Chapter 4 - The Discovery
The tension in the room was thick enough to choke on. Mia’s livestream crossed a million concurrent viewers. This was it. This was her masterpiece.
"Ma'am," the lead security guard said, his hand hovering over his radio. "I am going to have to ask you to step into the back room."
"I am not going anywhere," Clara said. She didn't sound scared; she sounded profoundly annoyed. "If you wish to search my bag, you may do so right here. I have nothing to hide."
Mia zoomed in on the bag. "Do it! Expose her!"
With gloved hands, Monsieur Laurent reached into Clara’s slouchy leather tote. He pulled out a sleek wallet, a set of keys, a fountain pen, and then... his breath caught.
He pulled out the platinum Vancour Celestial.
A collective gasp echoed through the boutique. Mia let out a theatrical shriek of triumph. "I told you! I told you guys! Look at her! A common thief trying to steal a million-dollar watch! We got her, chat! We caught the Beverly Hills Bandit!"
Clara stared at the watch dangling from the manager’s hand. For a fraction of a second, confusion flickered in her eyes. But then, as her gaze shifted to Mia’s triumphant, desperate face, the confusion melted into absolute, terrifying clarity. Clara understood exactly what had just happened.
May you like
She didn't scream. She didn't cry. Clara Sterling pulled her phone from her pocket, ignoring the camera completely.
"Call the police," Clara told the security guard calmly. "And ensure no one, especially this young woman, leaves the building."
