Chapter 336 The Missing Ruby
His response took me by surprise. I hadn’t expected him to say that.
But soon, a cynical laugh escaped me. ‘Am I supposed to believe you? You promised me before that if she ever hurt me, you’d do something about it. But did you? Don’t make me laugh.’
‘So that’s what this is about? You’re still mad at me, so you came here with Rhys?’
‘I’m not mad. I’m just disappointed,’ I said, and I let him see it in my eyes.
‘I’ll make it right.’
‘Will you, really?’
If he wouldn’t even punish Genevieve for pushing me into the lake and nearly killing me, what justice could he possibly give me? I didn’t know why I was still holding out hope.
I stood up and turned to leave, but Ashton grabbed my wrist. ‘Are you going back to him?’
‘I need to use the toilet,’ I said flatly.
Ashton followed me all the way to the ladies’ room entrance. I looked at him. ‘Coming in?’
He’d thought I was making an excuse, and now he looked slightly embarrassed. ‘I’ll wait here.’
I didn’t answer, just gave him a look and went inside.
When I came out, Ashton said, ‘Naomi says she misses you. She’d like you to go over and chat with her.’
‘Fine.’
By the time we returned to the function room, the atmosphere had shifted. The music had stopped, and people were murmuring uneasily. Something had happened.
‘What’s going on?’ Ashton asked, frowning as he approached Ryan and Cassian.
‘Something’s been stolen,’ Cassian said, his own expression tense.
‘One of the exhibition pieces is missing—the red ruby, the most valuable one. It’s estimated to be worth at least a billion,’ Ryan explained.
‘Missing? How?’ Ashton asked.
‘That’s the host over there, the owner of the ruby,’ Ryan said quietly.
A tuxedoed man approached with two bodyguards, his face grim.
‘I’m sorry, Miss, but could you please open your bag for inspection? Someone has reported seeing you take our property,’ the assistant beside the tuxedoed man said to me with a tone of forced politeness.
Everyone had gathered around, and all eyes were fixed on me.
I was confused. ‘I didn’t take anything. I wasn’t even here earlier. How could it have been me?’
‘She’s right. She wasn’t even here.’ Naomi was the first to step forward.
Ashton moved to shield me, his expression cold as he addressed the host. ‘Do you have any proof, Mr Howard?’
‘We have an eyewitness report. I’m afraid we must insist,’ the assistant replied smoothly.
‘And what exactly are you planning to do?’ Naomi demanded.
‘If you wish to prove your innocence, please simply allow us to check your bag,’ the assistant said, looking directly at me.
‘Fine.’ I was willing to comply to clear my name, but not to be bullied. ‘But what happens if the ruby isn’t in my bag?’
‘We will, of course, offer compensation and a full apology.’
‘Mr Howard, she’s my friend. That ruby won’t be in her bag, and I’m afraid a simple apology won’t be nearly enough.’ Rhys stepped in.
Ashton shot Rhys a glare full of open hostility. ‘I don’t consent. She’s my wife. No amount of compensation you could offer would be adequate.’
As he tried to lead me away, the bodyguards moved to block our path.
‘I’m sorry, but I’m afraid we must insist.’ The assistant stepped closer to Ashton.
‘This is Skyline, not your city.’
‘It’s alright,’ I said gently. I knew Ashton was protecting me, but I saw no harm in letting them look. ‘I didn’t take it. Let them check.’
‘I can handle this. You don’t have to submit to this,’ Ashton insisted, his stance unmoving.
‘Really, it’s okay.’
I opened my bag and turned it over, letting everything inside spill out onto a table.
A phone, a wallet, a set of keys, a lipstick. Nothing more.
Well, there wasn’t supposed to be.
Until a ruby tumbled out.
The gem glittered brilliantly under the lights, impossibly bright and out of place.
A collective gasp went through the crowd.
‘My god!’
‘She actually took it.’
‘How brazen.’
‘I can’t believe it!’
‘Mirabelle, it really was you!’ Genevieve declared with a look of pure triumph.
I frowned, completely stunned. I looked at Ashton and shook my head. ‘I didn’t.’
‘I believe you,’ he said without hesitation.
The assistant stepped forward and picked up the ruby. ‘Well, Mr Laurent? What do you have to say now?’
‘Just because this ended up in my wife’s bag doesn’t mean she took it. Where’s your proof? Did you see her take it? Do you have a reliable witness?’ Ashton kept me close, his voice icy as he addressed the assistant, then turned to the host. ‘My wife has no interest in stealing a ruby. I could buy ten of these without blinking. I expect this to be investigated thoroughly to clear her name.’
‘It was this lady who claimed she saw your wife take it.’ Mr Howard pointed at Genevieve. His tone turned conciliatory. ‘Since the item has been recovered, I’m willing to let the matter drop. Perhaps it was all just a misunderstanding.’ He offered Ashton a strained smile.
‘You might be willing to drop it, but I’m not. I told you, my wife is not a thief. This will be investigated. I WILL clear her name.’ Ashton’s tone left no room for argument.
‘Mr Laurent, be reasonable. We have a witness and the stolen item. I’m choosing not to press charges. What more is there to pursue?’ Mr Howard replied, his own patience wearing thin.
Ashton rounded on Genevieve. ‘Where exactly did you see Mirabelle take this? She didn’t even know this ruby existed before tonight. And she hasn’t left my sight. How could she possibly have taken it?’