Chapter 329

Jonathan's words were powerful and convincing. Everyone present knew he was right. If someone could be easily framed and forced to prove their innocence based on baseless accusations, justice would be a mockery. Moreover, the law required that whoever made a claim must provide evidence. Therefore, even if the jewelry were in Cynthia's bag, no one had the right to search it without her consent.

Shirley, however, didn't understand the law, but she was persistent. "If you won't let me search," she insisted, "then you're hiding something! Cynthia must have stolen my rose brooch. Cynthia, you're a thief!"

Jonathan knew it was a trap. With so many people watching, he couldn't allow the brooch to be found in Cynthia's bag. This crude trick would leave a trail, and Cynthia's innocence would eventually be proven. If the brooch were found in her bag, it would create a damaging misunderstanding. Even if Cynthia were later exonerated, the damage to her reputation would be irreparable.

Jonathan wore a cold look, but Cynthia gently tugged his sleeve. He turned to see her playfully raise her eyebrows—a secret signal. There was no panic or anger in her eyes, only a playful, excited glint, like a fox about to execute a mischievous plan.

Jonathan felt relieved. Everything was within Cynthia's expectations. When Cynthia stepped forward, he didn't stop her.

"Shirley," Cynthia said, "you must take responsibility for spreading these rumors. You're accusing me of stealing your jewelry—what proof do you have?"

Shirley remained confident. "The evidence is in your bag," she said. "It must be you. You're the only one with a motive. Cynthia, I know you also liked that brooch. You're my sister. If you liked it, I would have given it to you. There's no need for these sneaky actions that shame the Jones family."

The onlookers gossiped amongst themselves, as if watching an exciting play. "Who would have thought these two ladies are sisters?" they murmured. Their gossiping temporarily overshadowed the Queen's Tears. Everyone was captivated by the unfolding drama.

In truth, nobody believed Cynthia would steal anything. After all, Jonathan was the heir to Clusia's wealthiest empire, and they were both well-known. It was hard to imagine Cynthia risking her reputation—and Jonathan's—over a mere sixteen million dollars. However, Shirley's claim of sisterhood, and their obvious tension at the auction, fueled speculation. 'Maybe these two ladies had some previous disagreements,' people thought. 'One might have stolen the other's rose brooch.' Curious gazes shifted between Shirley and Cynthia.

Cynthia showed no guilt. "Go ahead and search," she challenged, "but what will you do if you don't find anything?"

Shirley was confident. She'd seen Cynthia return with the bag after seemingly slipping the brooch into a hidden compartment. She believed Cynthia was calm because she genuinely thought she hadn't stolen anything.

"Yet," Shirley thought, "no matter how composed you seem, as soon as the jewelry is found in your bag, you won't be able to explain your way out of it."

"If I'm falsely accusing you," Shirley offered, "I'll do whatever you ask."

Cynthia calmly replied, "Then why don't you bark like a dog three times in front of everyone, since you're so good at yapping?"

Shirley's teeth clenched. She knew Cynthia was insulting her, but once the brooch was revealed, she'd see how smug Cynthia would be.

"Fine," Shirley agreed instantly, "I accept your challenge."

"You can't search," Cynthia stated. "You can't touch my bag. Let someone else do it."

Shirley sneered, thinking, Cynthia is cautious. She probably fears I'll secretly slip the brooch inside during the search. But she doesn't know I've already placed it there.

Even more confident that Cynthia was unaware, Shirley said, "Then let the host search."

David approached, picked up Cynthia's bag, and thoroughly searched it. He found nothing.

Shirley's confident façade began to crumble as David's search proved fruitless. Panic set in.

David announced, "There is no rose brooch in Mrs. Bennett's bag."

Shirley was stunned. Impossible! she thought. I placed it there myself. And I've been watching Cynthia closely. She hasn't opened that bag since she returned. The brooch must still be inside.

Shirley snatched the bag and dumped its contents onto the floor. Only Cynthia's phone and makeup were inside. She frantically checked the inner pocket—empty. She searched repeatedly, but the brooch was gone. How could this happen? Why is it like this?

Shirley angrily confronted Cynthia. "Cynthia, where did you hide my rose brooch? It must be hidden somewhere else! It has to be you!"

Shirley's plan had backfired spectacularly. Not only had she failed to frame Cynthia, but the brooch, worth at least six million dollars, was missing. Cynthia's reputation remained intact, while Shirley had lost both the brooch and the day. Shirley realized Cynthia must have found the brooch and hidden it elsewhere, making it appear as though she had stolen it.

Jonathan and Simon stepped forward simultaneously, exchanging a look before Simon retreated.

"Shirley," Jonathan said, "why not call the police and let them handle this? There are plenty of cameras here. Any petty theft will be revealed."

"Call the police," Simon echoed coldly.

Panic gripped Shirley. Despite her actions in the restroom, her past experience in detention made her nervous. She knew there were no cameras in the restroom. She carried the burden of her fear.

Just then, a waiter arrived, carrying a tray with the rose brooch. "Mr. Wright," he announced, "the rose brooch Ms. Jones lost"

All eyes turned to the waiter. The brooch lay on the tray.

Simon's voice was cold and detached. "Where was it found?"

The waiter, breathless, replied, "In the toilet! The cleaning staff"