Chapter 24-Being Played Like a Fool Vanessa's POV: "Miss Armand, may I ask how you acquired this piece of jewelry?" The young gem appraiser leaned over the bronze crown with a magnifying glass. I rolled my eyes. "Of course I took it from home," I replied, irritation lacing my tone. This was Aaron's gift-he had no need to know. "Thank you. I need to discuss the valuation with my colleagues. Please wait a moment." Another eye-roll. Tapping my fingers impatiently on the counter, I muttered, "Hurry up-I still have a full-body spa appointment." I couldn't wait to undergo the treatment and glow, giving Aaron a big surprise tonight. Flipping my hair back, I sank into the luxurious leather sofa, the crown resting on my lap. Aaron had said it was an ancient treasure, priceless because the gems were supposedly formed from the tears of the last queen of a lost kingdom. I didn't see what was so special about it. It looked old and ugly, almost laughable on me. I'd rather pawn it for quick cash. Yet from the appraiser's admiring gaze, it had to be worth a fortune. My phone rang. I slid my hand into my bag, fingers brushing the brand-new device Aaron had bought me-perfect timing, since Selene's broken phone had been driving me insane. "Hello, Dad," I said, lifting the phone. "Daughter, I've transferred one million dollars to Aaron. Now push him to transfer the house to you quickly," his tone cautious. "Keep a close eye on him. If he's a fraud, our money will be gone." "Relax, Dad." I fanned my freshly done nails. "He promised me the house; he'll honor it. His property is insured, so he had to pay a big premium first. He's short on cash temporarily, but he'll repay us by month's end. Didn't you already cash that $500,000 check today?" "Yes. The bank verified and cashed it," he sighed. "Maybe I'm just overthinking. What does he do for work?" "I'm not worried at all. Selene's out of the picture, and he's completely taken with me." I paused, recalling Aaron's pampering that morning: breakfast, a new phone, an antique crown, even the keys to his house... all handed over as if they were nothing, compensating for not spending last night with me. "Vanessa, I want to give you everything I own," he had said. He might be clumsy, but he was undeniably charming. "Even that ancient crown alone is worth at least a million dollars, Dad. Trust me, we're not losing anything." 7616 Chapter 24-Being Played Like a Fool Dad exhaled, finally relieved. "Well, at least Selene is out of the way-a big headache gone." We chatted briefly about celebrating, then said our goodbyes. I had just hung up when a shadow fell over me. Looking up, I saw two men in black uniforms blocking my view. "Vanessa Armand, we are law enforcement officers of the Werewolf Council," one announced coldly. "You are under suspicion of stealing Alpha Damien's Tears of the Lost Crown." What? I shot the young appraiser a furious glance. He froze, magnifying glass hovering mid-air. "This moming, all local pawnshops were notified by Alpha Damien," he said without apology. "If anyone attempts to pawn the Tears of the Lost Crown, authorities must be informed." "And you are also accused of directing a witch to use black magic to commit murder," the second officer added, producing a pair of handcuffs. "You're coming with us." Impossible... how could they know? "Do you know who I am? I'm the daughter of Lars, Alpha of the Ice Moon Pack! You can't touch a hair on me!" I shouted, panic rising. "My father will make sure you pay!" They ignored me, cuffed my hands, and dragged me toward the exit. "I'm innocent! I didn't kill anyone! The crown was a gift from a friend!" I protested, but they remained expressionless. As we stepped outside, a swarm of cameras descended, flashing lights blinding me. "Miss Armand, why did you steal? Is the Ice Moon Pack going bankrupt?" "Miss Armand, now you're both a thief and a murder suspect. Don't you think this tarnishes the reputation of an Alpha's daughter?" Questions came from every angle. Panic gripped me as I glanced across the street and spotted Aaron's green Aston Martin. "There!" I shouted at the officers. "He's the one who gave me the crown! Arrest him!" I wrenched free, sprinting toward Aaron, pounding on his window. The glass slid down. His icy gaze nearly froze me in place. Beside him sat a woman-my spitting image. Selene. But... she was supposed to be dead. 0115.6 Leave a comment 64.96%