The Phantom Heiress Rising From The Shadows

Chapter 2

Chapter 2 Accused Of Stealing

Isabella froze mid-motion upon hearing that, the jewelry box still clutched in her fingers as she slipped it into Brenna's backpack. Her eyes widened in disbelief. "What did you just say? That gemstone necklace is a gift from Jordy. It costs one million and eight hundred thousand! It has ten top-tier gems, each hand- selected. I left it on the table. How could it just vanish? Are you sure you checked properly?"

Brenna observed the unfolding scene intently, her expression impassive. She could already see the setup, the

neatly arranged trap.

The servant's name was Sadie Brown. Her face went ghostly white, her hands visibly trembling. “Miss Barrett, I searched everywhere-every corner, every drawer-but it's gone. Could someone have taken it?"

With that, Sadie's eyes landed on Brenna, suspicion darkening her expression. She didn't need to say it outright her eyes did the accusing for her.

Isabella shot her a sharp look. "What are you staring at? Just because Brenna's real family is poor doesn't mean she'd resort to stealing. Anyway, is anything else missing from my room?"

Sadie hesitated, then swallowed hard. "Yes... The design plans you drew a few days ago. They're gone too."

A strange glint flickered in Sadie's eyes. Without warning, she strode toward Brenna and yanked at a thin chain peeking out from her backpack.

Isabella gasped, her shock perfectly timed as she took the necklace from Sadie's hand. "Brenna," she murmured, feigning hurt, "how did the engagement necklace Jordy gave me end up in your bag?"

She clutched the piece, looking disappointed. "If you needed money, why not just ask Dad? He has supported you all these years-he wouldn't mind giving you more money. But stealing? This would break Mom's and

Dad's hearts."

over. Alec scowled, disappointment carving deep lines into his face. He exhaled sharply, his tone laced with disapproval as he said, "I offered you money, and you turned it down- only to do this? If you needed help, you could have said something instead of resorting to this disgraceful

million and eight hundred thousand-her real parents' entire family couldn't make that much in a lifetime!" Isabella reached for Ruby's hand, a pained expression settling on her face. "Mom, please stop. If

Ruby remained silent, though the disdain in their eyes was clear.

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III

Accused

off as

the gathering guests around them. This was perfect. With Brenna marked as a thief, she would never find help from

jordy's engagement gift to me. I know it must be hard-watching him choose me when you were apposed to be engaged to kám. But feelings can't be forced, right? Jordy and I love each other deeply. Please, don't come between us if you need money, I'll give you all my jewelry,

in her eyes, slipping down her cheeks like she had just suffered

let out short, cold laugh. What a waste of talent. Isabella should have been an actress

her acting skills.

they had already staged this drama, it would

unimpressed. The chain was thick, the gemstones sizable, but the craftsmanship left much to be desired. The color, cut, and overall design... They were

poorly made," Brenna remarked coolly. "There must be some mistake. When I packed my things in the attic, that necklace wasn't in my bag. But I do recall you

refusing to shoulder the

contents onto the cold surface. "Go ahead. See if there's anything else from the Barrett family in my backpack. If there is, take

feigned shock. "Aren't these my design drafts for new energy auto parts? Brenna, how did they end up in