Chapter 20
Chapter 20
Elysia turned to Elena, realizing she was the best choice among everyone else present.
67%1
As Elena offered to help, Emma’s heart sank again. She and Elena didn’t interact much, and it was tough to figure out what Elena was thinking.
Emma started to panic. ‘Elena has been backing Elysia all day. If she finds the necklace on me, she’ll expose me without a second thought. What can I do now?”
She glanced at Natalie, hoping to pass the necklace to her. But despite all her hints, Natalie remained clueless, looking completely confused
Elena noticed Emma was still sitting in her seat, showing no signs of wanting to let her take a look. She frowned and said, “Ms. Emma Rosewood, do you not trust me?”
Emma was now in full–blown panic,
Natalie was confused by Emma’s behavior. Just as she reacted, Elena had strode over to Emma and grabbed the bag from her hand.
“Ms. Emma Rosewood, don’t worry. I won’t cover for anyone, Elena said and began rummaging through the
Emma was on the verge of tears, feeling utterly hopeless..
Then, without warning. Elena pulled out a blue necklace from the bag–it was right the Azure Ocean.
bag.
Everyone fell silent, shocked. Logically, the necklace should have been in Elysia’s bag since they had planned to frame her today. They couldn’t understand how it ended up in Emma’s bag-what a bizarre twist.
As they thought it over, they couldn’t help but gasp quietly. Luckily, the necklace wasn’t found in their bags. If it had been, their reputations would have taken a hit, whether they were guilty or not.
Selena lunged to grab the necklace, but as soon as her fingers brushed it, Elena clutched it tightly. “Ms. Hayes, this necklace isn’t yours anymore,” she declared, placing it in Elysia’s hands.
Natalie could still hardly believe her eyes. The necklace that should have been in Elysia’s bag was now in Emma’s. She nearly shouted, “No way! How could it be in Emma’s bag?”
“Then where else should it be?” Elysia raised an eyebrow, challenging her.
Natalie was just about to say something when Yolanda cleared her throat. She paused, holding back the words that were on the tip of her tongue.
“Now that the necklace is found, let’s wrap this up and never speak of it again,” Yolanda suggested, trying to snooth things
over.
Elysia was almost certain that today’s setup was a plan Emma and her friends concocted together. She had to admit that their acting skills were impressive.
If they had really found the necklace in her bag, they wouldn’t have just let it slide, they would have spread rumors everywhere. By then, her stealing the necklace would be the talk of the town. What a clever and ruthless schemel she thought.
14:04 Tue, Jan 28
Chapter 20
ex.67%
Once the chaos died down, Emma and her friends practically rushed out of the Cafe. They couldn’t handle being outsmarted by a girl from the countryside–it was just too humiliating Plus, the longer they stayed, the more they risked getting tangled up in this mess.
Elena had vanished too. Elysia sighed, wishing she could thank her properly, but Elena was gone in an instant.
Elysia looked at the Azure Ocean, and a sly smile crept onto her face. Since things had turned out this way, why not shake things up a bit? With that thought, she pulled out her phone and dialed Yuna Ward’s number.
“Ms. Rosewood,” came Yuna’s cool female v
voice on the other end
“I have something for you. I want you to sell it under Arcanum House’s name to Lucas Hayes, and then donate the money in his name to the Sunflower Orphanage.”
“Yes, Ms. Rosewood.
Elysia had originally planned to donate in the name of the Scented Garden with Nicole as the representative. However, since the Scented Garden was part of Silverstream, using its influence would definitely alert Jack and the other elders.
Arcanum House only took orders from Elysia directly and was well–respected in Clusia. While the Scented Garden represented status and prestige, Arcanum House was seen as mysterious. As the head of it, Elysia always wore a mask, and no one knew her real identity.
As for Yuna, Elysia had saved her from the edge of death several years ago. Yuna was about the same age as Nicole but had a much colder demeanor. Yuna handled things quickly and efficiently, earning Elysia’s complete trust.
Elysia still remembered how hopeless and miserable Yuna had looked when she was rescued. Feeling a surge of compassion, Elysia took her in and allowed her to manage Arcanum House.
After hanging up the phone, Elysia walked past the café’s reception and overheard a little girl trying to charm the server. The girl had braids, wore a miniskirt, and was about as tall as Elysia’s shoulder, looking around twelve.
“I do have money; I just lost my wallet. Miss, you look so pretty. Could you please let me go back and get my money first?” Alice Rogers, the girl, begged.
The server replied apologetically, I’m sorry. I can’t do The server replied apologetically, “I’m sorry. I can’t do that. Maybe you could call a family member to come you?”
“But I lost my phone too.” Alice looked upset, her eyes shimmering like a helpless kitten.
and pay
for
Though the server kept her smile, she was secretly mumbling to herself, ‘Is she planning to dine and dash? She looks young. but she seems really clever.
“I work hard for my money. If she thinks she can just say she’s going to get cash and not come back, is she expecting me to pay for that? She thinks I’in that kind of person?”
“Please,” Alice continued to plead
But the server wasn’t swayed. “How about I lend you my phone: You can call someone at home,
Alice lowered her head. “I don’t remember the number
The server felt speechless.
It wasn’t Alice’s fault. She’d just returned from Morganin that day and was still dealing with jet lag. She had stepped out to get
14.04 Tue, Jan 28
Chapter 20
familiar with the area, only to have her phone and wallet stolen
67%6
She had already felt terrible, yet now, she had to sweet–talk a server here, and the server wasn’t having any of it. At this point, she felt completely stuck.
“I’ll pay for her, Elysia said from behind them, catching their attention.
The server hesitated. “Miss, are you sure you want to pay for her
Elysia nodded, pulling a card from her bag and handing it over. The server quickly accepted it.
Alice looked at Elysia with wide, sparkling eyes and said in a soft sweet voice, “You are so beautiful.”
Elysia laughed and said, “Next time, make sure to keep an eye on your phone and wallet. Don’t lose them again.”
Alice nodded hurriedly.
While they chatted, the server finished processing the card and handed it back to Elysia. Elysia took it, ready to turn to leave.
Alice grabbed the edge of Elysia’s dress, looking pitiful. “Could you lend me a little more cash? I don’t have enough for a
taxi.
The server shot Alice a disapproving glance, figuring she was really pushing her luck.
Elysia, however, just smiled and pulled a hundred–dollar bill from her bag, handing it to Alice. “Is this enough?”
Alice nodded happily, then added, “Please wait just a moment.”
She dashed to the front desk, borrowed a pen and paper, and quickly handed them to Elysia. “Can you write your phone number here? I promise I’ll pay you back as soon as I can.
“No need,” Elysia said, turning to leave.
But Alice quickly caught up with her. “What’s your name? I’m Alice.”
Elysia glanced at her, her tone flat. “Elysia.”
What a beautiful name! Can we be friends?” Alice asked, her eyes shining with excitement.