Chapter 246
As soon as Elise hung up, she called Alfonso.
“Alfonso, Dorothea just told me Bertha stole her ring. What’s going on p>
Alfonso sounded shocked. “What? No way. Elise, Bertha would never steal a ring. You must have heard wrong. She gets tens of thousands a month as pocket money. Why would she need to steal anything? Don’t you trust Bertha p>
It wasn’t that Elise didn’t trust Bertha. She just couldn’t believe Dorothea would make something like this up for no reason.
“You should talk to Bertha and figure this out before things get messy. Dorothea said if the ring isn’t returned tonight, she’s going to call the police p>
Alfonso paused, then said, “Okay, Elise. But I’m sure Bertha didn’t do it. Dorothea must be mixed up. Can you try to clear things up with her p>
Right after he ended the call, Bertha came home.
“Elise just said you took Dorothea’s ring. What’s going on p>
Bertha scoffed. “Dad, you’re the one who told me to get close to Latham. I took the ring on purpose. If Dorothea can’t keep track of her own stuff, Latham’s bound to get mad at her p>
Alfonso’s face darkened. “Are you serious? I told you to get close to them, not to pull some stupid stunt like this p>
Bertha felt wronged. “What was I supposed to do? I already took it. If I just toss the ring, no one will ever know it was me p>
“Watch yourself. Don’t make trouble. I wanted you to get close, not pick a fight or cause drama p>
Fuming, Alfonso called Elise back.
“Elise, I just asked Bertha and she swears she didn’t take it. Can you talk to Dorothea? You know, when you came back, Walton started treating you coldly and even called Dorothea bad luck, but I stood up for you. If this gets out of hand, it’s going to look bad for all of us, right p>
Elise’s eyes grew cold. She understood now-Bertha had definitely taken the ring. She took a deep breath. Neither of her brothers could be counted on. Swallowing her anger, she said, “Fine, I’ll talk to Dorothea. But I can’t control her. Just be ready for whatever happens p>
She tried calling Dorothea, only to realize she’d been blocked again.
After Dorothea and Latham went to the police, Latham set up a Twitter account. Within an hour, it was verified.
He used his real name and tagged Alfonso’s company directly.
“Quick question. Is your daughter so broke she needs to steal my wife’s ring? What kind of weird obsession
is that?ve already filed a fine
report of Bertha turns herself
maybe she’ll spend less time in jail. Anderer ind her I’m married She should steer clear of other people’s husbands. Otherwise, I might start thinking she wants to be
a homewrecker p>
The post exploded online. Within minutes, Alfonso’s company site was swamped by curious and gossipy comments.
What’s going on? Is Bertha trying to seduce Latham?
Latham’s wedding is next month, right? Isn’t this way out of line? I guess even the rich have their scandals.
Bertha saw the uproar and hurled her phone across the room, smashing it to pieces.
Alfonso heard the crash. “Bertha, do you have any idea how much trouble you’ve caused me p>
Bertha’s voice trembled. “Dad, just a few days ago you told me to get close to Latham. Now you’re mad at me for following your instructions p>
“Enough. They already know it was you. Go with your mother and return the ring. Be sincere, apologize, and maybe they’ll let this go p>
But Dorothea wasn’t letting it go. Bertha had been careless and posted a selfie wearing the stolen
ring. Netizens had already put the pieces together.
“Don’t look at it anymore. We don’t need that ring. I’ll buy you a new one, okay p>
Latham said softly, comforting her.
Dorothea’s cheeks burned with embarrassment.
How did she end up with family like this?
And it all traced back to Elise.
Tears shimmered in Dorothea’s eyes. “I’m sorry p>
A shadow fell over her as Latham gently ran his fingers through he hair, then down her back, soothing her. “You don’t have to apologize to me You’re not the one at fault. You’re the victim here p>