Christina’s POV
His response took by surprise. I hadn’t expected him to agree so readily.
But I couldn’t help laughing bitterly. "Am I supposed to believe you? You promised before that if she ever hurt , you’d do sothing about it. But did you? Don’t make laugh."
"So that’s what this is about? You’re still mad at , so you ca here with Niall?"
"I’m not mad. I’m just disappointed," I said.
"I’ll make it right," Hudson said, his jaw tight.
"Will you, really?"
If he wouldn’t even punish Genevieve for pushing into the lake and nearly killing , what justice could he possibly give ? I didn’t know why I was still holding out hope that he’d finally choose over his precious friend.
I stood up and turned to leave, but Hudson grabbed my wrist. "Are you going back to him?"
"I need to use the bathroom," I said flatly.
Hudson followed all the way to the ladies’ room entrance. I looked at him. "Coming in?"
He’d thought I was making an excuse, and now he looked slightly embarrassed. "I’ll wait here."
I didn’t answer; I just gave him a look and went inside.
When I ca out, Hudson said, "Naomi says she misses you. She’d like you to go over and chat with her."
"Fine."
By the ti we returned to the function room, the atmosphere had shifted. The music had stopped, and people were murmuring uneasily. Sothing had happened.
"What’s going on?" Hudson asked, frowning as he approached Ryan and Cassian.
"Sothing’s been stolen," Cassian said, his expression tense.
"One of the exhibition pieces is missing—the red ruby, the most valuable one. It’s estimated to be worth at least a billion," Ryan explained.
"Missing? How?" Hudson asked.
"That’s the host over there, the owner of the ruby," Ryan said quietly.
A tuxedoed man approached with two bodyguards, his face grim.
"I’m sorry, Miss, but could you please open your bag for inspection? Soone has reported seeing you take our property," the assistant beside the tuxedoed man said to with forced politeness.
Everyone had gathered around, and all eyes were fixed on .
This is ridiculous, Akira growled. We didn’t take anything!
I was confused. "I didn’t take anything. I wasn’t even here earlier. How could it have been ?"
"She’s right. She wasn’t even here." Naomi was the first to step forward.
Hudson moved to shield , his expression cold as he addressed the host. "Do you have any proof, Mr. Howard?"
"We have an eyewitness report. I’m afraid we must insist," the assistant replied smoothly.
"And what exactly are you planning to do?" Naomi demanded.
"If you wish to prove your innocence, please simply allow us to check your bag," the assistant said, looking directly at .
"Fine." I was willing to comply to clear my na, but not to be bullied. "But what happens if the ruby isn’t in my bag?"
"We will, of course, offer compensation and a full apology."
"Mr. Howard, she’s my friend. That ruby won’t be in her bag, and I’m afraid a simple apology won’t be nearly enough." Niall stepped in.
Hudson shot Niall a glare full of open hostility. "I don’t consent. She’s my mate. No amount of compensation you could offer would be adequate."
As he tried to lead away, the bodyguards moved to block our path.
"I’m sorry, but I’m afraid we must insist." The assistant stepped closer to Hudson.
"This is Highrise City, not your territory." Hudson’s voice dropped to a dangerous growl.
"It’s alright," I said gently. I knew Hudson was protecting , but I saw no harm in letting them look. "I didn’t take it. Let them check."
"I can handle this. You don’t have to submit to this," Hudson insisted, his stance unwavering.
"Really, it’s okay."
I opened my bag and turned it over, letting everything inside spill out onto a table.
A phone, a wallet, a set of keys, lipstick. Nothing more.
Well, there wasn’t supposed to be.
Until a ruby tumbled out.
The gem glittered brilliantly under the lights, impossibly bright and out of place.
A collective gasp went through the crowd.
"My God!"
"She actually took it."
"How brazen."
"I can’t believe it!"
"Christina, it really was you!" Genevieve declared with a look of pure triumph.
Soone set us up! Akira snarled, pacing frantically in my mind. I’d tear their throat out if I could find them!
I frowned, completely stunned. I looked at Hudson and shook my head. "I didn’t."
"I believe you," he said without hesitation.
The assistant stepped forward and picked up the ruby. "Well, Alpha Hudson? What do you have to say now?"
"Just because this ended up in my wife’s bag doesn’t an she took it. Where’s your proof? Did you see her take it? Do you have a reliable witness?" Hudson kept close, his voice icy as he addressed the assistant, then turned to the host. "My wife has no reason to steal a ruby. I could buy ten of these without blinking. I expect this to be investigated thoroughly to clear her na."
"It was this lady who claid she saw your wife take it." Mr. Howard pointed at Genevieve. His tone turned conciliatory. "Since the item has been recovered, I’m willing to let the matter drop. Perhaps it was all just a misunderstanding." He offered Hudson a strained smile.
"You might be willing to drop it, but I’m not. I told you, my wife is not a thief. This will be investigated. I WILL clear her na." Hudson’s tone left no room for argunt.
"Alpha Hudson, be reasonable. We have a witness and the stolen item. I’m choosing not to press charges. What more is there to pursue?" Mr. Howard replied, his own patience wearing thin.
Hudson rounded on Genevieve. "Where exactly did you see Christina take this? She didn’t even know this ruby existed before tonight. And she hasn’t left my sight. How could she possibly have taken it?"
Reviews
All reviews (0)