Chapter 149

Tears streamed down Candy Wilson's face like broken pearls. She looked around helplessly. "My bracelet is missing... It's a family heirloom given to me by Andrew's grandmother..."

The air in the hall instantly froze.

All conversations ceased as suspicious glances darted between guests. Susan noticed Candy's gaze lingering subtly on her purse.

"Please help me," Candy pleaded with a trembling voice. "That bracelet means everything to me..."

Nicole Capra immediately stepped forward. "Don't worry, Candy. We'll find it."

Susan's fingers tightened unconsciously. She recognized this setup all too well—a classic frame job.

"Why doesn't everyone check their belongings?" Nicole suggested, her eyes locked onto Susan.

The ladies began rummaging through their purses to prove their innocence. Susan remained motionless, feeling the weight of scrutinizing stares.

"Miss Thompson," a red-gowned actress spoke up pointedly. "Your purse remains unchecked."

Whispers surged like tidal waves.

"Guilty conscience?"

"These influencers have no class..."

"Thief pretending to be noble..."

Susan straightened her spine. Her icy gaze swept the crowd. "I stole nothing."

Candy rushed over to grasp her hand. "Susan, I'm not accusing you... But what if someone accidentally—"

"Accidentally planted evidence in my bag?" Susan shook her off, her voice glacial.

Vincent King's attention never left Susan. Seeing this, Candy quickly clung to his arm. "Vincent, you know how much that bracelet means to me..."

Nicole seized the moment to fan flames. "Just let everyone see, sister. Innocence needs no defense."

"Exactly!" The red-gowned actress lunged forward and snatched Susan's purse.

Before Susan could react, the woman publicly dumped the contents.

Tissues, lipstick, phone... Then a carefully wrapped bundle.

With dramatic flair, the actress unwrapped it—revealing a white jade bracelet.

"It was her all along!"

"Disgusting!"

"She deserves to be a brand ambassador?"

More shocking—a folded stack of papers peeked from the purse. As the actress reached for them, Susan swiftly reclaimed her bag.

"Had enough drama?" Susan's quiet voice silenced the room.

She slowly raised the bracelet, examining it under the light. "Miss Wilson, you're certain this is your heirloom?"

Candy's face paled. "Of... of course..."

Susan suddenly smiled. "Then why does it bear the character 'Su'—not 'Candy'?"