Lisa's words cut through the room like a knife, but even as they echoed, they were smoothly translated into various languages and piped into the guests' earpieces.

A heist is a big deal, especially when it involves something as precious as jewelry. Lisa's piece might not have been the priciest, but it was a rare replace, far from the everyday sparkle you see around.

David wasn't about to brush it off either. He stepped off the stage and headed over to Lisa, asking, "Ms. Chloe, what did you say? Your jewelry's been nabbed?"

Lisa looked like the sky had just fallen. "Quick, shut down the place! The thief's gotta be here somewhere. Stealing at an event like this? We've got to catch her!"

She threw a sidelong glance at Chloe, who was still lounging on her couch, her purse right beside her. Lisa felt a self-satisfied grin creeping up. She'd been watching Chloe like a hawk until she slipped off to the restroom. That was her moment. She followed, and when Chloe left her bag unattended outside, Lisa stealthily tucked the rose brooch into a hidden pocket. Even if Chloe rummaged through, she'd miss it unless she was really looking. Lisa felt calm only after watching Chloe return, casually touch up her makeup, and remain oblivious to the brooch.

Back in the crowd, Lisa loudly declared her jewelry had been stolen, stirring up a fuss. David wasted no time getting security involved. Lisa kept the drama going.

Trying to calm things down, David said, "Ms. Chloe, don't worry. Since the auction kicked off, no one's come or gone. So, if your jewelry's missing, it's still here somewhere."

Lisa, with an air of indignation, fired back, "The jewelry I bought for fifty million was snatched, and you're partly to blame. Letting a thief waltz in, your security leaves a lot to be desired. I'm starting to question QUEEN Jewelry Group's competence. If you can't keep guests' stuff safe, who'd want to show up at QUEEN's events in the future?"

Lisa was bent on making this as public as possible, drawing a crowd to the spectacle, hoping to add to Chloe and Connor's embarrassment.

David, frowning at Lisa's antics, was not amused. Just then, Grant made his entrance.

David greeted him with respect, "Mr. Grant."

Grant strode over, giving Lisa a cool once-over, and asked, "What's going on here?"

Lisa's heart missed a beat under his commanding presence, exuding a sort of regal authority as though he looked down on the world. Imagine if a man like that was gentle only with her...

Lisa hadn't counted on catching Grant's eye, but it was a pleasant surprise.

Before David could speak, Lisa jumped in, trying to sound justified, "Mr. Grant, the jewelry I just dropped fifty million on has gone missing. Aren't you responsible for this? You need to replace the thief today, or won't let it go."

Grant's gaze turned steely, his voice like winter's chill, "If Ms. Chloe's jewelry truly has been snatched by a thief, we catch them and give Ms. Chloe an explanation. But if this is some story cooked up by Ms, Chloe, then she owes us all an explanation."

Lisa felt a shiver run down her spine at his words.

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