Chapter 20: A Flawless Scheme

"Oh, really?" Annabel scoffed, shaking her head. She saw through Heather and her friends' attempt to frame her. It annoyed her, but she was curious to see their next move.

"Can someone explain what happened?" Brock asked, frowning. He found it hard to believe Rupert's fiancée was a thief, but he had to listen to his granddaughter's distress—he doted on her, and there was an eyewitness.

"Heather was showing us her diamond ring when Annabel walked by and stared at it for a long time. It was obvious she liked it," Bella explained, stepping forward. Annabel's jaw dropped at Bella's skillful lying. When had she ever expressed interest in the ring, or stared at it for that long? Bella continued, "Before we went dancing, Heather took off the ring and put it in her purse. After dancing, it was gone. We looked everywhere. This waiter said he saw someone steal the ring—Annabel!"

Heather clutched her chest, feigning distress. She deserved an Oscar. Like a mastermind, she’d planned this flawless scheme to humiliate Annabel. After the party, everyone would hate her, and Rupert would break off their engagement. Heather envisioned marrying into the Benton family with ease, once this "countrywoman" was ousted.

Unfazed, Annabel sneered and looked at the waiter with sharp eyes. "Did you see me steal Heather's ring?"

A cold shiver ran down the waiter's spine. He lowered his head, avoiding her gaze. "Yes," he mumbled.

"Don't worry. She can't do anything to you. Just tell the truth!" Bella winked at him.

Taking the hint, the waiter raised his head. "When I went to the bathroom, I saw a woman wearing the ring. I didn't think anything of it, but as soon as she saw me, she took it off and put it in her purse."

"Annabel! How despicable! Give Heather her ring! You've shamed the Benton family!" Erica's sharp voice cut through the air. She approached with Cathy close behind.

"Calm down, Auntie. She's not part of the Benton family yet, so she can't shame us," Cathy said, though she glared at Annabel, adding, "This girl's a thief! I'm sure Rupert won't marry her."

More people turned against Annabel, believing her guilt without evidence. Annabel sneered at their antagonism. The situation was escalating.

"Let's not drag this out, Annabel. Just hand over the ring," Brock said, his face darkening. He was fed up. He hadn't expected this at his birthday party. Annabel's patience was wearing thin.

"I didn't take it!"

"You didn't? The waiter said you hid it in your purse! Open it if you're telling the truth!" Heather grabbed Annabel's arm as she tried to leave.

Brock snapped his fingers, signaling the security guards to surround Annabel. Trapped, Annabel frowned. They wouldn't let her go until the matter was resolved.

She had no choice but to hand her purse to Heather. "You want to check it? Fine!" A mischievous glint flashed in Heather's eyes as she took the purse. She handed it to the head security guard, ordering, "Open it and check it thoroughly."

The guard obeyed, unzipping the purse under everyone's gaze.

"She's really the thief!" Heather's diamond ring was inside Annabel's purse.