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Chapter 10: The Missing Necklace

Author: Geraldine
last update Last Updated: 2025-11-07 16:34:48

Julian's voice boomed through the office intercom, summoning everyone to his office. The cleaners, administrators, and executives alike gathered nervously outside his door.

“What's going on?” Maria, the team lead, whispered to Sophia.

Sophia shrugged. “I have no idea”.

Julian's personal assistant ushered them in, and they filled the spacious office. Julian stood behind his desk, his expression stern.

“As you're all aware, my diamond necklace has gone missing”, he began. “I'm offering a reward for any information on who took it”.

The room fell silent. Sophia's heart skipped a beat as Julian's eyes scanned the room, locking onto hers.

“Someone mentioned that you were the last person to clean my office”, Julian said, his gaze fixed on Sophia.

A murmur ran through the crowd, Sophia felt her face grow hot. She had cleaned Julian's office the previous evening, but she knew she hadn't taken the necklace.

But then, something unexpected happened. Julian's expression softened, and he took a step closer to Sophia.

“Wait a minute….” he trailed off, his eyes narrowing. “I've seen you before, haven't I?”

Sophia's heart pounded in her chest. What was Julian talking about? She recognized him immediately but decided not to say anything.

Julian's eyes seemed to bore into Sophia's soul. She felt like he could see through her. 

“I could swear…..” Julian's voice faded, and he looked at Sophia with intense gaze.

The room fell silent, with all eyes on Sophia and Julian. She hadn't seen the owner of St Clair Industries since she started working. The tension was palpable.

Sophia shifted uncomfortably, unsure of what to do. She knew she hadn't stolen the necklace.

As the silence stretched, Sophia felt her anxiety grow. Why did he remember? 

The silence was finally broken when Julian spoke up.

“I need to talk to her alone”, he said, his voice firm but gentle.

The room emptied, leaving Sophia with Julian. She felt a sense of trepidation, unsure of what was about to happen.

Julian's eyes locked onto Sophia's. “You're the one”, he said, his voice low and husky. “The girl I met at Rachel's strip club. We had a good time together, it's you”.

Sophia's eyes widened, and she began to fidget. “N-no, I don't know what you're talking about sir”, she stammered.

Julian chuckled, taking a step closer to Sophia. “Don't play dumb with me. I know it's you, Sophia right?”.

Sophia's face grew hot, and she took a step back, still fidgeting. “I….I need to go”, she said, turning to leave.

Julian's voice stopped her. “Wait!”

But Sophia didn't look back. She rushed out of Julian's office, leaving him puzzled and intrigued.

Sophia felt uneasy as she left Julian's office. She couldn't shake off the feeling that Julian already recognized her.

She pushed the thought aside and focused on the good news - she had finally saved up enough money for her mother's surgery.

As Sophia entered her apartment, she was met with an unexpected scene. Alex was pacing back and forth in the living room, his face twisted in anger. Tina sat on the couch, watching him with a mixture of guilt and fear.

Sophia's instinct told her that something was wrong. “What's going on?” she asked, her voice etched with worry.

Alex spun around, his eyes blazing with anger. “You're asking what's going on?” he repeated, his voice rising. “I can't believe you did this, Sophia…..I never knew you could stoop so low”.

Sophia's heart

sank. What was Alex talking about? And what did Tina know?.

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