Chapter 226

Two months ago, when Violet had just become Rowena’s deskmate, she saw Rowena wearing that necklace and just asked about it in passing. Rowena’d mentioned before that the necklace was a gift from her mother.

Rowena stood up, slinging her bag over her shoulder. “Thanks.”

Violet meant well, but it still rubbed Rowena the wrong way that she’d gone straight to the teacher without asking her first. It felt a bit out of line.

Alice came over to find out what happened, and Rowena explained the situation. Most of the students at this art academy came from money or had powerful families, and as a teacher, Alice knew Rowena’s background pretty well. For most people here, even what they called an ordinary necklace would cost more than a year’s salary.

Alice clapped her hands to get everyone’s attention. “Alright, everyone, quiet down. I have an announcement. Rowena’s necklace has gone missing. If anyone finds it, just leave it on my water bottle. As a reward, you’ll all get an extra half hour of free time. Go enjoy yourselves. You go collect the paintings.”

“Got it, Ms. Green,” the class monitor replied.

“Alright, everyone, you’re dismissed,” Alice said.

Sylvie couldn’t help but smirk, standing off to the side, waiting for the drama to unfold. “Winifred, if Rowena’s necklace doesn’t turn up in front of Ms. Green in half an hour, someone will definitely want to search everyone’s bags. Let’s see how you try to talk your way out of that,” Sylvie thought. Just wait. You’re about to be called a thief, she gloated to herself.

“Rowena, who do you think took your necklace?” Violet asked, frowning in confusion.

But Rowena didn’t really seem to care. “I don’t know,” she said.

Earlier, when Violet walked past Sylvie and her group, she overheard them gossiping about Winifred, saying she was shady, had been expelled for over a year, and would do anything for money. According to them, it wouldn’t be a shock if Winifred were the one who stole it.

“Do you think it could be–” Violet started, but before she could finish, Alice’s whistle cut through the air, and they had to hurry over to line up.

Alice’s face was dark and serious as she said, “I’ve already given you all a chance. That necklace is expensive, and I know you all realize that. Half an hour has passed, and I still haven’t seen it show up at my desk. So don’t blame me if I have to check your bags now. Open your bags and let me take a look.”

Rowena spoke up slowly. “Ms. Green, it’s alright. We’re all classmates here. I’m sure no one would do something like that on purpose."

“Rowena, Violet already told me this was a gift from your mother. Let me see who would actually steal something so meaningful, even something a mother gave her child. Open your bags. I won’t call anyone out right now, but once I figure out who it is, just bring it to me after school.”

Alice was a teacher, also a woman with empathy. She didn’t want to make any of the students feel embarrassed or stressed out. She knew that kind of thing could stick with someone for life.

When Winifred opened her bag, she was genuinely surprised to find the necklace inside. She was momentarily taken aback, then instantly realized that someone was trying to set her up.

Winifred let out a mocking laugh, her eyes glinting with mischief as she twirled the necklace between her fingers. ‘How childish,’ she thought. This is straight out of a kid’s playbook.”

“Ms. Green, no need to check. The necklace is here with me, but I didn’t take it," Winifred said. She stepped forward with the necklace in her hand, and instantly everyone started buzzing. With all the gossip and slander Sylvie had just stirred up, everyone was stunned. So it really is her, they wondered. The shock on their faces said it all.

“Alright, Winifred, I get it. As long as the necklace is found, just hand it back to Rowena,” Alice said.

Winifred sauntered over to Rowena, looking all cool and cocky, lifting her eyelids with obvious impatience. She drawled, “Here, take it. I didn’t steal your stuff. Like I’d ever need to swipe something for money,”

Rowena took the necklace, but the way she looked down her nose at Winifred with that holier-than-thou attitude really rubbed Winifred the wrong way.

Rowena is seriously overdoing it, Winifred thought. ‘Is she really looking down on me, or is that just her permanent face?” she wondered.

Rowena accepted the necklace. “I know.”

Rowena trusted her instincts. There was no way Winifred would ever do something like that. Someone was clearly trying to set Winifred up.

Violet grumbled in a low voice, clearly indignant, “It’s definitely her. Who else could it be? What, did the necklace just walk into her bag by itself?”

Unbelievable, Winifred’s still making excuses. Does she have no shame at all?‘ Violet thought.