Chapter 19

Chapter 19 S.67%

Selena started rummaging through Elysia’s bag, and she was shocked to find that the Azure Ocean wasn’t there. She checked every corner again, but still nothing. Panic began to set in–if she couldn’t find it, she’d have to pay Elysia for the necklace.

“Everything okay? Still can’t find it?” Elysia raised an eyebrow, a sarcastic tone creeping into her voice.

The others were taken aback.

“Selena, is it not in the bag?” Yolanda asked, concern creeping into her voice.

Selena nodded. Natalie quickly suggested. “Selena, do you think she might be hiding it on her?”

Selena looked at Elysia. The dress Elysia wore today wasn’t really suitable for hiding a necklace, but Selena couldn’t overlook any possible clues.

Just as Selena was about to check Elysia, a firm hand grabbed her wrist. She glanced down to see Elena looking at her coldly.

Her voice was sharp when she said, “Don’t go too far. She could possibly have hidden the necklace on her.

Elysia was stunned. She was sure she had never interacted with Elena before–so why was she defending her?

Selena felt nervous, her palms sweaty. Elena’s intimidating presence could make anyone feel uneasy, and no one in their circle dared to provoke her.

Elena had never joined their events or parties before. They only sent her invites out of habit, never actually expecting her to show up. But today, not only did she come, but she also stood by Elysia.

“Elena, we agreed earlier that we would do a body search, and Elysia agreed to it. Isn’t what you’re doing right now a bit inappropriate?” Yolanda questioned, raising an eyebrow, Elysia, worried about getting Elena involved in her troubles, quickly said, “I’m okay with the search.”

Elena shot Elysia a glance and finally released Selena’s wrist.

Elysia stretched out her arms, allowing Selena to check her over and over–there was still no sign of the Azure Ocean.

Anxiety started to creep in for Selena. But then she thought that if she couldn’t find the necklace, maybe she wouldn’t have to pay Elysia after all.

Emma also looked stressed–if the Azure Ocean wasn’t in Elysia’s bag, where could it be? Suddenly, she recalled Elysia carlier behavior and realized something didn’t add up..

“Why was Elysia suddenly acting so chummy? Could it be... She quickly grabbed the bag behind her seat, opened it, took a quick glance, and shut it again. It’s in there! How did she manage that? She didn’t notice it at all.

Elysia glanced at Emma and flashed a sly smile. “Since it’s not wine, maybe someone else took it “What nonsense are you talking about?” Emma nearly lost her cool, anger sharpening her tone, “I wasn’t talking about you, so why are you getting upset? Elysia plied, grinning knowingly. Don’t tell me you actually know where the necklace is?”

Instantly, everyone turned to look at Einina.

14:04 Tue, Jan 28 Chapter 19 67%

Selena thought, If the necklace is really with Emma, there’s no point in continuing the search, I can just get it back from her privately. That way, Enuna can sive face, and I won’t have to pay Elysia. It’ll be a win–win.‘

Tm done searching, Selena said with a defeated look. She turned to Elysia. I couldn’t find the Azure Ocean, so I can’t keep my promise.”

Is she trying to back out? Elysia raised an eyebrow. “You don’t get to give up. Right now, I’m the owner of Azure Ocean.”

Selena’s heart sank. The owner is supposed to be me.”

Elysia chuckled, explaining, “You promised me that if you couldn’t find Azure Ocean on me, you’d compensate by giving it to me.

Given that, I should be its owner now, and I have the authority to decide if we keep searching for it.”

With that, Elysia looked around the table at everyone, each lost in their own thoughts. “I have reason to suspect every single one of you here.”

Emma clenched her fists in anger, knowing Elysia was setting her up.

“What gives you the right to suspect us?” Yolanda snapped, her tone sharp.

“Didn’t you just suspect me? Why is it okay for you to doubt others but not for others to doubt you?” Elysia asked.

Emma chimed in, “We’re all friends here. This mutual suspicion is just harmful. Besides, Selena already said to let it go, so let’s drop it, okay?”

Elysia smiled, “Maybe you didn’t hear me clearly, so let me say again. I’m the new owner of the Azure Ocean, and Ms. Hayes has nothing to do with it now. Well, she’s on my list of suspects too.”

Elena watched the scene unfold, a faint smile spreading across her face. “Looks like Elysia has had this all planned from the start. She’s even more intriguing than Lthought Selena’s anger boiled over, and she raised her hand, ready to slap Elysia.

But before she could, Elena caught her wrist firmly and looked at her coldly. “Ms. Hayes, please behave yourself”

Under Elena’s intimidating gaze, Selena felt her resolve shrink. No matter how loud she had been a moment ago, now she felt powerless.

Elysia glanced at Elena, silently thanking her.

Unexpectedly, when Elena saw Elysia smile at her, she quickly turned her face away.

Is she shy? Elysia’s lips curved into a slight smile. She never expicted someone so cold could act shy–how intriguing.

The others caught their interaction and were all taken aback. Today, Elena was completely reshaping thei: view of her Elysia turned to Emma, “Let’s start with you, Emma. Can you empty your bag so we can take a look?”

Emma tightened her grip on her bag, biting her lip, not budging an inch “You’re my sister, right? Why wouldn’t you want to set a good example?” Elysia asked, blinking innocently Elysia, this is too much. Seriously, do you even suspect your sister Natalle shot back.

Elysia stayed calm I’m not saying I suspect her. Its because she my sister that I need her to set an example?

14:04 Tue, Jan 28 Chapter 19 “Elysia, maybe we should just drop this whole thing today,” Emma interjected.

Elysia raised an eyebrow, surprised. “Emma, don’t tell me the necklace is actually with you!”

“How could it be?” Emma replied, her voice lacking confidence.

Elysia beamed. Then let me see your bag.”

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“No way!” Emma shot back, but then she quickly realized she was overreacting. She softened her tone and added, “I mean, there are personal things in there that I can’t just share.”

“That’s okay. Just have someone help you check it, alright?” Elysia suggested.

Emma thought to herself, “If I don’t hand over the bag. Elysia will keep pushing, and I’ll end up dealing with this whole necklace mess. If I just hand it over...

She glanced around at the others and figured they might have her back out of loyalty. With that in mind, she reluctantly nodded and said. “Okay.”

Elysia scanned the table, muttering, “Who should I get to help?

“I’ll do it,” Elena said in her calm voice.

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