Chapter 10

“Scarlet, right? You’re suspected of theft. Come with us!”

“Theft? I didn’t do it!”

“The two-million-dollar bracelet on your wrist is the missing item. We caught you red-handed. The owner will hold you accountable. Come with us immediately!”

“Two million?! This bracelet is worth two million? Officers, are you sure? I acquired this, I didn’t steal it!”

“Did you get the owner’s permission? Did you inform her? Taking something without permission is stealing. Surveillance footage shows you taking it from Ms. Lynch’s dressing table while she was away. Do you still want to argue?”

Drew closed his eyes in despair, while Scarlet, handcuffed, was led to the police car.

The last time I saw this family was during the pretrial mediation of two cases. After several days in custody, Kolby and Scarlet looked haggard. As soon as we met, Kolby knelt, tears streaming down his face. “Penelope, please forgive us, for Drew’s sake. We were wrong…”

I ignored him, focusing on the equally exhausted Drew. He pleaded resentfully, “Penelope, is there no room for negotiation? I’ve been looking for you, I’ve let you down, but…they’re my parents! Please, have mercy!”

“They’re your parents, not mine. I’m not a saint, and you can’t expect my help.”

“Penelope! After all this time, have I ever let you down? It’s just this once…But you didn’t even tell me your situation…”

“No apology to me? Do you dare say you didn’t intend to steal my bracelet? What did you say at dinner when your mother wanted to take it? You haven’t seen what she’s been wearing since leaving my house, have you? If it had been reported sooner, wouldn’t the officers have found you sooner? I was giving you a chance! With this attitude, why should I mediate? Get out!”

The court staff separated us. Two hours later, an agreement was reached. I retrieved the bracelet and reconciled with Scarlet, on the condition that Drew and Scarlet never return to Amberhelm.

I hadn’t a good impression of Scarlet, and I didn’t understand my mother’s request. My mother said not to push them too hard. They have nothing; it’s not worth exchanging lives with them.

As for Kolby, even after he assaulted me, I considered forgiveness, but it was impossible. He was sentenced to eight months for assault.

I’ve never been imprisoned, so I don’t know if prison food meets Kolby’s requirement of soup with every meal. But it’s irrelevant. He didn’t stay long. He couldn’t tolerate his cellmates, tried to “teach them a lesson,” and ended up beaten and toothless.

Leaving the courthouse, my mother’s driver opened the Mercedes-Benz door for us. Drew and Scarlet watched us drive away.

One day, I found my mother in the living room, a table laden with food. Suddenly, she smashed the jade bracelet with a hammer!

“That thing’s dirty and brought bad luck. I bought you a new one. Wear it properly and don’t lose it!”

“Okay, Mom!”