“You didn’t sneak in pretending to be a hotel staffer, did you? Look at how shabby you’re dressed—definitely up to no good!”
“Where’s the necklace? We know you came from humble beginnings. Seeing something valuable must have tempted you. I can’t believe you’d try stealing in front of everyone!”
“Do you have any proof I stole something?”
I cut her off, raising my voice.
The crowd around us burst into mocking laughter.
“Proof? Please. She’s from an orphanage. How innocent could she be? Probably never even touched a gemstone before.”
“People like her grow up taking what isn’t theirs. Filthy habits, no upbringing—it’s pathetic, really.”
“Why don’t we search her? Make sure she doesn’t run off.”
A few male guests stepped forward, ready to grab me.
I yanked my arm free in disgust. Just as I was about to speak, Zamora’s soft, tearful voice broke through.
“Don’t do this. Maybe she just made a mistake… once.”
But that “kind” attempt of her to defend me only poured oil on the fire.
“Shut up,” I snapped coldly. “I’ll say it again. I didn’t steal your necklace.”
Her eyes reddened, her voice trembling as she choked out, “Issy… that necklace was a birthday gift from my dad. It’s really precious. If you like jewelry, I can give you something else. But could you please return that one to me?”
The gentler her tone, the more it sounded like she was shielding me out of pity.
One of her friends exploded. “You still won’t admit it, you filthy thief? You’ve got no parents to raise you right, so you’re jealous Zamora has a real family, huh?”
Face darkening, I pulled out my phone, ready to call someone to check the surveillance footage.
But before I could dial, a shadow fell over me.
Ross stormed in from outside the hotel, grabbed my wrist, and smacked the phone out of my hand. His voice was low and sharp.
“What the hell are you doing here?”
There was panic in his eyes, as if he was terrified I’d ruin the “business deal” he was working on tonight.
“Ross,” Zamora said tearfully, “Issy seems to have taken my necklace. Can you talk to her? Can you ask her to give it back?”
Her eyes glistened pitifully.
The moment Ross heard her explanation, his expression darkened. He turned to me without hesitation.
“Did you steal it?”
“I said I didn’t. Would you believe me if I did?”
I met his gaze. He froze for a second before looking away, his tone turning ice-cold.