Why the Ring Was in Amelia’s Handbag
Chapter 03 - Why the Ring Was in Amelia’s Handbag
The ring inside Helena’s velvet box had indeed been found in Amelia’s handbag.
Celeste placed it there.
Ballroom security preserved the moment from three separate angles.
Two hours before the gala, Celeste entered the women’s cloakroom carrying the ring in a silk pouch. She opened Amelia’s handbag, placed the pouch beneath a compact mirror, and photographed the result.
Then she sent Ethan a message.
FOUND IT. SHE TOOK THE RING. HANDLE HER PUBLICLY OR THE BOARD WILL THINK YOU PROTECT HER.
Ethan did not ask how Celeste knew where to search.
He did not ask why she photographed the bag before security arrived.
He wanted the promotion Helena had promised him.
Royce Meridian planned to appoint a new global president that evening. Ethan believed defending Helena against his wife would prove loyalty.
The accusation was not only about humiliation.
It was a test of which woman he considered more powerful.
He chose the wrong one before learning the facts.
The trust archive also preserved audio from the cloakroom corridor.
Celeste told Helena:
“Once Ethan breaks her publicly, she will sign the marital release just to leave.”
Helena answered:
“She must surrender the beneficiary challenge before the midnight vote.”
They knew Amelia’s identity.
Ethan did not.
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He was not the architect of the entire plan.
He was the weapon they expected pride to activate.
