s words, Myrna finally let out a sigh of relief. “See told you Theodore would never suspect me. You two, on the other hand, have some nerve. Even your master isn’t accusing us, yet you dare to block our way?”
The two young maids had already sunk to their knees, pleading desperately in a blind panic.
Anyone could see the genuine terror on their faces. With something missing from the study, their own lives might very well be on the line.
Margaret bent down to help the maid before her to her feet. “There’s no need for this. Perhaps His Highness simply misplaced it. A thorough search should turn it up.”
“You think Theodore is some scatterbrained girl? Misplace something?” Myrna scoffed from the side, her voice cold. “No wonder you were in such a hurry to leave, not even waiting for anyone. So this is the reason…”
She spoke with heavy implication, even extending a hand, “Even if you are his fiancée now, the wedding hasn’t happened yet. No matter how much you liked that bracelet, you can’t just take it. It’s his most treasured heirloom. You’d better hand it over now.”
Margaret shot her a fierce glare. “Which eye of yours saw me take it?”
Before Myrna could retort, her maid chimed in, “Only you and Ms. Hickman were waiting in the study earlier. If it wasn’t you, who else could it be? Surely not Ms. Hickman!”
Margaret’s fist clenched. She strode swiftly toward the speaking maid and slapped her hard across the face.
The slap left the maid stunned. “H–How dare you hit me?”
“Since when does hitting a servant require a reason?” Margaret glared at her. “My conversation is none of your business, is it?”
The maid wanted to retort, then thought better of it, closing it and shrinking behind Myrna for protection.
Myrna’s expression turned grim. “Ms. Campbell, I know you have issues with me, but if you have a problem, take it up with me. There was no need to strike my maid.”
“You call her your maid? Then you should know better. When masters are speaking, does a servant have any right to interrupt?”
Myrna’s voice was tight with fury. “And is she wrong? Only the two of us were in the study just now. Since something’s gone missing, if you didn’t take it, then who did? Me?”
Margaret let out a cold laugh. “You were the one rummaging around in there. I stayed put the whole time, just sitting quietly. You’re the one who-”
“What utter nonsense!” Myrna cut her off, practically spitting the words. “Theodore! Let Theodore come and judge this fairly!”
She whirled around, ready to summon him, only to find Cyan already approaching from down the
12:14 pm PTNM
Chapter 296 Search
Fashed
corridor.
Cyan’s expression was grin as he walked toward them, his gaze shifting between Margaret and Myrna. Before he could speak, Myrna stepped forward eagerly. “When did you get back? And why use the rear entrance? Any luck finding it?” she asked, her tone shifting to concern.
Cyan shook his head. “None. That treasure map… it’ll take more than a day or two to track down. Your tip was good, though–it was definitely there once. Someone moved it, and now it’s vanished without a trace.”
He paused, his eyes lingering on them both. “I heard you two were in the study earlier…”
Myrna shot an exasperated look at Margaret before nodding “Yes. We know about the bracelet.” Her chin lifted defiantly. “But you know me, Cyan. You know what kind of person I am.”
“I respect you both. I don’t believe either of you would stoop to theft. However…” Cyan said carefully, his
voice low and serious.
He hesitated, the weight of the situation clear in his posture. “The bracelet is indeed missing. His Highness can’t confront you directly. So, on his behalf, I must ask permission to search you both.”
Myrna agreed instantly, spreading her arms wide, “Of course! A clear conscience fears no accusation. Search all you like–you won’t find a thing on me.”
At Cyan’s slight nod, two young maidservants stepped forward. Their hands moved quickly and respectfully, patting down the folds of the women’s dresses.
After a thorough search that yielded nothing, the maids withdrew silently.
Myrna’s eyes, cold as ice, settled on Margaret. “How interesting. First, the engagement gifts at the Prime Minister’s Estate disappear without a trace. Now, Theodore’s precious heirloom vanishes just as mysteriously. Quite a coincidence, don’t you think?”
Margaret ignored her, turning instead to Cyan. “Where is His Highness?”
“He sustained a minor injury and is having it dressed. He insisted the search for the bracelet takes priority. The entire estate is now sealed–no one in or out,” Cyan explamed.
He shifted uncomfortably, addressing them both, “Please, don’t take offense. I’ve had guest chambers prepared for you. I trust you, but given the circumstances, I must ask you to stay until this is resolved.”
Myrna gave a nonchalant shrug. “Staying or leaving is the least of my concerns. Catching the real thief is what matters.”
802
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.

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