Chapter 8

"Do you have any proof that I stole anything?" I cut in calmly, interrupting Anna's accusation.

The group of women burst into laughter.

"Proof? You came out of an orphanage, probably desperate for money. Seeing something valuable, of course you'd want to steal it. Why would we need proof?"

"Search her. Check what's in her bag."

A few men stepped forward, reaching for me. I shook them off in disgust, my gaze turning icy. "Touch me again, and I'll cut your filthy hands off."

Sofia stepped forward with a sigh, her voice full of fake sympathy. "Isabella, just hand over the crown. I promise I won't pursue this any further. Why make things harder for yourself?"

"I said I didn't take it." My voice turned even colder.

The pity on her face vanished, replaced by sharp mockery. "I see," she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "No one ever taught you manners, poor little orphan, so you end up chasing fantasies that don't belong to you."

She raised her chin slightly. "Too bad that crown was never yours. Hand it over, and I'll pretend none of this happened."

The more generous she sounded, the more contempt filled the eyes around us.

I had no patience left for that, so I pulled out my phone, ready to call someone to check the surveillance footage.

Before I could dial, a shadow fell over me.

Vincent had returned.

He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like he might crush the bone.

"How did you get in here?" His eyes flashed with anger as he lowered his voice. "Don't cause trouble. Tonight is important to me."

"Vincent!" Sofia immediately switched to a pitiful expression. "She stole my crown. Throw her out!"

He did not hesitate for a second. His voice turned sharp as he questioned me. "You stole something again?"

Again.

I let out a bitter laugh and spread my hands. "Yes, I stole it. And later, I'll steal something even more important. Just watch."

His grip tightened, his teeth clenched.

"Have you lost your mind? First you tried to take the ring, now you're stealing a crown. Not only do you refuse to admit it, you're still talking like this. Isabella, is this what comes from growing up in an orphanage? You can't change that thieving nature of yours?"

I could not take it anymore, I lifted my foot and kicked him hard.

"I'm an orphan. Then what does that make you, the one who raised me?"

For a moment, he had no response.

"Search her!" Anna screamed. "Make her hand it over!"

"Yeah, search her!"

"Thief! Give Miss Costa's crown back!"

Clutching my suitcase, I dodged their hands as best as I could. In the chaos, someone kicked me hard in the stomach.

I stumbled back and slammed into the wall. Pain exploded through me, and the suitcase flew from my hand.

Anna lunged forward immediately and flipped it open.

Inside was a magnificent crown, set with massive diamonds that shimmered brilliantly under the lights.

"That's it!" Sofia pointed at it, her voice sharp with triumph. "Caught red-handed. She's the one who stole it!"

Vincent looked at me as if I were nothing but trash. "Isabella, you've disappointed me." He grabbed my arm and started dragging me toward the exit.

Amid the chaos, a commanding voice rang out.

"Let go."

The room fell silent at once, the crowd parted instinctively.

Donna Costa walked forward in an elegant gown, every step carrying the weight of absolute authority.

The pressure she brought with her was suffocating.

Vincent assumed she was there to stand up for Sofia. He quickly pulled me behind him, trying to block me from view.

He bowed respectfully.

"Donna, I apologize for the disturbance. I will deal with this thief immediately…"

Sofia rushed forward as well. "Mother, this thief…"

A sharp crack cut through the air.

The slap landed hard across Sofia's face.