Why Did She Pick The Innocent Maid?

An hour later, the music came to an abrupt halt. Margaret Sterling’s voice echoed through the mansion, shrill and panicked.

— "Lock the doors! No one leaves. The Heart of Midnight is missing!"

Chaos erupted in the ballroom. Wealthy guests murmured in shock, clutching their own jewels in paranoia. Daniel immediately took charge, calling the estate security to secure the exits.

— "We will conduct a search. Staff first," — Margaret commanded, her face pale with fury.

Vanessa stepped forward, her acting impeccable.

— "Margaret, I think I know where we should start. I saw one of the maids lingering near the display cases earlier. The quiet one."

All eyes turned toward the foyer. Emily was frozen in terror as the crowd of elites parted, allowing Vanessa, Margaret, and Daniel to approach her. Emily’s brown leather handbag had been dragged out from the staff area and now sat innocently on the gleaming marble floor, a silent trap waiting to be sprung.

Inside the luxurious mansion foyer, Emily stood defenseless in her plain housekeeping uniform, while Vanessa towered over her in a stunning, fitted black dress. Without warning, a sharp, resounding slap echoed through the room. Vanessa struck Emily across the cheek, sending her stumbling backward, cradling her burning face as gasps rippled through the gathered witnesses.

— "You stole it!" — Vanessa shrieked, pointing an accusing finger down at the bag.

Tears pricked Emily’s eyes, her voice trembling as she fought back:

— "I didn’t take anything... I swear."