Chapter 48

At this, even the Lowells found the situation strange.

Could it be that Tatiana really didn’t steal it?

If it wasn’t her, then the only other person was the maid, Susan.

But a search of the maid’s room also turned up no trace of the missing necklace.

The investigation was at a dead end.

The female officer was the first to look at Bianca, asking, “Didn’t you say you gave it to her? How is it that the necklace can’t be found p>

In an instant, the suspicion shifted.

Xavier frowned. “Bianca, did you perhaps forget where you put it p>

Bianca seemed to find her excuse and immediately went along with it. “Maybe it’s just lost. I’ve forgotten where I put it p>

The policewoman pointed out bluntly, “Then why did you both insist it was stolen p>

Bianca paled, unable to find an answer. In her panic, she clutched her chest. “It hurts p>

The Lowell family instantly grew nervous. “Bianca p>

Xavier rushed to get her medicine and helped her take it, all while reprimanding the officer. “My sister isn‘ well and can’t handle stress. You’d better be more respectful p>

Bianca, her eyes brimming with tears, said quietly, “It’s all my fault. I almost wrongfully accused Tatiana. I’m sorry p>

Chester said dismissively, “It was a trivial matter to begin with. She was the one who had to blow it out of proportion p>

At that moment, Tatiana was standing silently behind them. She heard this and let out a self–deprecating smile. “If… I really… had stolen it… what would you have done p>

They turned to look at her.

Tatiana, her face blank, continued, “You wouldn’t have believed me. Then… would you have locked me up in the rehab center again? Or a mental hospital p>

Chester’s face tensed. “What nonsense are you talking about! Have you forgotten why no one believes you? Have you forgotten all the terrible things you’ve done in the past p>

She had heard these accusations too many times. Her heart was numb.

She had only come back to get the one thing she had left behind.

She went upstairs. After searching, she found a small keychain that had fallen under the bed.

It was a small bear keychain, the paint mostly worn off, all gray and dusty.

But she clutched it as if it were a priceless treasure, carefully picking it up and putting it in her pocket.

After coming downstairs, she bowed deeply to the Lowell couple and said, word by word, “From this day on, we are through. We will go our separate ways. I… will only be Tatiana p>

Everything that belonged to “Tatiana‘ was now in the past.

Xavier was stunned. This meant she was cutting ties with them completely.

The Lowell couple also hadn’t expected her to be so decisive. After all, four years ago, she had begged them to let her stay.

Chester was still furious and simply went along with it. “You’d better not come back! If you have any pride, don’t come begging to us p>

Chester was certain she would be back. This was just an empty gesture.

Lauren opened her mouth, then swallowed her words. She was still resentful that Tatiana had insisted on calling the police and embarrassing them, so she said nothing to stop her.

Under everyone’s gaze, Tatiana left the Lowell family home.

After leaving, she did not return to the Steele family. Instead, she used the money the female officer had lent her to rent a small, single room in a low–income urban village.

The officer also helped her find a job: washing dishes in a restaurant.

The restaurant owner was the officer’s relative. Sympathizing with her situation, he kindly gave her the job.

She cherished this job, working tirelessly without complaint.

It was just that her period, which had come, ended after only one day. Her lower abdomen still felt uncomfortable.

She thought of Bianca’s words and felt a hidden worry. She wanted to go to the hospital for a check–up, but she had no money left.

Just as she was hesitating whether to ask for an advance on her wages, the owner’s wife called out to her, “Your friend is here to see you p>

She froze. She hurried out of the kitchen, looked up, and a chill ran down her spine.

“Well, well, Tatiana. So this is where you are. It wasn’t easy finding you p>

The small restaurant was packed with several second–generation rich kids.

The one sitting in the middle, peeling an orange, was none other than Shawn. Updates are released by.net

His face was still bruised, as if he’d taken a beating, but it didn’t detract from his usual cynical, devil–may- care attitude.

When Tatiana saw him, it was as if her blood ran cold. Her hands clenched tightly.

“Working here? I never thought… you were capable of this kind of work.

She pressed her lips together. “What… are you all doing here.

“What else would we be doing in a restaurant? We’re here to cat, of course. Bring the menu.

She knew they were here to cause trouble, but she couldn’t turn away customers. She had no choice but to bring the menu.

Shawn glanced at the menu and smiled maliciously. “I’ll have one of every dish on here.

Her hand, poised to write, froze. “Everything p>

“That’s right. Everything. What, you can’t? Or do you think I don’t have the money p>

This wasn’t about money.

It was deliberate harassment.

The owner’s wife was beaming, thinking they were big customers. She said quickly, “You want one of everything? Great, great! We’ll get that right out for you p>

“Wait. I’m not finished p>

Shawn looked at Tatiana, his eyes full of mockery. “I want her to cook them p>

110

Sara Lili

Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.