Chapter 18

Chapter 18 Chapter 18 1 x .67%a Emma was definitely clever. After one plan fell through, she quickly hatched another. But unfortunately, her opponent was Elysia.

If it had been anyone else, they might have been trapped.

Elysia reached into her bag and pulled out the necklace, holding it up in her hand. With a warm smile, she looked around and said. “You know, I really owe it all to Emma that I’m able to be here with all of you today.”

As she spoke, she got up and walked over to Emma. If it weren’t for her. I probably wouldn’t have had the chance to meet any of you.”

With that, Elysia leaned in a little, placing one hand on Emma’s shoulder while her other hand opened Emma’s bag on the chair, out of sight from everyone.

She then gently slipped the necklace into Emma’s bag and arranged it just as it was before. Her movements were so light that Emma hardly noticed.

“Emma, I really have to thank you for always taking care of me, especially in front of everyone like this,” Elysia said, emphasizing the first part of her sentence deliberately.

Emma looked at Elysia, confused. Something seemed off, but she couldn’t quite put her finger on it. All she could do was nod along and say, “You’re being too formal. Taking care of you is just what I’m supposed to do.”

Elysia pulled her hand back. She had achieved her goal and didnt want to keep up the sisterly act anymore.

“Emma is so nice to Elysia, and I’m a bit envious,” Yolanda chimed in, complimenting.

Emma offered a gentle smile. But somehow, her uncase lingered Just then, Natalie turned to Selena and asked, “I heard your birthday was a few days ago, and your grandpa got you a special necklace called Azure Ocean? Why haven’t you shown it to us yell”

Selena replied, “That necklace is special from Grandpa, and I haven’t worn it yet. But I brought it today so you could admire it.”

She then reached into her bag and slowly opened a white box. But when she opened the box, it was empty.

Selena gasped. “Why is it empty?”

“Maybe you left it at home?” Yolanda suggested.

Selena shook her head firmly. “No way! I checked multiple times before leaving, and I know I brought it.”

“Well, if that’s the case, could it be...” Yolanda trailed off, implying that someone might have taken the necklace. And as she spoke, she deliberately glanced at Elysia, making her implication even more obvious.

“That’s unlikely. We’re all from well–off families; who would do something like that?” Natalie–said. She seemed to dismiss Yolanda’s suggestion, but her eyes were subtly pointing at Elysi At that moment, Selena pieced it all together. She glared at Elys and said, “Did you take it?”

Just as Elysia was about to respond. Elena, who had been quiet until now, spoke up. “You can’t just accuse someone without evidence. That’s not fair”

14:04 Tue, Jan 28 Chapter 18 67%0 Selena sneered, I’m not making this up. Out of everyone here, she’s the only one who didn’t grow up with privilege. She spent eighteen years in the countryside. What kind of person does that produce? Maybe she was a petty thief back then.

necklace just goes “Plus, she’s the newcomer. Why didn’t anything like this happen before? As soon as she shows up, my missing out of nowhere?”

“I’m new here too. So are you saying I could be a suspect as well Elena asked back.

Elysia glanced at Elena. She had thought this girl was just like the rest, here to stir up trouble. But she didn’t expect Elena to step in and defend her.

Selena replied, “Elena, you’re different. You’re the president of the student union and have had a good education. We trust you.”

“Actually, clearing Elysia’s name is pretty simple,” Yolanda jumped in. “Why not just search her?”

“Yeah, let’s frisk her.” Selena shot a furious look at Elysia. “Do you dare to let us check you?”

Elysia let out a soft laugh. “Of course I do. But if you don’t find anything, what’s my compensation for the trouble?”

“What loss are you talking about?” Selena was confused.

“My reputation,” Elysia explained, pausing for effect. “You’ve been accusing me this whole time, and now I’m being searched to clear my name. If nothing turns up, don’t you think I deserve some sort of compensation?”

“What do you want?” Selena snapped back.

“How about the Azure Ocean? Do you dare to offer it?” Elysia grinned.

“So you really want my Azure Ocean.” Selena’s anger flared. She pointed at Elysia and shouted, “Did you actually take it?”

Elysia was unfazed. “I’m just asking if you’re willing to take that bet.”

Emma spoke up. “They’re all my friends. Don’t act like this. If you did take it, just give it back. I’m sure they’ll let it slide for my sake. Plus, Azure Ocean means a lot to Selena. How can you demand it as compensation?”

“So, should I ask for something else instead?” Elysia tilted her head, blinking.

“I...” Emma was at a loss for words.

Yolanda quickly intervened. “Elysia, Selena’s necklace is missing and they suspect you took it. Searching you is just to clear your name. Demanding her Azure Ocean is too much.”

“Too much?” Elysia chuckled. “I don’t think so. Since you’re so righteous, Ms. Yates, why not set an example and let me search you first?”

“You’re kidding. They don’t suspect me, so why would I need to be searched?”

“Does that mean you refuse? If so, what right do you have to criticize me here!”

With that, Elysia turned to Selena. “Have you made up your mind? If not, we can head to the police station and ask for their help.

But just so you know, if nothing turns up, I won’t settle for ust one Azure Ocean.

Selena, just go along with her. I don’t believe she’s really that innocent, Natalie said, her voice low but fion D 14.04 Tue, Jan 28 Chapter 18 | 67%

Selena glanced at Natalie, who gave her a meaningful look that eased her nervousness. This whole mess was part of their plan, and she was convinced the necklace had to be in Elysia’s bag.

“Fine. If it isn’t found, I’ll give you the Azure Ocean. But what if it is found?” Selena asked.

“If it’s found, I’ll let you do whatever you want with me,” Elysia replied confidently.

Emma felt a little smug at first. But when she saw how confident Elysia looked–completely at ease–it made her uneasy..

Something just didn’t feel right.

She thought, ‘Could it be that the Azure Ocean wasn’t in Elysia’s bag? No way! We’ve been so careful; she couldn’t have noticed anything.

‘She’s probably just clueless, which is why she looks so relaxed. Just wait until we find the Azure Ocean in her bag–then let’s see if she can keep that calm attitude.