“That pendant belonged to my wife!” bellowed Richard Hale, a powerful billionaire known across Westbridge City. He stood abruptly, eyes burning as he pointed at a young woman in a gray cleaning uniform.
Eva Miller froze. Her hands flew to her neck, instinctively shielding the gold medallion hanging there. The rag slipped from her fingers.
“I didn’t steal anything,” she whispered, stepping back. “I swear.”
Richard advanced, knocking over a chair. “Don’t lie to me. I’ve searched for that necklace for twenty-three years. Where did you get it?”
The manager, Thomas Greene, rushed over, sweating. “Mr. Hale, I’m so sorry. She’s new. If she took something, she’ll be fired immediately. Eva, get out before I call the police.”
He grabbed her arm. Eva cried out—but Richard seized Greene’s wrist.
“Let her go,” Richard said quietly. “Touch her again and this place shuts down tomorrow.”
Greene recoiled.
“But sir—she has your wife’s necklace—”
“Leave,” Richard snapped.
He turned back to Eva. “Give it to me. Now.”
She shook her head. “It’s mine. My mother gave it to me. I’ve worn it since I was a baby.”
“My wife wore it the night she died,” Richard shouted. “There were no survivors!”