“You’re home!” Noah burst through the door, backpack flying. “Can we make cookies?”
“After homework,” she said, catching him in a hug. The boy was seven now. She’d watched him grow from a toddler.
Daniel Aldridge appeared in the doorway. “Thank you for staying late again, Lucia.”
“It’s no trouble, Mr. Aldridge.”
He nodded and disappeared upstairs. Always polite. Always distant.
Eleanor Aldridge stood at the top of the stairs, watching. She never smiled at Lucia. Never said thank you. Just watched.
That night, everything changed.
“The Aldridge Ruby is missing.” Eleanor’s voice cut through the morning air. “Someone took it from the display case.”
Daniel looked up from his coffee. “Missing? Are you certain?”
“I checked twice. It’s gone.” Eleanor’s eyes fixed on Lucia as she entered with Noah’s breakfast. “And I know exactly who took it.”
Lucia froze. “Mrs. Aldridge?”
“You’re the only one with access to that room.” Eleanor’s voice was ice. “You’ve been stealing from us.”
“No!” Lucia’s hands shook. “I would never—”
“Mother, that’s a serious accusation,” Daniel said quietly.
“Check her quarters. Check her bag. Call the police.” Eleanor crossed her arms. “She’s been planning this for months.”