Chapter 23

“You saying it’s not stolen doesn’t make it true. If that’s how it works, then I could say that gemstone chess set is mine,” the woman sneered.

Abigail ignored her. She picked up one of the chess pieces, her voice cool and clear. “Your eyes don’t work, Inok, harder.”

Her slender fingers held the piece steady under the lights of the venue. Beneath the gemstone chess piece, a blooming dahlia was etched into the base. Someone gasped. “Is that the Dahlia Bloom gemstone chess set?”

“It really is,” another voice replied. “That’s not the one the Moore family owns. Dahlia Bloom is the signature work of the master jeweler Dahlia White. It’s known worldwide. This one’s actually worth much more than the Moore family’s.”

As the crowd began to shift again, someone snapped, “You’re all saying this set is worth more, and you still believe a girl like Abigail could’ve gotten her hands on it?”

Another person muttered, deep in thought, “If I remember right, Dahlia Bloom ended up with the Robinson family in Chesterwick.”

The second that name was said, silence swept through the room. The Robinsons were old money in Chesterwick, the kind of name that left even the most elite on edge. Just hearing it changed the way everyone looked at Abigail.

They might’ve believed she could somehow know someone from the Moore family – but the Robinsons were out of the question.

Josephine let out a cold laugh. “So after all that, the gemstone chess set really was stolen. And she actually had the nerve to gift it? That’s beyond embarrassing.”

Her voice, arrogant and full of malice, cut through the crowd. Hearing her words, Abigail turned to look at Josephine.

Daniella’s brows knit, like she was worried, but there was a flicker of amusement in her eyes. “Josephine, don’t say that. Abby probably just didn’t know. Maybe she just really wanted to give Mr. Fletcher a gift.”

Josephine curled her red lips. “Even so, she can’t go gifting something stolen. That’s just dragging the Fletcher family down with her, making fools of them all.”

Bianca and Gabriel both looked stormy. It wasn’t just the Fletchers being embarrassed, they were, too.

“Hurry up and get over here,” Gabriel growled through gritted teeth, glaring at Abigail. To him, she was nothing but a disgrace – someone he’d never acknowledge as his daughter in front of others.

He thought, ‘Figures. She wasn’t raised by us – of course she can’t compare to Dani.’

“Looks like the problem’s not just with your narrow minds,” Abigail said, not angry, but laughing. Her delicate features shed their usual indifference and came alive. “Spreading false rumors is a crime. And you – yeah, you – I’ve got you all memorized.”

She didn’t hesitate. She pulled out her phone to call the police. The people she looked at panicked immediately. Someone rushed forward to grab her phone. “We didn’t spread any rumors. We were just guessing.”

This wasn’t serious enough for jail, but a trip to the police station wasn’t out of the question. None of them wanted that.

“Abigail, you’re just feeling guilty, if you’ve got nothing to hide, prove that the gemstone chess set wasn’t stolen,” Josephine smirked. Abigail had called her out directly, but she figured Abigail wouldn’t really make the call. Her voice dripped with smugness.

Daniella’s gaze shifted. Her voice turned gentle. “Abby, blowing this up won’t help anyone. I know you just wanted to impress Mr. Fletcher, but giving someone a stolen gift really isn’t right. You should just return it as soon as possible.”

“Need a hand, Abigail?” Samuel came over with a grin.

He thought, “They might not know, but I sure do. My cousin personally called and asked me to look after Abigail. Clearly, this Dahlia Bloom set came straight from him to win her over!”

Someone said, “Aren’t the Marsh family and the Robinsons related by marriage?”

Another added, “Mr. Marsh, that Dahlia Bloom Abigail stole is part of the Robinson family’s collection.”

Samuel glanced over, his smile vanishing completely. “That’s a nasty way to put it. Why is it so hard to believe the Robinson family gave the Dahlia Bloom to Abigail?”

Everyone froze in shock. Josephine blurted out, “No way. There’s no way Abigail knows anyone from the Robinson family.”

Samuel gave a slow, knowing smile, like he was the only one in the room who actually saw things for what they were.

“That’s enough. I believe Abigail,” Adam said, cutting through the noise. People knew better than to cross Adam, so the room quieted down immediately.

He continued, “Abby, I’m tired. I’m going upstairs to rest. Will you come with me?”

Abigail could see the fatigue on his face. After a moment’s thought, she shook her head. “Mr. Fletcher, stay down here. I’m leaving in a bit.”

Adam sighed inwardly. He knew she wasn’t happy here. He nodded. “Then let Ralph drive you.”

Abigail didn’t agree, but she didn’t refuse either. She watched Adam go upstairs. The crowd still hadn’t dispersed.

Abigail glanced coldly at them. If this hadn’t been Adam’s birthday party, she wouldn’t have let them off so easily.

“What are you still standing there for? Get over here,” Gabriel called out as he glared at her with irritation, his tone softer than before.

Abigail knew why. The Gibsons never did anything unless it benefited them.

But she lowered her eyes, thinking. ‘Is that guy really from the Robinson family in Chesterwick? Should I ask?’

At the thought of that man, a trace of warmth softened Abigail’s otherwise frosty expression. She ignored Gabriel and walked straight toward the door.

“Abby, Dad’s calling you.” Daniella stepped in her way, a flicker of panic in her eyes.

Abigail said coldly, “Move.”

Daniella bit her lip. “Abby, you should explain the gemstone chess set to Dad. Don’t let Mom and Dad keep worrying.”

Gabriel looked at Daniella with obvious fondness, but when he turned to Abigail, his face was full of anger. “What’s with that attitude? Can’t you learn from Dani?”

“Learn what? How to take over someone else’s place?” Abigail sneered.