With the glimmer of one particular necklace, she could dazzle anyone, its brilliance enough to make her a beacon in any high society gathering.
As Jimena described the necklace, a flicker of recognition sparked in Caseyâs memory.
So, it was the blue diamond that shimmered Like a piece of the night sky captured in glass.
âJimena, whatever I offer you will be yours.
And if it falls short, Iâm prepared to write a check for a hundred million,â Casey said, her voice earnest with promise.
Jewelry had never held much appeal for Casey, mundane as it was to her.
She knew the stakes were high for Jimena, who was risking far more than she had to gain by helping her.
She was willing to pay Jimena more, much more.
Yet, the gnawing fear that Davey might discover the necklaceâs absence haunted her.
The consequences for Jimena could be dire.
Jimenaâs face contorted into a mask of displeasure.
âIf youâre so attached to that necklace, forget I mentioned anything.
Iâm not about to stick my neck out for you,â she snapped, bitterness lacing her tone.
Jimena hefted her medical kit, the clasp clicking shut with finality, and turned to leave.
Before leaving, she fired a parting shot over her shoulder.
âRemember, if Davey catches a whiff of anything about this, Iâll make sure he knows everything youâve plotted.
Including todayâs little proposition.
â
Jimenaâs facade of loyalty crumbled away, revealing her true intentions.
She had gleaned enough from their conversation to ensure her own safety, no need for pretenses any longer.
Yet, the allure of the necklace was undeniable.
Jimena lingered at the doorway, dragging her feet slightly, secretly hoping Casey would call her back.
And Casey did.
âJimenaâ¦â
Jimena paused, half-turning, her expression an unreadable mask.
âItâs not that Iâm unwilling,â Casey hurried to explain, her words tumbling out.
âIâm just terrified of Davey discovering the absence.
It could put you in grave danger.
â
Jimena scoffed.
âWith the horde of jewels you have, do you really think heâd notice just one missing?â
Jimenaâs impatience was palpable as she stood there, arms crossed, her eyes boring into Casey.
âSo, whatâs it going to be? Yes or no? If not, I might just get jittery around Davey.
And who knows what I might blurt out?â
It was a thinly veiled threat, leaving Casey pale-faced and trembling.
In all these years, Casey had barely brushed against the world, save for fleeting encounters.
Apart from a silent servant who tidied her room, her most frequent interaction was with Jimena.
At first glance, Jimena seemed gentle and reserved.
But beneath that facade lurked a skillful switcher of personas.
Casey had always presumed Jimena to be a harmless soul and never imagined Jimena capable of such swift deceit.
If it were merely a botched negotiation, Casey could handle it.
Sheâd find another route, another plan.
Even with a mere 50-50 chance of Davey uncovering the truth, she couldnât risk Jimenaâs safety over a trinket.
Yet, here was Jimena, threatening her with a brazen âtake it or leave itâ attitude.
Gritting her teeth, Casey relented.
âFine, Iâll give it to you.
â
Jimenaâs face lit up with glee, morphing once more, this time into a facade of gratitude.
âOh, youâre too kind.
Since it gathers dust in your possession, why not let me safeguard it for a while?â
A knot twisted in Caseyâs gut as she watched Jimenaâs delighted expression.
Jimena prodded impatiently, âMadam, the safe.
Quickly now.
â
The treasures were ensconced within a secure glass cabinet, protected by iris scans and passwords.
Casey had inadvertently left it unlocked once before, allowing Jimena to sneak a peek and even try on the necklace.
The Glynn familyâs security was formidable.
Without the special anti metal detection bag, removing the necklace undetected would be nearly impossible.
And without Caseyâs cooperation, it would surely lead to their discovery.
Otherwise, Jimena wouldnât have waited so long to make her move.
As Casey hesitated before the safe, Jimena suddenly grabbed her and forcefully pressed her face against the cabinet, demanding she open it with her iris verification.