Chapter 48 Chapter 48: The sight of the necklace being found in Katelyn's bag was like a bomb detonating amid a joyous gathering. Up until now, everyone had only speculated, but now hard proof had finally surfaced. Fury blazed in Tricia's eyes as she lunged forward, seized Katelyn's wrist, and spat through clenched teeth, "I knew it. You're a thief! How dare you steal from my friend at my birthday party?" Lise gazed at Katelyn with deep disappointment, releasing a long, weary sigh. "Katelyn, you've let me down profoundly. If Mom and Dad found out, they would be heartbroken. They've spent years trying to instill good values in you, but I guess they just couldn't change who you truly are deep inside," Lise added. Katelyn's eyes went wide with shock. She had been by Katelyn's side the entire time. How could that necklace have ended up in Katelyn's bag? Katelyn, her gaze now icy, wrenched her wrist out of Tricia's hold. She faced Chloe, her lips curling into a sneer. "You're saying this necklace belongs to you. Can you prove it?" Chloe stuttered, unable to meet Katelyn's eyes. "I know my own things. Do you think I wouldn't recognize what's mine?" With a piercing gaze, Katelyn challenged her, "Alright then. Tell me exactly what this necklace is made of and who the designer is. Every custom piece has a unique serial number engraved on the back. We can trace it back to the designer and the original buyer. Since you're claiming this is yours, share those details." Chloe, now completely thrown off, was at a loss. How could she possibly know the materials of the necklace she held? But with many eyes on her, she had no choice but to press on. Your story hub gⱯlnσνs․com "This necklace was a gift. How would I know all those details? Stop trying to cover up your crime. You stole my necklace!" As she uttered the last words, Chloe's voice suddenly gained strength and confidence. She refused to believe that Katelyn could turn the situation around. Adela shot back with a mocking smile, "You should follow Katelyn's suggestion and prove that this necklace is yours before accusing anyone of theft. What if this necklace belongs to Katelyn, and you're claiming it wrongly?" Chloe's eyes widened in disbelief as she stepped back. "Wait! Does Katelyn have any proof that this necklace belongs to her?" Katelyn responded with a soft, knowing laugh. "I can absolutely prove this necklace is mine." She stepped forward, taking the necklace in her hand and holding it up for everyone to see. In her grasp was an exquisitely crafted pink diamond necklace, clearly worth a fortune. Katelyn raised her voice, addressing the crowd. "This necklace was created by the renowned foreign designer, JK.R. The theme of this piece is 'love,' and it was released just last year. You can find all the details, including the designer's name, on the official website." She then pulled her phone from her bag, turned on the flashlight, and inspected the clasp at the back of the necklace. A clearly engraved serial number was visible. Someone in the crowd, curious, quickly looked up the number and confirmed, "She's right! It's definitely the designer Katelyn mentioned. This necklace belongs to her. How else would she know all these details?" "Considering how valuable this pink diamond is, it seems unlikely that Chloe could afford it," someone added. Chloe saw the tide of public opinion turning against her. Nevertheless, she was determined not to back down. She straightened her posture and said, "That doesn't prove the necklace is yours. What if-" She hesitated, struggling to come up with a follow-up. Everyone present could now see through the situation. While Chloe was at a loss for words, Katelyn displayed intimate knowledge of the necklace. Chloe, frustrated, cast a desperate look at Tricia for assistance, but Tricia refused to acknowledge her plea. Now, Chloe was at a complete loss, unable to find anything more to say. Observing their exchange, Katelyn felt a growing sense of irony. It was clear that everyone had been conspiring to undermine her. "Since you are so keen on evidence, I'm happy to provide more." Turning her gaze to Adela, Katelyn asked, "Could you assist me by finding an ultraviolet lamp?" Although Adela was unsure of the reason, she agreed and nodded. Moments later, she returned holding an ultraviolet lamp. Katelyn switched it on and focused the light on the engraved numbers. To everyone's surprise, two initials emerged clearly- "KB." These initials, representing Katelyn's name, were irrefutable proof. Chloe's face drained of color instantly, and her last hope shattered completely. Lise, clenching her teeth but forcing a smile, said, "Katelyn, I knew there must have been a mistake. You are not the kind of person they are making you out to be." Adela, without hesitation, revealed her true feelings, saying, "Just drop the pretense. It is revolting." Lise's fists tightened with anger, ready to launch another attack on Katelyn. To everyone's surprise, Katelyn walked up to the stage and took the microphone. . . . In a romance-themed observation show, several participants undergo a series of interactions and conflicts filled with love, misunderstandings, and power struggles. In the end, one couple rises to over...