Chapter 215: Throw a Tantrum

A commotion had already occurred, so everyone immediately focused on the makeup artist. Word had spread among the recently departed guests that she was Josiah's girlfriend. However, a new uproar erupted—a stolen necklace, with all fingers pointing at the makeup artist. Instead of accusations, however, the onlookers seemed filled with anticipation, eager for the drama to unfold. Mr. Josiah's girlfriend stealing Caleb's wife's necklace? Intriguing gossip indeed.

As her freshly dressed cousin, Camila, charged toward Dakota, Audrey intervened, "Camila, don't be impulsive. It's not necessarily Ms. Meadows who took it." This only fueled suspicion.

Caleb, clearly impatient, muttered, "What on earth is going on today? Am I cursed? Why are all these irritating issues cropping up? This is infuriating!"

Audrey descended the stairs, her face etched with injustice. "It was a birthday gift from Josiah years ago. You know its value… I simply showed it to Ms. Meadows, hoping she could help me choose a matching necklace. But when I returned, it was gone."

Caleb questioned, "She's Josiah's girlfriend. How could she possibly steal anything?" He couldn't believe Josiah's girlfriend would do such a thing.

Audrey added hesitantly, "However, she didn't seem to know Josiah was the Hampton family's second son. She appeared to need money recently. I wonder if she momentarily lost her way… It's all my fault. I should have handled this discreetly."

Caleb was perplexed. Audrey had hired the makeup artist—Josiah's girlfriend—leaving him wondering if she knew about their relationship beforehand. But the situation had already escalated, so questioning was pointless.

Dakota froze, shocked and confused. The onlookers, having just enjoyed a breakup rumor, were equally surprised.

Josiah, initially staring blankly, reacted instantly to Camila's aggressive approach. He stood, grabbed Dakota, and reassured her, "It's okay. Don't be scared."

Dakota pulled away. "I haven't done anything, so what do I have to fear?"

A pang of pain shot through Josiah's heart. Feeling his grip on her slipping, he blurted, "I was wrong to deceive you about my finances, but now isn't the time for your anger. Let me handle this."

Dakota's amusement quickly turned to bewilderment. "What's the matter?" Josiah asked, uncomfortable under her scrutiny.

Dakota shook her head, a scornful smile playing on her lips. I bared my heart, and he dismissed it. He thinks I'm throwing a tantrum. Have I been blind these past two years? What did I ever see in him? Without the rose-tinted glasses, she found him detestable.

Her gaze fell on Isabella, whose eyes communicated urgency. Unfortunately, Dakota couldn't hear Isabella's thoughts.

Dakota! Check your bag! Isabella thought. Audrey hid the necklace there after showing it to you.

The Quirk family was stunned. This wasn't baseless slander; it was a carefully laid trap. Alexander thought, No wonder Isabella looked ready to rush out—to grab the bag and save her. But under the watchful eyes of everyone, she couldn't act.

Alexander frowned. Why would Audrey risk exposing herself? She has nothing to fear. Their past relationship was a secret, known only to a close circle who wouldn't betray her, and Josiah wouldn't expose it. Even if Dakota spoke, there was no proof. The necklace was a freely given gift.

Audrey's motive was likely the same as Camila's—to sabotage the Hampton family's meticulously planned wine tasting party. She's not just annoying people; she's trying to completely block any chance for Dakota and Josiah. Even if Josiah insists, he'll face obstruction. It's ruthless. And why break up with him if she's so determined to keep them apart? Isabella wondered.

Alexander felt disgust. She's willing to ruin everything Caleb worked for. I still can't understand her.

The Quirk family was shocked by Audrey's cunning. Noah and Lorelei had been boasting about their virtuous, talented daughter-in-law. Past rumors had compared the two families' daughters-in-law, suggesting Alexander had married a shrew. Noah and Lorelei had recently questioned Isabella's choice to pursue art. If the truth comes out, who really ended up with the wicked daughter-in-law?

Before Isabella could act, Camila accused Dakota, "Did you steal Audrey's necklace?"

"I didn't," Dakota replied firmly.

"But besides you, only family comes and goes. No one would covet that necklace. Let me check your bag," Camila demanded, reaching for the bag.

Josiah intervened, pushing Camila aside. "She's my girlfriend. Why would she steal a necklace?" This unintentionally revealed their relationship. Noah and Lorelei immediately inquired.

Josiah's protectiveness enraged Camila, while Audrey offered silent support. Isabella and Alexander noticed Audrey was no longer wearing the necklace she had shown Dakota.

Bad luck. It probably happened right before we left. Otherwise, we would have stopped this, Isabella thought.

Caught off guard, Alexander discreetly pulled out his phone.