Chapter 251: Chapter 252: A Beauty, a Thief?

Shen Manbing emptied her purse onto the floor. Expensive cosmetics spilled out, along with the two pieces of jewelry auctioned earlier for fifty million. In a fit of anger, she even smashed her designer handbag—a top-tier brand, encrusted with diamonds, and worth a fortune. This extravagant display surprised everyone.

However, the bag contained no diamonds. If the stolen gemstones were still in the exhibition hall, as seemed likely, infrared scans were proving fruitless. The most probable scenario: the thief was concealing them on their person. Yet, the two main suspects wore form-fitting gowns lacking pockets.

The only remaining possibility: their handbags. No wonder the security manager insisted on inspections. Despite Shen Manbing’s thorough emptying of her bag, the manager personally examined it. Repacking her belongings, he said, "Miss Shen, I apologize. We're just doing our job. Please understand.”

Shen Manbing retorted, "Expect a lawyer's letter tomorrow."

The security manager then approached Xia Yangyang. “Miss Xia, we must also inspect your handbag. If you prefer, we can move to a private room.”

Xia Yangyang readily complied. She had nothing to hide. She hadn't stolen anything and wasn't afraid of an inspection; especially since Shen Manbing had just been cleared. Acting suspicious now would only raise red flags. Furthermore, she had just checked her phone a few minutes earlier and knew her bag was empty.

The security manager opened Xia Yangyang's bag. His expression changed dramatically. He produced a ruby necklace. “Miss Xia, how do you explain this?”

The exhibition hall fell silent, then erupted in a cacophony of shocked whispers.

“It’s her! The president of Shengyuan’s wife! Petty theft!”

“She’s disgraced Mr. Gu and the Gu family!”

“A beautiful woman, behaving like a thief!”

Xia Yangyang was stunned. She hadn't stolen the gemstone, yet it was in her bag. Only one conclusion: she'd been framed. Shen Manbing immediately came to mind. They were the only two people who had been in that area, and Shen Manbing clearly harbored animosity towards her.

Xia Yangyang's fingers tightened. She glared at Shen Manbing, whose expression was a mixture of scorn and something else, not quite triumph. An impeccable performance from an acting queen, she thought.

Xia Yangyang stated, “I didn’t steal the gemstone. I don't know how it got in my bag. If you doubt me, call the police.”

The murmuring intensified.

“She's still denying it! The evidence is undeniable!”

“The Gu family's century-old reputation, ruined by a woman!”

“Look at her aloof attitude! Playing the victim! A perfect performance for a starlet who became famous overnight. She’s a master of acting.”