From Wife to Aunt: His Worst Nightmare novel Chapter 67

Just then, the maid suddenly blurted, "I remember now! Mrs. Griffin brought an outsider home today. Could it have been that person?"

"That's nonsense!" I cut her off sharply.

However, the maid knew how to read the room. She had clearly figured out the power dynamics in this house and learned that I held no real standing with Steve.

She shifted all the blame onto me to clear herself of suspicion.

Steve's suspicious gaze settled on me. He asked, "Was Juliet here today?"

"That's right. She was," I replied, involuntarily tensing up.

If this continued, all Steve had to do was check the surveillance footage, and he'd see Juliet going up to the master bedroom.

I knew perfectly well that she hadn't taken the necklace. Chances were, Isabel was the one staging this.

But how was I supposed to explain Juliet being in the master bedroom if that was discovered?

I couldn't possibly admit that we were trying to get a sample of Isabel's hair for a DNA test with Dorothy.

To stop Steve from digging any further, I said, "Fine. I'll tell you the truth. I was the one who took the necklace. So what?"

A flicker of surprise crossed his gaze. Frowning, he asked, "Why?"

"Because I'm jealous of Isabel." It was the only excuse that fit the situation.

I continued, "That necklace was something you gave me when you proposed. And now you've taken it and given it to her. I'm only taking back what was mine to begin with. Does that really count as stealing?"

As expected, the sharp edge in Steve's gaze dulled after hearing what I've said. Even his expression softened.

After a brief silence, he said to Isabel. "I'll buy you another necklace later. Forget this one."

Her smile was stiff, but she had no choice but to agree.

I let out a quiet breath of relief. Fortunately, Steve accepted my explanation and stopped digging further.

Left with no choice, I said, "While the Simpsons might not be on the same level as the Griffins, they're wealthy enough. Juliet has more than enough jewelry; she has no reason to steal a necklace."

Steve chuckled coldly as he nodded. "I thought so too. She wouldn't need to take the necklace. So tell me, what was she doing in the master bedroom then? Or better yet, what did she take?"

I started panicking.

I couldn't let Steve find out I'd been secretly collecting hair samples from him and Isabel for a DNA test. If he did, destroying the evidence would be the least of my worries—he might even go after my mother.

If that happened, I would be unable to get a divorce.

I stammered, "I-I asked her to help me… get the necklace back. It was mine to begin with, wasn't it?"

"Alright. That's an acceptable explanation." Steve smiled faintly, looking as if he were toying with a frightened animal.

He then asked, "If that's the case, where's the necklace? Didn't she bring it back to you?"