Chapter 76: Apology

Vanessa's complexion paled upon hearing the accusation, and the onlookers scrutinized her.

"Vanessa, could you please clarify why your fingerprints are on Maggie's bag?" the police officer inquired.

Vanessa tightened her grip, paused, and replied, "Maggie and I were close friends. I occasionally carried her bag or held her belongings. I can't explain why my fingerprints are on her bag."

Maggie interjected, "I've never used this bag before, and Vanessa and I last met a fortnight ago." This was true; Maggie typically avoided large bags, opting for smaller ones—this time only carrying her laptop, design drafts, and thesis.

Vanessa's throat tightened. Despite her caution, she hadn't anticipated leaving evidence on Maggie's bag. Even an incomplete fingerprint aroused suspicion.

"I remember," Sammi Channing, a close acquaintance of Vanessa's, pointed out, "when you were searching for your bracelet, you moved Maggie's bag slightly."

Maggie glanced at Sammi impassively. Sammi lived in the adjacent dorm room and had a cordial relationship with Vanessa, socializing occasionally, though Maggie didn't particularly like her. Sammi was a shrewd opportunist, lacking exceptional talent but gravitating toward Vanessa, believing her to be from an affluent background.

"Oh, now that you mention it, I remember searching the dorm room. I looked through everything except Maggie's bag; I only checked the desk," Vanessa quickly elaborated, finding her explanation plausible. Her confidence grew with each word.

The police quickly verified this with the other two roommates, who confirmed Vanessa was still searching for her bracelet upon their return and had all searched the room extensively. With no further leads, the police surveyed the scene for new clues.

"Let's conclude this; we've found the bracelet," Vanessa suggested, reluctant to continue.

The investigation's outcome was inconsequential; the bracelet's presence in Maggie's bag would perpetuate suspicion. This sufficed for Vanessa.

Maggie remained composed, calmly remarking, "I wonder if I could examine your expensive jewelry, Miss Brown."

Unsure of Maggie's intentions, Vanessa hesitated before consenting, "Of course."

Handing over the bracelet, a twinge of regret surfaced. "Maggie, if—"

"No need for what?" Maggie interjected, scrutinizing the bracelet.

Vanessa struggled to articulate her thoughts, insinuating rather than stating directly, but her meaning was clear.

Maggie sneered, her cold eyes fixed on Vanessa. "Miss Brown, you're overthinking. I have no interest in stealing your counterfeit goods." This elicited a commotion.

"What?"

"Counterfeit? Is the bracelet fake?"

"No way! Vanessa wouldn't fabricate that!"

"Nevertheless, Maggie's discerning eye and upbringing in the Camerons; she won't be mistaken."

The discussion continued. Vanessa, suppressing her anger, icily inquired, "Maggie, what are you insinuating?"

"Miss Brown, this bracelet, though well-made, is a high-quality imitation. Including the diamonds, it wouldn't exceed $4500. The supposed hundreds of thousands? Absurd."

"Nonsense! This is from Gianna's Evergreen Collection. It's unique, and my family bought it from a private client. Even if you don't understand, there's no need for baseless accusations!" Vanessa was furious. She hadn't expected Maggie to publicly discredit her purchase.

Maggie's lips curled, mockery in her eyes. Vanessa was right; it was from the Evergreen Collection, but it was an imitation.

"Gianna's annual output is low, but each piece has a unique number and the letter 'G' engraved inside. I checked; yours has neither." Maggie spoke coldly. The numbering was for organization; the 'G' was a personal mark. This was common industry knowledge, but unfortunately, not to Vanessa.

"Maggie's right. Gianna's jewelry is authenticated this way. Vanessa, you've been deceived." The dean, after checking, confirmed Maggie's words.

Vanessa's face flushed.

"So, Maggie didn't steal it. If she could identify it at a glance, would she risk her reputation stealing a $4500 counterfeit?"

"Indeed, and who would hide stolen goods in their own bag? How dumb!"

"Maggie's amazing for identifying it. Vanessa's been deceived, how unfortunate."

"I don't understand. Isn't Vanessa's family well-off? Why couldn't she tell?"

Vanessa's cheeks burned.

Fake! It was fake! She'd finally persuaded Madam Adam to buy it, only to discover it was a counterfeit.

She forced a smile. "I misunderstood. Thank you for informing me."

Maggie watched quietly. "You know this isn't a misunderstanding, but you owe me an apology for the drama you caused."

"What do you mean?" Vanessa felt uneasy.

"Why not let this officer explain?" Maggie looked at the police officer, who had been examining Vanessa's table.

The officer, surprised, looked at Vanessa. "Vanessa, didn't you say your bracelet was in your suitcase?"