“I… Caroline’s face paled. She hadn’t expected me to turn the tables so easily.
The others agreed; something worn or carried couldn’t be stolen so easily.
Jaxson’s gaze was sinister.
Caroline fought back panic.“No… the bracelet wasn’t on my wrist, so…”
Seeing her falter, I pressed on.“You said it’s your favorite bracelet, a gift from Mr. Hamilton. If you weren’t wearing it, how would I know you had such a beautiful one?”
I grabbed her hand, still clutching the bracelet. “Were you trying to show it off to me? Did I take it from your pocket?”
“Enough.” Jaxson grabbed my wrist.“How long are you going to make a scene in front of so many people!”
My disbelief was crushing.“Am I making a scene by defending my innocence?”
“Innocent?” He laughed.“The bracelet was in your bag, and you say you’re innocent?”
The sentence felt like a death sentence.
My blood ran cold; my throat constricted.“You know I wouldn’t-”
“I only believe in evidence.”
My last
escape route was blocked. My heart sealed.
Caroline took Jaxson’s hand.“Jaxson, let it go. Dr. Sutton didn’t mean to, and the bracelet is found. I don’t blame Dr. Sutton.”
Her generosity won the crowd.
No matter what I said, it was useless.
The bracelet was in my bag; who would believe me?
I forced a smile, suppressing my pain. “It seems I’m bearing the brunt of this mess today. Fine, I’ll consider it bad luck. Like being bitten by a mad dog.”
I looked deeply at Caroline and Jaxson, then turned away.
Jaxson’s lips tightened; unease stirred within him.
He started to follow me, but Caroline stopped him.“Jaxson, let it go. Don’t make things difficult for Dr. Sutton.”
20:45
