Chapter 5
5
The police quickly tracked the location of the bag using the micro–tracker. They found my bag in the trunk of Claudette’s private car.
When the police cars arrived at the press conference with their lights flashing, the director and actors looked utterly confused. Angie quietly stepped away from the center and moved to the side.
The police surrounded Claudette’s car and demanded she open the door.
“Why?” Claudette was both surprised and furious.
If the news got out that the police had searched her car, it would undoubtedly lead to all sorts of malicious speculations, potentially ruining her reputation.
“You are suspected of possessing stolen luxury handbags valued at seven million dollars. Due to the high value of the items, if you refuse to cooperate, we have the right to forcefully open the door,” the officer stated firmly.
They showed her the photos I had taken of the bags.
Claudette looked at the photos, glanced at Angie in confusion, and then signaled her assistant to unlock the door.
“These were a gift from my friend Angie. You’d better make sure of your facts.
police.”
Though her words were still tough, her confidence visibly waned.
Angie looked visibly panicked. She tried to slip away, but a police officer stopped her.
She pulled out her phone and started sending frantic messages.
After verifying, the police confirmed that the bag was indeed mine.
Claudette quickly tried to explain, “These were gifts from Angie. How was I supposed to know she stole them?”
Since she had posted photos online, everyone present knew the bags were given by Angie.
At that moment, I informed the police that the car Angie drove to the event was also mine.
Suddenly, Angie found herself in the middle of a storm.
Just moments earlier, she had been fighting for the spotlight; now, everyone couldn’t wait to see her fall.
“She claimed to be a wealthy heiress, but it turns out she’s a
thief.”
“She even dragged Ms. Greville into this mess. How despicable.”
“If you
don’t have money, don’t pretend to be rich. This is just embarrassing.”
Angie remained silent, tears streaming down her face.
Claudette, losing her patience, shoved Angie hard.
“Speak up! You gave me these bags, and I have nothing to do with stealing them!”
Sensing a major scoop, the reporters eagerly snapped photos.
Seeing her reputation about to crumble, Claudette slapped Angie across the face.
Finally, under pressure and the intense gazes of the crowd, Angie spoke.
“Lynda, how could you be so cruel?
“You gave me those bags and the car, and now you’re framing me to the police,” she wailed, crouching down and crying bitterly.
I looked down at her from above and sneered coldly.
“Oh? Didn’t you claim I was just your housekeeper?”
At that moment, Dominick arrived.
He helped Angie up and gently wiped her tears away.
“I’m a lawyer and Angie’s brother. If there’s an issue, take it up with me.”
He stood opposite me, full of hostility.
The police explained the situation to him.
“Since this is a family matter, I’ll give you thirty minutes to
negotiate among yourselves. If you can’t reach an agreement, the police will intervene.”
The officer led the three of us to a meeting room to discuss things privately.
Angie continued to cry.
“Dominick, I was so scared. Lynda came at me with all those people, looking so fierce.
“I wasn’t even this scared when Dad died.”
Dominick gently patted her back, comforting her, “It’s okay, I’m‘ here. I’ll always protect you.”
This scene could be straight out of a movie.
Is this one of those typical Cinderella stories where the poor, innocent girl gets bullied by her evil family?
I couldn’t stand it anymore and rapped the table with my knuckles.
“Let me be clear. There will be no negotiations here.”
Angie had repeatedly taken my mother’s things, even giving them away without permission.
As far as I was concerned, that was theft.
