CHAPTER 62
"Ms. Schmidt, you make a valid point," the staff member replied, nodding in agreement before exchanging a knowing glance with the security guard.
The guard approached Arianna abruptly, his demeanor rough as he snatched her bag and proceeded to unzip it, emptying its contents onto the counter with a lack of finesse.
Within moments, a wooden box emerged from the jumble of items, capturing the attention of everyone present.
The staff swiftly seized the box, revealing the prized thousand-year ginseng nestled within its confines.
"Ms Johnson, do you still deny any involvement?" the staff member challenged.
As the evidence was laid bare, Piper's derisive laughter grew louder.
"Arianna, are times really that tough for you? Resorting to stealing a mere thousand-year ginseng? How pitiful..." she taunted with disdain.
Piper's scornful remarks stirred murmurs among the onlookers.
"Arianna, once a prominent figure in high society, now reduced to petty theft? How disgraceful," one voice murmured disapprovingly.
"Did you hear about those scandalous images and videos circulating online? Could it really be her? It seems she'll stoop to any level for a quick buck," another voice speculated with disdain.
"Look at how composed she is! It's utterly shameless. If I were her, I'd want to disappear from the face of the earth," someone remarked, their judgmental tone thick with contempt.
Arianna's expression remained impassive as she surveyed the murmuring crowd. Her gaze drifted across the faces of the bystanders until it settled on Piper and Violet.
If Arianna hadn't already realized it was a setup, she would indeed be deemed naive.
The encounter with Piper and Violet was no mere coincidence; it was meticulously orchestrated. They had been lying in wait for Arianna's arrival, plotting their scheme with calculated precision.
The tension in the room was palpable as Piper executed her plan to perfection, intentionally riling up Arianna. Just as things were about to spiral out of control, Violet stepped in, playing the role of the savior. While Arianna was distracted, they seized the moment to discreetly place the stolen item in her bag.
It was a well-orchestrated scheme, leaving Arianna defenseless and bewildered.
As the commotion attracted the attention of the staff, the police were called to the scene. Upon arrival, they wasted no time in approaching Arianna with a grave expression,
"Ms. Johnson, we kindly request your presence at the police station."
As the crowd whipped out their phones to capture the unfolding drama, Arianna maintained her composure, acutely aware of the potential repercussions of causing a scene.
She couldn't risk further embarrassment or becoming the subject of internet gossip and news headlines once again.
"Very well," Arianna acquiesced calmly, addressing the police officers. "I'll cooperate fully with your investigation. I trust that you will uncover the truth and vindicate my innocence."
With that, Arianna allowed the police to escort her away from the scene, determined to face the ordeal with dignity and poise.
Piper's frustration grew as Arianna remained unfazed, refusing to give her the satisfaction of witnessing a meltdown.
"Mother, do you believe that woman is truly fearless, or is she merely pretending?" she grumbled with resentment.
The memory of Sheena's dramatic breakdown during her arrest lingered in Piper's mind. Why was Arianna so eerily collected? It was almost as if she was leisurely embarking on a leisurely stroll.
Even Violet, despite her young age, was surprised by Arianna's calm demeanor. She had anticipated some level of distress from Arianna in this situation. The way Arianna handled herself with such composure was both unexpected and disconcerting.
However Violet was convinced that Arianna was merely bluffing. It didn't really matter whether she was or not; dismantling the life of someone like Arianna was a simple task for her.
Violet patted Piper's hand reassuringly and said,
"Don't worry. I've already arranged for someone to take special care of her once she's inside."
Piper understood her mother's implication immediately, and a wide grin spread across her face. "Mom, you're incredible! I admire you so much!"
"This is hardly a challenge," Violet replied, though she clearly basked in her daughter's admiration. Her arrogance became even more pronounced.
"The best part of the show is about to begin."
"Mom, are you saying you'll help me marry Xander and become the madam of the King household?" Piper's eyes lit up with excitement, her voice trembling with anticipation.
Violet nodded confidently. "I've taken care of your grievances, so it's time to stop worrying about the insignificant Arianna."
"Absolutely!" Piper exclaimed, throwing her arms around her mother. "Once I marry Xander, Arianna won't even be fit to be my servant!"
