Hiding Behind Her Superficiality by Kyla Olson

Although the servant was confused as to why Elspeth would ask that question, she still answered, “Nora Layme.” Soon, the butler came down and reported, “Mr. Winthrop, Mrs. Winthrop, we found these in the lowest drawer in Miss Lynwood’s closet.” Inside a black plastic bag were a jade bangle, a jeweled necklace, and a bracelet; those were the jewelry Margot said she lost. Everyone was shocked. Were these actually found in Elspeth’s room? Margot was furious. “Theodore Winthrop, what do you have to say about this? Look at the woman you found for your sons. Besides coming from a small town, she’s also a burglar!” “Elspeth would never do such a thing.” Theodore was convinced. Meanwhile, Ophelia pretentiously added, “That’s right. Maybe there’s some kind of misunderstanding.” The situation was at a standstill and Callum came forward to advise, “Mom, Dad, let Mr. Kerby come over and check for fingerprints.” If Elspeth had done it, her fingerprints would definitely be on the jewelry. Therefore, Theodore invited Adriano Kerby from the precinct to prove that she was innocent. While looking at him, Margot agreed, “Sure, but if she did steal these things, she must break off the engagement and leave our home.” Before Theodore could speak, Elspeth answered, “Deal.” While Adriano was examining the fingerprints, the family went into the dining room to have dinner. After they took their seats, Max gloated before Theodore and Margot came in. “Elspeth, this might be your last big meal, so you’d better enjoy it.” “You should enjoy it too. If I’m still here tomorrow, I’ll have Mr. Winthrop throw you out immediately.” “In your dreams!” Despite his words, Max was feeling a little unconfident about that. If Elspeth did not steal the jewelry, according to how much his father pampered her, he might really get thrown out of the house. After dinner, the results were out. Elspeth’s prints were indeed on the jade bangle as well as in Theodore and Margot’s room. However, Theodore refused to believe it. “So, it is you! You can’t argue yourself out of this anymore, right? Mr. Graham, pack this thief’s things so that we can chase her out.” “Wait.” Elspeth stood up and said, “I didn’t steal those things.” Carefully recalling yesterday’s event, there seemed to be a layer of film on her door handle, but it was not there today. Therefore, she guessed the culprit must have gotten her prints from that. Margot sneered, “Ha. The evidence is right before you. How are you going to explain yourself in this situation?” “I can prove myself innocent. Mrs. Winthrop, please lend me the bangle.” While the crowd was confused about her words, they saw her grab the jade bangle from the table and put it on her wrist. “Elspeth, what’s the meaning of this?” However, she did not respond. Instead, she stretched out her arm and everyone could see her originally pale wrist swell up and turn red under the bright light. Pain and itch spread throughout her brain, but she did not care about them and explained with a smile, “Mrs. Winthrop, this jade bracelet you bought is of good quality. With my condition, the better quality of jade I touch, the more serious my allergies get.” Theodore quickly urged, “You silly child. Why did you touch it when you know you’re allergic to it? Take it off. Quickly.” At this moment, Elspeth’s wrist was so swollen that it had torn her skin. The two fingers she used to pick up the jade also had red spots on them. After taking off the jade bracelet, she looked at Margot and sneered, “These symptoms would last at least three days, so I didn’t steal them.” “Perhaps you were wearing gloves.” Margot was not going to let this slide. “If I did, then why would the bracelet have my fingerprints?” That question rendered Margot speechless.