Chapter 39

Mrs. Clarke’s face flushed crimson, her complexion rapidly shifting from red to white. Thalia gently squeezed Mrs. Clarke’s hand, offering silent comfort before turning to Margaret with a measured smile. “What’s shameful about honest work? I find it far more respectable than someone who does nothing but spend her husband’s money on mahjong, beauty treatments, and health supplements.”

Margaret pointed a trembling finger at Thalia. Sienna patted Margaret’s back. “Don’t let her upset you, Mrs. Ashcroft. Just ignore her nonsense.” Turning to Thalia with undisguised disdain, Sienna continued, “You’re a housekeeper’s daughter—essentially a servant yourself. This is Mr. Sterling’s event for his sister, with guests from proper society. Someone like you shouldn’t be here embarrassing yourself.”

Thalia’s smile widened. “Proper society? How did someone of your… modest standing manage to get in?”

Sienna’s composure shattered. “Who are you calling modest? A servant’s daughter has no right to look down on me! Trying so hard to curry favor with the Sterlings?” Thalia arched an eyebrow. “Though your family barely qualifies to be their doorman.”

“You—” Sienna pointed a finger. “Are you mad? Bitter because you couldn’t keep Drake and taking it out on me? Well, if you can’t hold onto a man’s heart, at least keep your petty jealousy to yourself.”

“Did Drake tell you he was hospitalized after fighting for me?” Thalia asked mildly.

Sienna froze. Margaret scoffed, “As if you’d be worth fighting over.”

“Let’s go,” Sienna tugged at Margaret’s arm. “She’s beneath our notice.”

Throughout the evening, Sienna observed Thalia, waiting for an opportunity. Finally, seeing Thalia head to the powder room, she followed.

She deliberately crowded Thalia, slipping a bracelet into Thalia’s handbag. Thalia, repulsed by the unwanted proximity, pushed Sienna away. “The room’s large enough. Why are you crowding me?”

Sienna smirked, her goal achieved. “It’s not your private bathroom. I’ll walk where I want.”

Thalia laughed inwardly. It was, in fact, her family’s property.

Minutes later, in the ballroom, Sienna announced her bracelet was missing. She confronted Thalia with feigned outrage. “You stole it, didn’t you?”

“Are you certain?” Thalia asked calmly.

“Who else could it be?” Sienna crossed her arms, chin held high. “You’re the only servant’s daughter here, the only one desperate enough to steal an eight-thousand-pound bracelet.”

Thalia calmly sipped her champagne, setting her glass down with deliberate grace. “Do you have any proof?”

“Proof? Of course! It’s in your bag. Let’s just take a look, shall we?”

A crowd gathered. Most of London society didn't know Thalia; this gala was her formal introduction. Sienna’s confidence soared. “Everyone, please help me get justice! This woman stole my bracelet but won’t admit it.”

Margaret interjected, “First claiming honest work, now stealing? If you wanted the bracelet, Sienna would have given it to you. No need to resort to theft. How shameless! You were so desperate to marry my son, but never considered whether you were worthy. Once a commoner, always a commoner. You may dress up and sneak into high society events, but you can’t hide your true nature!”

Whispers rippled through the onlookers. “Who would have thought someone so beautiful could be a thief?” “Just goes to show you can’t judge by appearances.” “What a waste of that pretty face. Any wealthy man would have provided for her.” “Well, she is a servant’s daughter. Poverty makes people desperate.”

Sienna’s smile widened. “If you didn’t steal it, then let me search your bag. What are you afraid of if you’re innocent?”

Upstairs, Asher and Alexander concluded their meeting. Asher went to the restroom while Alexander escorted their guests, encountering Drake in the hallway.

“Mr. Sterling, how are you?” Drake greeted him.

Alexander frowned. “And you are…?”

Drake introduced himself. After brief pleasantries, he presented a gift. “I hear your sister is getting engaged. Congratulations. This is a small engagement gift for her.”

Alexander, appreciating Drake’s understanding of etiquette, reconsidered his initial plan to end the conversation quickly. “How thoughtful,” Alexander accepted the box. “Let me thank you on my sister’s behalf. She’s actually downstairs. Why don’t I introduce you?”

Drake’s strategy seemed to be working. “Thank you, that would be perfect.”