Chapter 13 Theft
Emma couldn't stand dealing with these unreasonable folks, thinking it was pointless. She bit back her anger and put on a fake smile, saying, "Sorry for messing up your clothes, but you bumped into me first. Not my fault. And I'm not some servant for the Russell family."
The woman sneered, her eyes full of disdain. "Didn't think you were a servant," she said. "Servants dress way better than you. Calling you a beggar would be a compliment."
People around them started to laugh, and Emma's face turned red with shame and anger. She clenched her teeth, trying hard to keep her cool.
"What a rude woman," Emma muttered under her breath, feeling totally wronged. She had no intention of sticking around and turned to leave, but then she heard Anna's voice behind her, "Emma, you're here!"
Anna, looking like a movie princess with her perfect makeup and blue gown, walked over and linked arms with Emma like they were best friends.
Anna put on a fake smile and said, "Mrs. Brooks, for my sake, let's just drop this."
"Since Mrs. Russell says so, I'll just consider myself unlucky," Mrs. Brooks said arrogantly, giving Emma a look full of contempt. "Mrs. Russell, your servants need better training. You can't just hire any incompetent person. Otherwise, it could damage the Russell family's reputation."
Anna smiled and nodded, not denying anything, making it seem like Emma really was a servant ruining the Russell family's name, and Anna was indeed Mrs. Russell.
Emma felt a pang of bitterness. She shook off Anna's arm and headed towards George's room. She had some clothes there; changing into them was better than staying in her loungewear.
Emma didn't want to stay a second longer; this place and these people disgusted her.
Just as she turned around, a well-manicured hand grabbed her arm, the red nails almost digging into her flesh.
Mrs. Brooks suddenly shouted, "Where's my bracelet? My bracelet is missing! It must be you! I knew you bumped into me on purpose to steal it."
Emma was stunned, "Mrs. Brooks, I didn't steal your bracelet!"
People around started whispering, their eyes filled with suspicion and disdain. Emma felt incredibly wronged, struggling to hold back her tears, just hoping to clear up this misunderstanding.
"How dare you deny it?" Mrs. Brooks stormed towards her, pointing at her pocket. "Let's see if it's on you!"
Anna wore a mocking smile. She searched Emma's pocket and finally exclaimed, "Mrs. Brooks, your bracelet is here!"
"See, I knew it!" Mrs. Brooks looked like she wanted to tear Emma apart, her face lit with excitement, saying, "This thief dared to steal in broad daylight!"
Emma's heart sank. She realized this was a trap set by Anna and Mrs. Brooks. She lowered her head in despair, wanting to defend herself but not knowing how.
"I didn't steal it, you're framing me!" Emma said.
"Emma, if you liked these things, you could have told me. I would have bought them for you. Why steal from others?" Anna's few words cemented the accusation against Emma.
Then she bowed apologetically to Mrs. Brooks. "I'm really sorry, Mrs. Brooks. Emma had a habit of stealing when she was a child. I thought she had changed, but apparently not..."
Anna said, "Emma, you've really disappointed me."
Seeing the crowd slowly gather, Emma began to panic. Today was George's mother's 50th birthday party. If she, as the daughter-in-law, was taken to the police station as a thief, it would be a minor injustice to her, but it would severely damage the Russell family's reputation.
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