Chapter 122: Stolen Diamond Necklace

“Do you suspect us of theft? That’s utterly ridiculous! You should do your research. We are from the prestigious Goodridge family from Jexburgh. Who gave you the audacity to slander us as thieves! I could easily buy this store of yours without a second thought. Do you really think I would stoop so low as to steal a necklace? Are you trying to make a joke?”

Waverly, equally indignant, chimed in heatedly. “My mom is right. Don’t spout nonsense if you don’t have any proof. Be careful, or I might charge you with slander.”

At that time, other customers were in the store. Someone recognized Harriet and exclaimed in surprise, “It’s Mrs. Goodridge! No wonder she looked familiar.”

“Of course, Mrs. Goodridge and Ms. Goodridge wouldn’t resort to thievery, but we can’t say the same for everyone else.”

“What does that mean?”

“I heard that the Goodridge family had an adopted daughter who ended up in prison precisely because she stole Ms. Tiffany’s necklace at the Lorimer family’s banquet.”

“Huh? Which one is the adopted daughter of the Goodridge family? Do you think she might fall back into her old ways?”

The gossip from those around her pointed directly at Raylee. Raylee remained silent, calmly casting a glance at Mindy. She had long guessed Mindy was scheming against her. Unexpectedly, she had set the trap here.

“Shut up, all of you! My sister is innocent; she would never steal a necklace!” Waverly roared at the crowd, then gently took Raylee’s hand to comfort her. “Raylee, don’t pay any attention to their idle chatter. I believe you wouldn’t steal anything!”

As if she was afraid others wouldn’t know Raylee was the adopted daughter of the Goodridge family accused of stealing the necklace, Waverly’s words only made it seem like they had something to hide.

Raylee was so furious that she let out a bark of laughter. She forcefully shook off Waverly’s hand.

“Whether we stole it or not can be proved by letting them check our bags. It’s fine by me. After all, I have a clear conscience. I’m not afraid of anything.”

Mindy willingly handed her bag over to the security guard. Kaylee quietly watched her. This behavior was indeed quite unusual. Given Mindy’s personality, would she obediently hand over her bag for inspection? No way!

Just as Mindy had handed over her bag, it was snatched back by Harriet, who sternly said, “Mindy, they have no right to search our personal belongings. I’ll call the police and have a lawyer come over.”

“But Wavy urgently needs to see a doctor. Mrs. Goodridge, just let them check us. Wavy’s injuries are more important,” Mindy feigned anxiety.

Waverly cradled her injured wrist, a pained expression crossing her face. “Don’t worry, I can hold on.”

“Wavy, you need to stop pushing yourself,” Mindy voiced her concern. “I know you’ve been enduring it all this while. But what will happen if your hand is ruined from all this strain?”

Harriet, with a heart full of concern, grasped Waverly’s hand. “Wavy, are you really enduring a lot of pain?”

Seizing the opportunity, Mindy reclaimed her bag and handed it over to the security guard. “Please check it quickly, we’re in a rush!”

After she finished speaking, she turned her gaze to Raylee. “Once my bag is done, it’ll be your turn. You don’t have any issues with that, right?”

Raylee, unusually agreeable, nodded. “No problem.”

Left with no other choice, Harriet reluctantly agreed, “Fine, proceed with the check. Today’s circumstances are exceptional as my daughter urgently needs to get to the hospital. Otherwise, I would never compromise!”

Mindy was annoyed by the slow actions of the security guard. She took the initiative to unzip her bag, spilling all its contents onto the counter. Under the brilliant lights of the jewelry store, a dazzling diamond necklace tumbled out.

The jewelry salesperson picked up the diamond necklace and examined it, immediately exclaiming in shock, “Ah! This is our stolen diamond necklace!”

Everyone was taken aback. No one would have guessed that the seemingly most innocent Mindy, who was most actively cooperating with the investigation, turned out to be the thief!

Harriet spoke in disbelief. “Mindy, how could you steal the necklace? This is illegal! You’ve really let me down.”

Mindy appeared flustered and immediately denied it. “That can’t be right! I didn’t steal it! If I really did, why would I cooperate with the inspection, let alone voluntarily empty out my bag? Someone must have set me up!”

In the midst of their conversation, she cast a look of surprise and confusion toward Raylee. She had been so discreet, so meticulous in her actions. The necklace should have been in Raylee’s bag. How on earth did it end up in hers? Where exactly did things go wrong? She clenched her fists tightly, truly unable to comprehend where the flaw in the entire process lay.

When Raylee saw Mindy’s expression, she felt extremely satisfied. Her facial expression was quite the spectacle, a mix of shock, confusion, and anger, as if a whirlwind of emotions had been unleashed. The meticulously planned scheme, which seemed on the brink of success, was unexpectedly turned on its head! Who wouldn’t be confused?

Indeed, Raylee had been on her guard against Mindy since a while ago, starting from the elevator ride. Mindy, however, hadn’t noticed any signs whatsoever. That was how Raylee managed to stealthily frame her. Taking advantage of Mindy’s inattentiveness, Raylee had slipped the necklace into her bag.