Chapter 7 False Accusations

Upon returning home, Xoan was greeted by a lively scene in the living room. The other four members of the Warren family, including Sophie, were there. A young woman who appeared to be around Yaslyn's age was seated on the sofa. She was dressed in a tailored suit dress, presenting the image of a well-bred, rich lady. "Is that Xoan I see? Come sit down. Zaylee just returned to the country today and came straight here after landing," Sophie said cheerfully.

The young woman, Zaylee, rose to greet Xoan with a warm smile. Xoan responded casually, his lack of enthusiasm causing her smile to falter slightly. However, she quickly recovered and turned her attention to Yaslyn.

"Are you Yaslyn? Hi! I'm Zaylee Ford. I grew up with Xoan and the others. From now on, consider us friends. If you ever find yourself bored in Jefferson City, feel free to reach out," she beamed, her eyes twinkling.

From their earlier conversation, Zaylee had gathered that Yaslyn was quite beautiful. However, she had not anticipated the extent of Yaslyn's stunning beauty. Her naturally flawless complexion was bound to provoke envy in any woman.

Yaslyn, who had noticed Zaylee's subtle undercurrents of envy, responded lightly, "Sure."

Just then, Stephen, too, arrived home. Given the long-standing association between the Ford and Warren families, Stephen greeted Zaylee with the utmost politeness. The atmosphere was cheerful, and Yaslyn sat on the side, nonchalantly awaiting dinner.

At that moment, Sophie spoke up. "Oh, by the way, Zaylee, I heard about your return a while ago and went shopping for some gifts. Let me fetch them for you."

Sophie ascended the stairs, but her face was clouded with displeasure when she returned. She turned to Stephen and asked, "Where's the jewelry set that I placed in my drawer?"

"How would I know?" responded Stephen.

Sophie asked her sons, "Did any of you take it?"

They all shook their heads.

"This is strange. Could it have flown away?" Sophie muttered.

Zaylee cautiously suggested, "Mrs. Warren, could it have been stolen?"

"The audacity to steal from the Warren family!" Sophie exclaimed. When no one came forward, she promptly ordered, "Butler, search every room."

Yaslyn, who had been engrossed in her phone, suddenly took interest in the unfolding drama.

An hour later, the butler, Leon, along with a few servants, searched several rooms but found no sign of the missing jewels. He stammered, "Madam, aside from the servants' quarters, we haven't searched Ms. Lyon's room yet."

Then, a servant stepped forward and said, "Madam, yesterday, when we discussed the malfunctioning surveillance system, Ms. Lyon happened to pass by. In the afternoon, I saw her exiting your room."

That statement put Yaslyn in the spotlight. The evidence was mounting against her; she knew about the broken surveillance and had been spotted exiting the room in question.

Fury engulfed Sophie's face. "Well, now we know why you refused Stephen's card yesterday. Why would you need it if you could just steal from us and sell our jewelry? You act virtuous, but you commit such lowly acts behind our backs! Butler, search her room."

Stephen immediately objected, "This is nonsense. Yaslyn would never do such a thing."

"Why not, Stephen? How well do you really know her? She's from a small town. Who knows what she's capable of? She was home alone yesterday afternoon. She is a major suspect!"

Yaslyn, with her calm demeanor, interjected, "It's okay, Mr. Warren. Let them search."

From the moment the incident began, Yaslyn sensed it was a conspiracy against her. As for who the mastermind was, she would soon find out.

The butler, along with the servants, went to search Yaslyn's room. The remaining group stayed in the living room. Yaslyn turned her gaze to the servant who had accused her and asked coldly, "What's your name?"

She had never entered Stephen and Sophie's room. Why would the servant falsely accuse her?