When I Flash-Married a Billionaire, My Ex Went on a Hunger Strike novel Chapter 42

She extended her hand, revealing a ruby necklace resting in her palm.

Ruby, who had been drowning in despair just moments ago, lit up with hope.

Her entire demeanor shifted in an instant so much so that she nearly jumped with excitement.

"Mom! Look! I told you—she stole it!"

Tears still streaked her face, but now, instead of sobbing, she was buzzing with energy, her sudden transformation almost comical.

Watching her flawless performance, Adora let out a chuckle. "Ruby, you really should consider a career in acting. An Oscar would be yours in no time."

Lilian’s expression darkened as she stared at the necklace in her eldest daughter’s hand, her voice laced with disappointment.

"Adora, how could you? You stood there watching your brother turn the whole room upside down, knowing full well you had it the entire time?”

"And you still had the nerve to deny it and falsely accuse me!" Ruby immediately added, her tone indignant.

Adora simply moved on to her next play without a care. "I came home and found it under my pillow. I thought my dear sister had left me a surprise gift."

"Lies!" Ruby’s voice shot up, her confidence bolstered now that the so-called evidence was in Adora’s hands.

"That necklace was a gift from Eugene! Why would I ever give it to you? You stole it from my room!"

Adora’s expression remained indifferent.

"And how exactly are you going to prove that I took it? I wasn’t even home all day."

"You stole it last night! We were out for dinner, and you were the only one here."

"So was Mary." Adora glanced at her father.

"She was in the living room the whole time. Why don’t you ask her if she saw me go upstairs?"

Theodore immediately called Mary in to verify.

The housekeeper, caught in the middle of the brewing storm, looked visibly nervous.

She didn’t dare offend either side, her voice timid as she answered, "I was cleaning in the living room… I didn’t notice if Miss Adora went upstairs or not…"

Adora smirked, casually shrugging as if to say, “See? No proof.”

But Ruby wasn’t backing down.

With a sudden burst of confidence, she pointed a finger at Adora, her voice sharp.

"You didn’t have to go through the living room! Last time, when you smeared dog poop on my bed, you climbed in through the window!"

There was silence.

The entire room turned to stare at her in shock.

Adora remained perfectly composed. "If you want to be a hypocrite, at least own it. Don’t try to argue your way around it."

"You—" Ruby opened her mouth but found herself at a loss for words.

The room fell into a tense silence.

Then, Adora let out a soft chuckle, extending her hand slightly. "So? Do you want this back or not? Isn’t this the precious love token from your dear Eugene?"

"Of course I do!"

Fuming, Ruby stormed forward, her chest rising and falling in anger as she reached for the necklace.

But just as her fingers were about to touch it, Adora suddenly pulled her hand back.

Ruby’s face twisted in frustration. "What are you doing? Are you refusing to return it? Trying to keep it for yourself?"

"No rush." Adora still wore that infuriatingly calm smile.

She slipped her other hand into her pocket, taking her time before pulling something else out.

"There was something else under my pillow along with the necklace."

Her fingers tightened around the item before she slowly lifted it into view.

"A diamond bracelet. If I remember correctly, this one belongs to Mom, an heirloom from Grandma."