Chapter 34

Chapter 34:

“I’m sorry,” the person who bumped into Susan quickly apologized before moving on. Madisyn scowled, ready to confront the individual, but Susan pulled at her sleeve. “It’s okay. It was an accident,” Susan reassured her.

Madisyn decided not to pursue it further and returned to their table to enjoy the food. As they sat down, something caught her eye—there was a small object protruding from Susan’s pocket. She squinted. “What’s in your pocket?”

“Nothing,” Susan responded, blinking in confusion.

But when Madisyn reached into the pocket, she pulled out a ring. Susan’s face turned pale. “That’s not mine!” she exclaimed, panic creeping into her voice.

Madisyn quickly pocketed the ring, scanning the hall, her mind racing. “Of course, it’s not. Just wait here,” she said calmly before stepping away.

Moments later, a scream pierced the air. “My ring is gone!” The voice was unmistakably Josie’s.

Josie appeared distressed, her voice trembling. “No! That ring is a family heirloom from my grandmother!”

A murmur of concern swept through the room.

“That ring is extremely valuable,” someone commented. “How could it just vanish?”

“I took it off when I washed my hands in the restroom and forgot to put it back on. When I returned, it was gone!” Josie explained, her eyes filling with tears.

The guests began searching the area, but the ring was nowhere to be found. Josie’s gaze suddenly landed on Susan.

“Everyone here is affluent and respected. I can’t imagine any of them stealing,” Josie said, her tone dripping with suspicion. “But Madisyn’s friend… she doesn’t exactly look like she belongs here.”

All eyes turned toward Susan, scrutinizing her simple attire.

Susan, caught off guard by the accusation, stammered, “I didn’t take it! I never even saw it!”

“I saw you go into the restroom,” one woman chimed in. “How could you not have seen it? You must be lying!”

“Please, just give back my ring!” Josie’s voice wavered as she moved closer to Susan. “If you took anything else, I’d forgive you for Madisyn’s sake, but this ring belonged to my grandmother. I can’t lose it!”

“I didn’t take it!” Susan repeated, her face reddening with frustration.

Madisyn, her patience wearing thin, stepped forward. “Do you have any proof that she took it?” she asked coolly.

Josie looked affronted, her tone turning defensive. “She’s the only one from an ordinary family here. Who else could it be? It’s understandable that she might be tempted by something so valuable, but now that she’s caught, she should return it. Don’t worry, Madisyn, for your sake, I won’t press charges.”

Josie’s words effectively branded Susan a thief, and the other guests began murmuring amongst themselves.

“Yes, she’s the only one who could’ve done it.”

“I can’t believe Miss Johns’ friend would stoop to such a level.”

“People are judged by the company they keep. Was Miss Johns like this before?”

The crowd’s whispers were filled with disdain, casting doubt not just on Susan, but also on Madisyn’s reputation. The admiration they had once shown Madisyn now soured, as some guests distanced themselves from her.

Kristine, ever the tactful one, stepped forward with a sympathetic smile. “Madisyn, I understand you want to protect your friend, but Josie is being gracious. Let’s have your friend return the ring. Now that you’re part of the Johns family, you can help her avoid such behavior in the future.”

Susan, on the verge of tears, cried, “Just because I’m not dressed like the rest of you doesn’t mean I’m a thief!”

Kristine sighed softly, as though torn. “Perhaps we should handle this after the banquet?” she suggested.

Josie hesitated but eventually nodded. “Alright,” she agreed reluctantly.

The guests watched the exchange, praising Kristine for her sensitivity. “Kristine is always so considerate,” one whispered. “She’s trying to spare Madisyn from further embarrassment.”

“Kristine’s upbringing is shining through,” another added. “She clearly knows how to handle situations with grace.”

Madisyn rolled her eyes inwardly. Kristine’s manipulation was all too transparent, yet it was working—everyone was now convinced Susan had stolen the ring.

Glenn, noticing the growing disturbance, approached to see what was going on. Kristine was quick to explain the situation, painting Susan as a suspect.

“Kristine,” Madisyn said sharply, “why are you so eager to accuse my friend of theft?”

Kristine appeared flustered. “Madisyn, please don’t misunderstand me. I’m just trying to keep the peace. Let’s address this after the banquet so we don’t disrupt your celebration.”

“I’m telling you, she didn’t take Josie’s ring!” Madisyn insisted, her eyes narrowing.

Josie, growing frustrated with Madisyn’s defense of Susan, stepped forward. “Fine,” she snapped, “let’s search her. If we don’t find the ring, I’ll apologize. But if we do, I’ll involve the police!”

The tension in the room thickened as all eyes turned to Susan, waiting for the truth to unfold.

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