirks, shocked but relieved, found this explanation fitting. Javier had been vehemently against Linda pursuing the issue because he feared his own misdeeds coming to light.

There were oddities. Linda always pampered him, yet he still stole. If he needed money, why didn't he ask her?

Isabella pieced together the full story. Because Mrs. Pearson was strict, Javier had limited access to funds. Mrs. Pearson meticulously checked the amounts Linda gave him, severely restricting his spending. He resorted to stealing, initially not considering the pearl necklace. His gambling debts were significant, and he aimed to recoup his losses. He targeted the most valuable asset.

Javier was adept at hiding his addiction. He brought Scarlett as a cover, knowing Linda's penchant for displaying jewelry. If discovered, he could rely on Linda's affection. He hadn't anticipated being caught so soon.

The Quirks' insights deepened. His plan failed, so he borrowed money from Scarlett, pretending it was for a concert.

Speculations arose. Scarlett realized there were no concerts. After investigating, she discovered he was a chronic gambler who had borrowed extensively. She knew her money was lost and decided to leave him.

The Quirks marveled; Scarlett was decisive.

"Ten million! He got off so easily! She really is a naive girl! He even thought about getting back together! He probably wants to use her again! Pay back the money first, you brat!" Linda exclaimed, still doubting Scarlett.

"After all that, we haven't discussed Javier. Does he have an alibi? Mrs. Pearson, it's always the ones closest to us we need to watch out for, isn't it?"