Chapter 62
Vanessa's smirk faltered. "That's ridiculous. I was abroad when that happened. Rumors mean nothing."
Had Eleanor not secretly asked Vanessa's grandfather, Tyler Sterling, to pull strings behind Nathan's back, she might have actually served time.
Evelyn studied Vanessa with icy detachment.
"Now that you're out, try behaving. Feel free to vandalize my store again - if you don't mind going back to jail. I certainly wouldn't mind."
"I never went to jail! Are you even listening?" Vanessa lunged forward, only to be blocked by Olivia.
"Two against one. Really want to try us?"
Both Evelyn and Olivia had reputations for being ruthless.
Vanessa clenched her fists until her manicured nails drew blood from her palms. With no outlet for her rage, she spat through gritted teeth, "Why bother? I'd rather avoid your kind."
Nathan's warning about provoking Evelyn still rang in her ears.
"Finally showing some sense! Our Evelyn isn't someone trash like you should mess with," Olivia sneered, draping an arm over Evelyn's shoulder possessively.
Humiliated, Vanessa stormed off to find her friends - only to learn from staff they'd left without her.
The rejection stung. Shooting daggers at Evelyn and Olivia, Vanessa's hatred burned brighter.
Meanwhile, Evelyn had helped Olivia try several bracelets, but none suited their tastes.
As they turned to leave, a sales associate stopped them. "Ladies, did you forget to return one of our bracelets?" Her smile didn't reach her eyes.
Another associate approached. "We're missing an item. Would you mind checking your belongings?"
"Not our responsibility," Evelyn replied coolly.
The associates exchanged glances, their eyes lingering on Evelyn's open tote before subtly blocking the exit.
Olivia's temper flared. "What's the meaning of this?"
"They obviously think you're thieves!" Vanessa crowed, pointing dramatically. "I saw her slip it into her bag!"
Bolstered by the accusation, the associates grew bolder. "Miss, we'll need to search your bag."
"I stole nothing," Evelyn stated calmly.
"If you're embarrassed, just pay for it discreetly," the associate insisted.
Evelyn arched a brow. "Why would I?"
"Search her!" Vanessa shrieked. "I know it's there!"
When the associates reached for the bag, Evelyn's glacial glare froze them mid-motion.
"Touch it and regret it," she purred, sending chills down their spines.
Vanessa made a grab for it herself, only to yelp in pain as a delicate but viselike hand clamped around her wrist.
The staff gasped upon recognizing the newcomer - Sophia Whitmore, VERE's lead designer, had arrived unannounced.
Olivia beamed. "Sophia! You're early!"
Evelyn smiled. "Good to see you."
But Sophia had priorities. Wrenching Vanessa's arm away, she turned to the trembling staff. "You're both terminated."
The associates paled. They'd never imagined these "window shoppers" were Sophia's personal friends.
Realizing the tide had turned, Vanessa rubbed her wrist, sneering, "Covering for your thieves, I see."
Sophia's voice could have frozen hell. "I'm calling the police. Security footage will reveal the real thief."
"Go ahead! Search every bag here!" Vanessa taunted, confident they'd been in a camera blind spot.
She reached into her purse for her phone - and froze.
Her fingers brushed against cold metal.
Why was the bracelet in her bag?