The look on Ashley's face, which was a mix of the number of emotions she was feeling in the moment, suddenly dissolved, and it was replaced by a serious look as she gazed intently at Teresa. She said softly but firmly, "Give me my stuff back."
Teresa raised her eyebrows slightly at Ashley and responded, "Your stuff? Why would I? And look! What's this? Oh, I know! It's Lena's ring! The ring she said she didn't take. But it's here. So what does that mean?"
She had a lot of evidence now. There was no way for Ashley to deny it, because no one would believe her.
All the girls looked contemptuously at her, and people around her kept their distance.
"Ah! That's my ring! You found it! Thank you so much Teresa!" Lena exclaimed, walking up to her and taking the ring from Teresa. Between the ecstasy of getting her ring back and the remorse she felt at losing it in the first place, her expression was like a wild roller coaster ride.
"Ashley, why did you take my ring? You know it's very important to me. Anyway, I am glad I have it back, or I don't know what I would have done," said Lena. She look at Ashley tearfully, looking like she would burst out in tears at any moment.
As Lena approached Ashley, Johnny walked up to stand in front of Ashley and spoke stiffly to Lena. "Miss, I think you might be mistaken. I have been with Miss Mu the whole time. How could she take your ring? Also, the ring on your hand is the one my boss gave to his wife. Why are you saying that's yours?"
Johnny obviously wasn't holding back, and it looked like he didn't care to do so. He looked straight into Lena's eyes and made up these lies. He had been warned by his boss to not let anyone stigmatize Ashley. Andrew would kill him if Ashley was hurt.
Johnny knew Lena was not as innocent as she looked. She was known for making trouble for Ashley. Johnny had already gleaned from the gossiping an idea of what was going on. He had a good memory for faces, and when he saw the waitress in the crowd, he was sure who she was.
Johnny's explanation brought panic to Ashley's insides. She couldn't help but think, 'What are you talking about Johnny? That's definitely not my ring!'
Ashley was about to intervene, but Johnny stopped her. He looked at Ashley and shook his head just enough for her to get the message.
The sound of a door opening made sure that Lena didn't talk any further.
Clyde and his wife, Cora, walked in, followed by Spencer and Peggy. They tried to remain calm but the furrowed brows and pursed lips didn't help the matter.
Questions began to plague the people in the room. Everyone was wondering why they were here. Some of them assumed that they were here for Lena.
They looked furtively at Lena, starting to think that she might not be as innocent as she looked if she could let Clyde and Cora leave a room full of guests for such a tiny matter.
Lena noticed the newcomers too, and her eyes lightened up. No one had noticed the change in her expression, but that was probably because of how quickly it had faded away.
"Father! Mother! Mr. and Mrs. Luo! Why are you here?" Lena walked up to them and asked smilingly.
Clyde had to stop as he replied, "Lena, here you are! You need to come with us! Quick!"
Lena suddenly realized that they were not here for her. Nevertheless, she joined them and asked with confusion, "What's going on? Why are you rushing to the front door?"
Peggy pulled Lena over and whispered something into her ears. For the second time that evening, Lena's face lit up and she beamed.
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