Chapter 3 - THE ACCUSATION
Margaret refused to explain further.
“Meet me in the old greenhouse after sunset,” she whispered. “Come alone.”
“I need answers now.”
“You need to stay alive long enough to hear them.”
Margaret hurried away.
Before Ivy could follow, Celeste descended from the stage.
She looked furious.
Her handbag was open.
“My wallet is missing.”
The musicians stopped playing.
The head of security began questioning the staff.
Sebastian stood beside Celeste, his expression controlled.
“Perhaps someone found it,” he said.
Ivy stepped forward.
“I did.”
Every face turned toward her.
She raised the wallet.
Celeste crossed the hall quickly.
“Where did you get that?”
“Near the stairs.”
Celeste snatched it from her hand.
The front pocket was open.
The photograph was partly visible.
Sebastian noticed.
His gaze shifted from the wallet to Ivy.
“She opened it,” he said.
Celeste looked at the girl.
“Did you?”
Ivy thought of Margaret’s warning.
She also thought of the photograph she had spent six years unconsciously waiting to see.
“Yes.”
The wealthy guests murmured.
Sebastian shook his head sadly, as though disappointed.
“Celeste, check the cash.”
Celeste opened the main compartment.
“A thousand dollars is missing.”
Ivy stared at her.
“I didn’t take anything.”
Sebastian addressed the security guards.
“Search her.”
Ellen pushed through the crowd.
“Don’t touch her!”
Two guards restrained Ellen before she could reach Ivy.
“She found the wallet,” Ellen said. “She was trying to return it.”
Celeste pointed at Ivy.
“You stole my wallet, you little thief!”
The accusation was loud enough for every guest and reporter to hear.
Ivy wiped her tears.
“I found it. Please look inside.”
The confrontation unfolded beneath the chandelier.
Celeste opened the front pocket.
She saw the photograph.
She recognized the pendant.
She revealed the matching half hanging from her own neck.
Then Margaret seized the photograph and ran.
“Run, Clara!” she shouted.
The hall erupted.
Guests rushed toward the eastern corridor. Reporters raised their cameras. Sebastian ordered security to close every door.
Celeste stood motionless.
“Clara,” she whispered again.
Ivy stepped toward her.
“Is that your real name?”
Celeste looked at the girl as though seeing her for the first time.
“I don’t know.”
Sebastian placed a hand on Celeste’s shoulder.
“You were frightened. Margaret shouted nonsense.”
Celeste pulled away from him.
“Why did she take the photograph?”
“She is old and confused.”
“She has never called me Clara.”
Sebastian lowered his voice. “This is not the place.”
Celeste’s expression sharpened.
“You knew the photograph was in my wallet.”
“I knew you carried an old family picture.”
“No. When Ivy opened the wallet, you looked afraid.”
Sebastian turned toward the guests.
“This event is over. Security will escort everyone outside.”
Celeste stepped in front of him.
“No one leaves.”
The command silenced the room.
She held up the photograph’s empty pocket.
“A child walked into my house wearing the other half of my necklace. My housekeeper stole the only photograph connecting us. My uncle is trying to end the conversation.”
Sebastian’s jaw tightened.
Celeste faced the security chief.
“Lock the gates.”
“Celeste,” Sebastian warned.
She ignored him.
“Find Margaret Vale.”
The security chief spoke into his radio.
A moment later, static answered.
Then a guard’s frightened voice came through.
“We found her shoes near the east staircase.”
“Her shoes?” Celeste asked.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“And Margaret?”
There was a pause.
“She’s gone.”
May you like
Ivy looked toward the corridor.
On the polished floor, just beyond the open doors, lay several small drops of blood.
