Chapter 23
Betrayed by Blood~
"Found it."
Avery’s heart stopped, her body going stiff as color drained from her face. Martha lifted up a gold pouch, her smile widening viciously. She opened the pouch, and right in it was the diamond necklace.
"This," Martha started, holding it up for everyone to see, "was stuffed under the bed," she announced loudly.
"W-what? No...no...I didn’t..." Avery stammered, her knees weakened, almost giving away as she stumbled forward. "That’s not mine, I didn’t put it there," she whispered brokenly, shaking her head rapidly.
Carol’s face burned with anger, her hands clenched into tight fists. She stormed over to Avery and grabbed her arm roughly to face her. She slapped Avery on the face harshly, making Avery stagger.
"You filthy little liar!" Carol spat out, her face filled with disgust as she grabbed Avery’s hair and yanked her forward. Avery latched onto the woman’s hands, tears already leaking from her eyes, her scalp felt like it was on fire from how hard Carol was pulling.
Tears streamed down her cheeks as she pleaded, "Please, I didn’t take it. I have never seen it before. Please believe me—"
"Shut your lying mouth," Carol snarled just as Kendra stepped forward, scowling at her. "You really are the lowest of the low, Avery. Stealing? I thought you’d at least be better than that, but of course, you’re just a rotten liar and a thief. Do you think we’re stupid? You didn’t steal it, but it somehow ended up in your room and in your bed?" Kendra scoffed, shaking her head.
"I didn’t do it. I’ve never stolen anything. I would never. Someone must have put it in there. I wouldn’t—"
Carol laughed humorlessly, "Oh, of course, someone must’ve framed you! Spare me your pathetic excuses," she snarled and shoved Avery roughly, sending her crashing to the floor.