Chapter 8
“Grandma, does this emerald bead necklace look familiar?” Yasmin held up her phone, displaying the Dunville Auction House listing to Patricia. Patricia, Annie Hartson’s mother-in-law for years, had coveted Annie’s dowry and jewelry for just as long. She recognized the necklace instantly. “Could there have been a thief in the family?” Wanda interjected sharply, deflecting suspicion. The maids paled, frantically denying any involvement. Yasmin feigned confusion. “But only two people have keys to the treasury: Grandma, and you, Wanda. A maid couldn't have taken it.” The implication was clear—if not Wanda, then Patricia? Silence fell. Patricia’s sharp gaze fixed on Wanda, accusation in her eyes. Panic flickered across Wanda’s face. Before she could speak, Patricia snapped, “Go to the study and bring Logan here!”
Logan Whitmore, unexpectedly summoned from overtime, was thrust into the chaos. His anger flared. He slapped Yasmin. “Yasmin, are you not done causing trouble? Why must you disrupt our family the moment you return?” Her cheek stinging, Yasmin retorted mockingly, “What, are you planning to throw me into an asylum again?” Logan ignored her, pressing, “Do you understand the importance of family harmony?” Yasmin laughed; to Logan, she was always expendable. She’d long since stopped expecting fairness.
Veronica intervened, playing peacemaker. “Yasmin, all heirloom emeralds look similar. Maybe you’ve made a mistake. I’ll help you look tomorrow.” Her feigned kindness nauseated Yasmin. She brushed Veronica’s hand away. “Grandma, the platinum clasp has a runic engraving I carved as a child. I doubt another exists.” Patricia, intending to bequeath the best pieces to Jeremy, had been thwarted by Wanda and Veronica's scheming. A furious Patricia, therefore, proved more useful to Yasmin's plan than Logan. Patricia understood instantly. She ordered an inventory of the treasury. Wanda and Veronica’s expressions soured.
Two hours later, the inventory revealed more than the missing necklace. Several items had been replaced with forgeries, including a rare, priceless truffle. Another slap echoed—this time, Patricia striking Wanda. “Wanda! How dare you steal from your own family? You were trusted, and this is how you repay us? Where are the real items? Where’s the money?” Wanda, never struck before, let alone in front of her children, wept, turning to Logan for comfort.
Before Logan could act, Yasmin spoke, her voice laced with grievance. “Dad, am I really the one causing trouble? I just don’t want our family’s valuables to disappear.” Patricia scoffed. “Logan, look at the wonderful wife you married!” Realizing he couldn’t defend Wanda without incriminating himself, Logan’s expression darkened.
The doorbell rang. A maid announced, “Sir, Mr. Grant is here!” Caleb? Yasmin stared. Dressed impeccably, he exuded authority. “Caleb, what brings you here?” Logan reacted first, assuming his role as doting father-in-law.
Caleb’s gaze swept the room, lingering on Yasmin’s cheek. He frowned. Yasmin subtly averted her face. Veronica’s voice, soft and breathy, hinted at recent tears. “Seems lively,” Caleb remarked ambiguously. Logan chuckled nervously. “Just a minor family disagreement.” Veronica glanced at Yasmin, biting her lip before confessing, “It’s about Annie’s belongings. I admit taking the truffle, but I gave it to Ms. Newman two years ago, during childbirth complications. Yasmin was studying abroad.” Wanda, teary-eyed, added, “Mom, the jewelry… I used it for social obligations. I didn’t want to ask Logan for more money.”
Patricia inhaled sharply, about to lash out, but Caleb interrupted casually, “Oh? Doesn’t sound like a big deal.” Yasmin stared incredulously. “Exactly!” Logan agreed hastily. “It was for the family. Let’s drop it.” He signaled Patricia. Displeasing Caleb would be disastrous.
Yasmin met Veronica’s gaze. Her pitiful demeanor was gone, replaced by smug triumph. Yasmin’s cold chuckle broke the silence. This was why Caleb was here—Veronica’s reinforcement. “What’s so funny?” Caleb asked. Yasmin met his gaze, her faint smile devoid of warmth. “I find it funny that you arrived just in time. Suddenly, my mother’s belongings became insignificant.” She laughed at herself as well. Her meticulous plan was no match for Veronica’s deceit.