Chapter 28
Chapter 28:
Frida didn’t deny it. “Rylan, it is tradition that the family’s firstborn receives that p>
Rylan flashed a sweet, compliant grin. “Grandma, I have no intention of taking it from Alden. I’m merely concerned about him p>
He sighed deeply before continuing, “He’s faced so many challenges, what with his hearing loss and his intended bride leaving him on the wedding day. Now, I’m not sure if his new partner truly has his best interests at heart p>
Frida’s smile froze. “What exactly are you implying p>
Rylan explained deliberately, “Grandma, you gave that woman the necklace just yesterday, and today, I saw it for sale on the black market. Alden’s not oblivious. Do you think he’s unaware of what’s happening p>
Maisie chimed in, feigning realization. “That must be why she avoided this dinner—she didn’t dare to come p>
Rylan continued with a tone of fake regret, “It’s hard to believe Alden and his wife would disrespect you so, Grandma. But their absence tonight compelled me to bring it to your attention p>
While Frida felt a whirlwind of emotions, she maintained her composure. “So, where is the necklace now p>
With calm assurance, Rylan replied, “I’ve sent someone to buy it back. We can’t let a family treasure end up with strangers p>
“Very well,” Frida responded, her gaze piercing as she looked at Rylan. “I’ll await its return before making any judgments.” She gave him a sharp, discerning stare, seemingly seeing right through him.
After wrapping up the broadcast, Eleanor returned to the break room. She immediately caught everyone’s attention, standing out like the moon in a starry sky.
The buzz centered around the striking diamond necklace she was wearing. Eleanor said with a teasing smile, “I merely glanced at this necklace once—I wasn’t all that interested, really. But Rylan went ahead and purchased it for me, insisting I wear it for tonight’s broadcast. I couldn’t really say no, could I p>
When Helena walked into the break room, the room fell silent. Rumors of Helena sifting through the trash for her pearl necklace the previous night were the talk of Nexus TV.
People were convinced that Helena had gone crazy, rummaging through garbage for a necklace they assumed was counterfeit.
𝖈𝖍𝖊𝖈𝖐𝖊𝖉 𝖘𝖔𝖚𝖗𝖈𝖊: ⳑ𝖺𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝗍𝖊𝗅𝘀․𝗰𝗈𝗺
Eleanor wrinkled her nose and motioned at Helena. “Helena, could you stay a bit away? You still carry the scent of the trash p>
Taking a deep breath, Helena said, “Eleanor, I need to have a private word with you p>
Eleanor, anticipating a plea for the return of the pearl necklace, replied with a hint of disdain, “What do you need to discuss that can’t be addressed right here in front of everyone p>
Helena’s jaw tightened. Given Eleanor’s refusal to show any respect, she saw no reason to maintain civility.
Approaching Eleanor, she brandished her phone. “Is there a photo of my pearl necklace on your Instagram?” As Helena navigated to Eleanor’s Instagram page, the most recent post prominently displayed the pearl necklace Helena had lost the previous night. In the picture, Eleanor was flaunting the necklace, striking a flirtatious pose for the camera.
Their female colleagues gathered to see. One of them exclaimed in shock, “Isn’t that necklace Eleanor is wearing the same as Helena’s?” Eleanor tried to grab Helena’s phone, but it was too late.
She didn’t understand why Rylan wanted the necklace, but she knew it was genuine and immensely valuable. Her desire to flaunt it overrode her discretion, compelling her to parade the necklace on social media.
The necklace had garnered unprecedented attention on her Instagram, amassing more views, likes, and comments than any previous post. Admirers called the Nine O’clock News anchor a true lady, suggesting she must be of noble descent.
Eleanor had reveled in the adulation all night. Now, under the scrutinizing gazes of her colleagues, unease crept over her. Yet, she maintained her facade.
“I told you all yesterday, Helena’s necklace was a mere imitation. I’ve seen the authentic one—it’s at my home. Why couldn’t I photograph my own jewelry p>
Helena had anticipated Eleanor would respond with just such a claim. Her face hardened as she said, “Return the necklace. It holds great significance to me. Hand it over now, and we’ll pretend this never happened p>
A shiver coursed through Eleanor upon witnessing Helena’s cold resolve.
Something about Helena’s fierce determination eerily echoed Alden’s demeanor.
However, the necklace was already out of her reach, taken by one of Rylan’s associates. By this time, it was likely in Rylan’s possession. Furthermore, Eleanor had no intention of confessing to theft in front of Helena.
Eleanor adopted a defensive posture, her arms crossed as she retorted, “Helena, I didn’t take your necklace. I own enough exquisite jewelry of my own. I’m free to share whatever I like on Instagram. And I’ll maintain that stance, even if you involve the police p>
With Eleanor’s declaration, Helena no longer held back. She flung open the door to the break room.
It wasn’t the police waiting outside but Glenda Sandoval from the legal department and Laurence, the deputy manager of Nexus TV.