Dumping Him for His Uncle (Natasha and Zachary) novel Chapter 22

As more people gathered around, Natasha's thoughts became more chaotic.

No one cared about the truth. They just wanted to watch the drama unfold.

"Who would steal a scarf that's already been trampled on?"

A cold, clear voice cut through the tension from inside the store. Lara involuntarily shivered.

"Mr. Hampton? What… What are you doing here?"

Natasha looked up the stairs and saw the man standing tall, his posture straight and confident, exuding an air of calm authority. The deep blue pants and simple white shirt accentuated his features, making him appear effortlessly charismatic.

"Ms. Bradley, is it? You can leave now," Vernon Hampton asked as he approached, parting the crowd for her.

Not willing to let it go, Nicole shouted, "She stole something! Even if you're the boss and you don't want to press charges, she's still a thief!"

"Yeah, a thief should be sent to the police station for some lessons, or she'll keep doing this," one of the onlookers added.

"She looks so pretty, but who knew she had dirty hands?" another vice chimed in.

"People shouldn't be judged by their appearance," someone else remarked.

Natasha stood still, her gaze somewhat dazed as she looked around. Her mind drifted back to eight years ago when Nicole had intentionally framed her for stealing Olivia's jewelry.

"You're just like your mother. You like to steal things, don't you?"

Olivia chased her with a wooden ruler and hit her, leaving Natasha bedridden for a week before she could get up.

"No proof, and you're so certain she's a thief? Did you see her steal something?"

Vernon turned his attention toward Nicole, and the crowd's gaze shifted to her.

"Yes, I saw it!" Nicole's voice faltered, but she forced herself to maintain her stance, not willing to back down.