Chapter 9: Priceless

Amy Stone 

Kael’s hand brushes my arm lightly, almost tender, like he’s afraid I’ll shatter if he holds me too tightly. Sweet, protective Kael.

I peel myself away from Melissa’s suffocating hug, fighting the urge to shove her off me entirely. That woman smells like trouble… and cheap desperation.

I force a sugary smile onto my face. “Excuse me, Melissa,” I say sweetly, even though my blood is practically boiling. I turn to Kael, tilting my head innocently. “Bathroom break,” I whisper.

His dark eyes narrow slightly, unreadable, but he gives a single, firm nod. “Go ahead.”

I can feel his gaze burning into my back as I walk away, my heels clicking against the marble floor. Knowing he’s watching me sends a strange mix of heat and nerves rushing through me.

The second I reach the bathroom, I lock the door and yank open my purse. My heart nearly leaps out of my chest when my fingers touch something cold and hard.

I pull it out slowly, and my breath catches.

A rare red diamond ring sits in my palm, gleaming like fire. The damn thing practically mocks me with how beautiful and expensive it is.

“There are only two of these in the whole world,” I whisper to myself, my voice shaking. “One’s at Jewels Empire… and now this one is here.”

A tear almost slips free, but I blink it back. This ring was originally owned by the late Mr. and Mrs. Blake. They’d poured their hearts into building Jewels Empire, and before they passed, they gave this exact piece to their closest friend—Mrs. Vermont.

And now… it’s in my bag.

Melissa. That snake.

I grit my teeth, rage bubbling inside me. She really thought she could frame me for theft? Me?

I laugh quietly, the sound low and dangerous. “Oh, Melissa,” I mutter. “Let’s see what happens when the tables turn.”

I tuck the ring safely back into the velvet pouch, fixing my hair and lipstick in the mirror. By the time I step out, I’m calm, cool, and looking like a queen. Not a single crack for Melissa to exploit.

The plan is simple: put the ring back into her bag without her noticing. Easy… right?

Except when I spot her, my stomach drops. She’s already clutching her purse like it’s a newborn baby.

“Shit,” I curse under my breath. Of course, she’d guard it now.

Melissa’s eyes lock with mine. She flashes a saccharine smile so fake it belongs on a discount store shelf.

Oh, poor Melissa. So desperate to rise back to the top, she’s willing to crawl through mud and play dirty. But she still doesn’t realize who she’s playing against.

I take a slow, calming breath and stroll toward her casually. Then, as I pass by, I “accidentally” bump into her shoulder. My wine glass tilts just right, and red liquid splashes all over her pristine white dress.

Melissa shrieks, jumping back. “Amy, what the F—”

“Excuse me?” I cut her off sharply, raising one perfectly arched eyebrow. My voice drips with fake innocence. “Did you just yell at me? You walked into my glass.”

Her jaw clenches, teeth grinding so loudly I almost hear them crack. But she forces a strained smile. “I… I’m sorry. My fault. I’ll just… clean it up.”

“That’s better.” I flash her a sweet smile before gliding past, secretly victorious.

Now the ring is back where it belongs—her bag.

Before the tension can cool, Mrs. Vermont arrives. Elegant as ever, wrapped in luxurious cream fabric and pearls, though tonight her poise wavers.

“Amy,” she says, voice trembling. “I hate to cause a scene, but… my ring. It’s gone.” She wrings her hands, tears gathering in her eyes. “I took it off to eat comfortably, and when I went to put it back on, it was gone.”

My heart squeezes. I know what that ring means to her.

Melissa jumps in immediately, her voice fake-sweet. “Maybe we should search everyone. Including Amy.”

“Search me?” I repeat, my tone laced with pure disbelief. “Why on earth would I steal from Mrs. Vermont?”

Before I can continue, a familiar, intoxicating scent floods my senses—spice, musk, and danger all in one.

Kael.

God help me, his presence alone makes my knees wobble.

“What’s going on here?” His deep, husky voice cuts through the chaos like a blade.

Mrs. Vermont sniffles, trying to compose herself. “I’ve lost my ring. A rare red diamond. There are only two in existence.”

Kael’s dark gaze swings between me and Melissa, his jaw tightening. My pulse hammers in my ears. I need him to trust me.

“And you want to search my lady?” His tone drops, lethal and commanding. His eyes darken, sending a visible shiver through the crowd.

Melissa steps back but keeps her mouth running. “You can never know, Kael. Maybe she took it.”

My fists clench so hard my nails dig into my palms. “Why would I take it?!” I snap. “That’s insane!”

Mrs. Vermont wipes her tear. “Then I’ll call the police. That ring is priceless. It represents Jewels Empire itself.”

“No.” Kael’s voice is final, sharp enough to slice through steel. “There will be no police.” His glare sweeps the room. “Search everyone here.”

Bodyguards immediately spring into action, checking guests one by one.

Melissa smirks at me from across the room, her confidence practically oozing. Poor thing has no idea the game’s already lost.

“Don’t worry, Amy,” she coos mockingly, her tone dripping with fake pity. “You can just admit it now and save yourself the embarrassment.”