Chapter 17

In the store, a woman in an elaborate dress sat at the counter trying on different bracelets.

Gwen saw her and, disgusted, she exclaimed, “It’s Brie Collins!” Caroline’s hands balled into fists immediately.

The Collinses had devised the downfall of the Evanses many years ago. After that, the Collinses took over her family’s place as one of the four most influential families in the city. However, they were different from the other families with considerable lineage because, being nouveau riche, they did not have concrete support or power. So others often criticized them, notably after Caroline returned to the country.

As the heiress of the Morrisons, Caroline had gone through rigorous etiquette training since birth.

Regardless of the size of any event, she always appeared elegant and poised. However, the children of the Collins family were different and often made a fool of themselves in the eyes of the media. Even Brie Collins, the favorite daughter of Howard Collins–the head of the Collins family–could not escape that fate.

Both the Evans and the Collins families were on bad terms, and Brie Collins regarded Caroline as a thorn in her side.

“Let’s go,” Gwen said, lowering her voice. She did not want to have her day ruined by insignificant people. Caroline nodded and started to turn when she heard an unpleasant voice from inside the store.

‘Since you’re here already, just come in,” Brie said. “Or are you afraid you can’t afford to shop here because your position in the Morrison family is uncertain now?”

Caroline put on a smile and turned to face Brie Collins. “I just don’t want to be seen in the same space as trash.”

“Who are you calling trash?” Brie smacked the table as she rose from her seat, laying waste to the effort she made to maintain an elegant front.

Caroline pursed her lips. “Well, if the shoe fits, Ms. Collins.”

Brie Collins took a deep breath and laughed mockingly. “Right now, all you can do is talk. Let’s see who else will have your back when Eddy Morrison annuls the marriage agreement.” She thought her words would hit home since everyone knew Caroline loved him to death.

Yet Caroline merely smiled at her and walked to the cashier. “Can you please check the approximate price of this bracelet?”

This was the only jewelry store in the area and the most famous one in Osbury. Caroline did not want her trip to be in vain.

Brie glanced at Caroline’s bracelet and was momentarily stunned. Then she mocked, “Caroline Evans, you must’ve lost your mind. If you’re thinking of having it appraised, you should at least bring something genuine.” Even though the bracelet she wore looked fine, the Evanses definitely could not afford such an exquisite one.

“What do you mean?” Caroline’s face darkened. Although Kirk was just an ordinary white–collar worker, she believed in his character. This bracelet may not cost a lot, but he would never buy her a counterfeit to deceive her.

Brie scoffed. “Don’t you understand?” She continued, deliberately spacing out the words, “I said… your bracelet is fake.”

Caroline glanced around to see the shopkeepers who were suppressing their laughter. She touched the bracelet on her wrist, and the corner of her lips tilted upward. “Are you sure?”

‘Of course.”

“Well then, let’s make a bet. If my bracelet is counterfeit, you can pick anything in this shop, and I’ll pay for it. If it’s real, you’ll pay me double the price of my bracelet. What do you say?”

Brie agreed immediately. “Sure. Send for Mr. York.”

Mr. York was the most professional appraiser in the jewelry store. He could tell the authenticity of any jewel with just a glimpse. Gwen tugged at Caroline’s sleeve. In a lowered voice, she said, “Carol, weren’t you a bit too rash?”

If the bracelet really was fake…