Chapter 4

Andrew held up his phone to show me a photograph.

My eyes locked onto it immediately.

I knew that watch the second I saw it.

A year ago, Elyssa had brought me to an auction. She told me to point out anything I wanted from the catalog.

I'd picked that watch.

She'd raised the bidding paddle and bought it at an astronomical price.

I waited a long time, but she never gave it to me.

When I finally asked her about it, she said, "I gave it to my cousin."

It turned out that the watch was destined for Andrew from the start.

"Why is he looking so guilty? He must have stolen it!"

"Search his room!"

Elyssa looked at me coldly.

"Eddie Scott, you've been home all day today. Stop playing games and hand it over."

"I didn't take it."

Marie scurried over, looking far from pleased.

"We're not accusing you of anything. We just want to know if you've seen the watch."

"Yeah, Ed," Andrew said softly. "That watch is very expensive..."

That was as good as pointing a finger at me and calling me a thief.

Elyssa looked at me with disappointment etched across her face, and that look hit me like a slap.

I was suddenly too exhausted to defend myself.

"I've been in my room all day. I haven't left. If you don't trust me, check the surveillance."

I turned to Elyssa.

"There are cameras in the living room and the hallway."

Elyssa's expression wavered. Andrew's smile faltered too.

"Alright, no need for that," Marie interjected, trying to smooth things over.

"That would only make things awkward for everyone."

Just then, a maid hurried in.

"Mr. Scott! I found your watch under the bed. I've already put it back in its place."

"Wait, so it was all a misunderstanding?"

"He really doesn't seem like the type to steal. Something feels off..."

The comments trickled in, dividing in their opinions.

Elyssa looked visibly uncomfortable. She sent me another payment with a brief note.

"I shouldn't have accused you."

I pocketed the money.

Back in my room, I pulled out my phone and started checking flight schedules.

"What is he looking at? I can't make it out..."

"Who cares? He's definitely up to something again."

I switched the screen off and leaned back, closing my eyes.

…

The Scotts went all out for Andrew's birthday. They invited every notable family in town, and Marie made it clear I had to be there.

"If you don't come, people will talk. They'll think we can't even show our own son in public."

At the party, Andrew took the stage to thank the Scotts for raising him all these years.

The guests showered him with praise.

"What a well-behaved child. He's even more devoted than the real son."

I caught someone eyeing me from the corner.

"That's the real son? He looks completely lifeless."

"He was raised outside, after all. He doesn't have the proper upbringing."

Elyssa stayed by Andrew's side the entire time, wiping his tears, handing him the microphone, and looking at him with a tenderness she'd never once shown me.

I stayed in my corner, not touching the wine in front of me.

The chatter and laughter crashed over me in waves, making it hard to breathe.

I left without a word and headed back to my room.

When I opened the door, I froze.

My room was in complete chaos. Every drawer was open, clothes and belongings scattered everywhere.

I went straight to the nightstand.

The emerald pendant Grandma Anne gave me was nowhere to be found.

I ran back to the party.

In the middle of the crowd, Andrew was holding up a green emerald pendant, examining it under the lights.

He smiled sweetly at the guests around him.

"Ed was kind enough to lend me this. Isn't it lovely?"

"Give it back."

My voice came out trembling as I walked toward him.

Andrew flinched and loosened his grip. The pendant slipped from his fingers and hit the marble floor with a sharp crack. It shattered into several pieces.

The entire hall fell silent.

Andrew's eyes instantly filled with tears.

"Ed... I didn't mean to..."

Whispers rippled through the crowd as the guests looked at me like I had lost my mind.