Part 3My Secret Son Is His Only Chance For A Legacy

Tiffany stammered, choked on an excuse, and frantically looked to her mother.

Mrs. Reed instantly stepped forward, reaching out to take my arm, but I subtly pulled away. Her hand hung awkwardly in the air before she recovered and scolded me with a forced affection.

“Oh, Joanna, you silly girl! You left in such a hurry back then! We’ve had that money set aside for you all this time, just waiting for the right moment. It’s a complete misunderstanding, darling!”

Mr. Reed nervously rubbed his hands together, nodding frantically. “Yes, yes! We never forgot!”

The lie was transparent, riddled with holes.

Alex’s face went dark. His eyes were like cold steel on Tiffany.

“Three hundred million dollars. Every cent. You have until noon tomorrow to deposit it into Joanna’s account. Fail to do so, and you can stop pretending to be a Sterling.”

Tiffany was aghast that Alex would be so ruthless, forcing her hand in front of this entire crowd. She shot me a look so venomous I could practically taste the acid. She managed a strained smile for Alex.

“Alex, I was just so negligent. You don't have to worry. I’ll handle it tomorrow.”

I sighed. I just wanted out of this mess. All I wanted was to take Leo and live our quiet life.

“The money is unnecessary. I can provide for myself now.”

“I still have work to do. Please excuse me.”

Without looking back, I headed for the corner. The ballroom returned to a muted buzz. Clutching the mop and bucket, I returned to cleaning. One more stall in the restroom, and I could take Leo home.

Suddenly, I heard shouting outside.

Tiffany’s shriek cut through the noise: “How is this possible? It was right here on my wrist! That diamond bracelet is fifty million dollars!”

“It’s gone!”

A knot of dread tightened in my stomach. A wave of ominous foreboding washed over me.

The next second, I heard Tiffany continue, her voice low and calculating:

“Just now… only Joanna was close to me. The bracelet was still there right before I walked her in from the entrance. Could it be…”

Tiffany didn’t have to finish the sentence.

The door to my stall was violently shoved open. Two massive security guards grabbed me.

“I didn’t do it!” I cried out.

“I’ve been working this entire time. I haven't touched anything that wasn't mine.”

I struggled desperately, but I was easily overpowered and dragged back toward the ballroom floor.

Tiffany hurried forward, putting on a pretense of distressed apology.

“Sister, I’m so sorry! I truly am!”

“But this bracelet is irreplaceable. I only need to check. If it's not on you, I’ll tell them to release you immediately. I’ll even apologize!”

Despite her gentle words, her actions were precise. She reached immediately for my right pocket.

Under the cruel glow of the chandeliers, in front of every single person present, the diamond bracelet was pulled out.

The entire ballroom erupted in gasps, followed by a torrent of disgusted whispers and judgmental glares.

Tiffany stumbled backward, feigning shock and profound disappointment. She clutched the bracelet.

“Sister, how could you…?”

“If you needed money, you only had to ask! How could you resort to… stealing?”

At that moment, the police and venue security arrived. The evidence was irrefutable, played out under the harsh, public eye.

I looked around in a panic, my voice a desperate, choked whisper.

“It’s not me! I swear, it’s not! I don’t know how that got into my pocket!”

Frantic, I grabbed the sleeve of Alex’s suit.

I was so helpless, so terrified, I could only plead with him.

“Alex, we grew up together! You know me!”

“I am not a thief! Alex, please, you have to help me!”

“I didn’t take it! This is a setup!”

Tears streamed down my face. Alex looked at my wet, pleading eyes, his own expression complex. He reached up, gently wiping a tear from my cheek.

His voice was chillingly devoid of warmth.

“Joanna, you know the rule.”

“I only trust the facts.”