The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 82

Crystal could feel the weight of suspicious stares pressing in from all sides. Hurt and helpless, tears welled up in her eyes, threatening to spill over.

At that moment, Jack, the family butler, hurried over with several maids in tow. Glancing at the gathered crowd, he made a suggestion, his voice calm but firm. “For the lady of the house’s peace of mind, perhaps it’s best if we check everyone, starting with Crystal. What do you think?”

Realizing there was no way out, Crystal gritted her teeth. “Fine. Search me if you must. I haven’t stolen anything, so go ahead!”

She shot Ethan a furious glare. She knew she was innocent; if they found nothing, she’d make sure he regretted this.

Ethan merely folded his arms across his chest, waiting for the outcome with a self-satisfied smirk.

Jack gave a nod, signaling to one of the younger maids. The girl stepped forward, her hands trembling slightly as she began to search Crystal’s pockets.

The room held its breath; every eye was locked on Crystal.

Crystal clenched her fists, her gaze unwavering. She knew she hadn’t done anything wrong.

But then, to everyone’s shock, the maid pulled a delicate women’s ring from Crystal’s pocket.

Under the bright chandelier, the ring sparkled brilliantly, drawing gasps from the onlookers.

Crystal stared, wide-eyed, her face frozen in disbelief. “This can’t be! I didn’t steal it! I’ve never even seen that ring before!”

Ethan’s eyes lit up in triumph. “Hmph! You wouldn’t admit it earlier, but now you’ve been caught red-handed!”

Jack, his expression grave, carefully handed the ring to Rebecca. “Ma’am, is this yours?”

Rebecca glanced at the ring and gave a small nod. “Yes, it’s mine.”

With that, every gaze in the room shifted to Crystal—some filled with disappointment, others with outright condemnation.

Desperate and on the verge of panic, Crystal shouted, “Rebecca, I didn’t steal anything! I’ve never even seen that ring before, I swear!”

Rebecca sighed, her frustration evident. “Alright, if you say you didn’t steal it, then I suppose you didn’t...”

Crystal’s face flushed red with anger and humiliation. “What do you mean, ‘If I say I didn’t steal it, then I didn’t’? I’m telling the truth!”

Suddenly, George’s voice rang out, sharp and furious. “Enough!”

He felt utterly humiliated by the whole spectacle and couldn’t bear to stay any longer. Without another word, he barked, “We’re leaving. Now!”

He stormed out, not once looking back.

Crystal stood rooted to the spot, her world crumbling. How had things come to this? Watching George’s retreating figure, she was overwhelmed by despair and helplessness. She realized that no matter how she tried to defend herself, no one would ever believe her.