Chapter 3 - The Missing DiamondMarcus stepped out from the main parlor, frowning as he approached his fiancée. “Vanessa, what’s going on? Where did you leave it?”

“I left it on my vanity table two hours ago, Marcus!” Vanessa cried dramatically, pointing a manicured finger toward the hallway. “And only one person has been inside my sitting room since then!”

Vanessa turned her cold, venomous glare directly onto Clara.

Clara’s stomach dropped into a icy void. She set her serving tray down on the table, her heart pounding against her ribs.

“Miss Sterling,” Clara said softly, keeping her voice steady and respectful. “I dusted your sitting room at four o'clock, as scheduled. I did not touch your jewelry box.”

Vanessa took three slow, intimidating steps toward Clara, her eyes flashing with cruel triumph.

“You’re a liar,” Vanessa sneered, her voice ringing clearly across the quiet ballroom. “You’re a broke, desperate maid. Security! Remove this thief from the premises immediately!”

Two uniformed estate security guards moved forward from the entrance doors.

Guests leaned closer, whispering behind their champagne flutes:

“A maid stealing diamonds... how cliché.”

“Look at her... she’s crying already.”

“Marcus should have known better than to hire someone from the streets.”

Clara stood in the center of the grand room, tears stinging her eyes, her throat tight with humiliation. If she lost this job, she lost her room. If she lost her room, Lily would be on the streets in the dead of winter.

“Marcus, please,” Clara whispered, looking into the billionaire’s eyes. “I didn't steal anything.”

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Marcus looked torn, his brow furrowed in deep concern as he took a step between security and Clara. “Vanessa, let’s search the suite first before throwing accusations—”

“I searched the suite!” Vanessa yelled, cutting him off. “She stole it, Marcus! Fire her tonight!”