Semua Bab Crown Stolen, Crown Reclaimed: Bab 1 - Bab 10

Violet came striding over in sky-high heels and stopped right in front of me, her chin lifted as she looked down on me with open arrogance."I personally approved that office for Jim. You got a problem with that?"I narrowed my eyes, studying her face. She looked familiar, like someone I should recognize, but the name wouldn't come to me."So you're Violet?" I said. "If you're going to pretend to be an heiress, at least put some effort into it. Mr. Neel's daughter doesn't even have the last name Neel."A flicker of unease crossed her eyes, but it was gone almost as fast as it appeared. Jim rushed forward, eager to back her up. "If the Neel heiress isn't named Neel, what, is she supposed to be a Franklin like you? What a joke!"I nodded."Yes, actually. I'm Mr. Neel's daughter, Riley."The room went quiet for half a second. Then laughter exploded all around me."Neel Corporation is worth billions. You really think the boss's daughter would have someone else's last name?""I'v

My silence made Jim think I had finally cracked. He started patting my face, one slap after another, smug as ever."Scared now?" he sneered. "A fake like you could empty out your whole family savings and still not come up with a million."I swung back without warning. The slap landed hard, leaving a sharp red imprint of my fingers across his face."A million is nothing," I said flatly. "You like bags that much? Fine. I'll get you ten."Jim's expression darkened.I pulled out my phone and called the store manager. They agreed without hesitation and said the items would be delivered in ten minutes.The moment they heard that, people started laughing."With a brain like that, she's really calling herself an heiress?" someone mocked. "Doesn't she know that boutique runs on waitlists? Ten minutes? You'd be lucky to get one in a month!""She really thinks she's something. Ten bags? Even a whole truck of knockoffs wouldn't match one of Jim's accessories."I couldn't help thinking how

The store manager, Lewis Gibson, walked in with a line of staff behind him.Each of them carried a bag. They were all the latest styles, made from rare leather, limited editions, and top sellers, ten in total.With a small gesture from Lewis, the team moved in sync, quickly setting up the seating area with a coffee table, chairs, coffee, and neatly arranged snacks.Once I sat down, he stepped forward respectfully."Ms. Franklin, these are the finest pieces currently available in all of Silverport. Please take your time and inspect them."Something seemed to click for Violet. Panic flashed across her face as she rushed toward me."If this was all a misunderstanding, then there's no need to replace the bag," she said quickly.I glanced at Jim, whose eyes were practically glowing."That won't work," I said lightly. "We agreed on ten. Right, Jim?"Low murmurs spread through the crowd."She's serious? Damn! The intern actually hit the jackpot.""Any one of those bags could buy a

The room went quiet again.Just like that, Violet had flipped the situation, making it about class and unfairness.Some people started thinking. Others looked like they saw themselves in her.And somehow, I became the face of everything they hated.I clicked my tongue."Violet, enough," I said. "Do you really want me to lay everything out?"Her arms hung limply at her sides. Tears filled her eyes as she forced a weak smile at me."Riley, you don't have to threaten me anymore," she said softly. "I'll give up everything I worked for and leave Neel Corporation. Isn't that what you want?"I rolled my eyes.Of course, I wanted her gone. What, was I supposed to leave instead?But I had underestimated just how powerful that innocent act could be. A few people rushed forward, grabbing her before she could walk away."You can't choose where you come from, but you can choose your life. I'm sure Ms. Franklin would be willing to give you another chance.""Ms. Franklin, she's just been

Worried someone might actually get killed, I stepped in and shut the whole thing down. Violet had none of that earlier arrogance left. She burst into tears and lunged at Jim, clawing at him."Jim, how can you be this heartless? I might not be the Neel Corporation heiress, but every dollar I spent on you was real money. That custom suit you're wearing, your designer shoes, your watch, I bought them all! Those two bags alone just now cost over 700 grand. That's money my parents saved their whole lives. My mom still needs it for her hospital bills. Give it back to me!"Jim shoved her off hard, covering his nose in disgust."Please! Did I force you to buy any of that? You offered it yourself, and now you want it back? Keep your dirty hands off me. Touch me again, and I'll sue you for emotional and physical damages."People around them started frowning at that, but Jim only got more smug. He jogged over to me like he was looking for credit."Ms. Franklin, I just lost my way for a bit