Your Uncle’s My Husband Now Back Off, Ex! novel Chapter 85

**TITLE: Through Unseen Doors We Step Into Untold Worlds Beyond by Sage Hunter Lane**

As Nyla’s words hung in the air, a palpable tension enveloped the room. The crowd, once animated and lively, now turned their attention to Erin and Jacqueline, their faces etched with discontent and suspicion. It was as if a shadow had fallen over the gathering, darkening the mood.

Jacqueline’s heart raced as she felt the weight of their gazes. She had lost her necklace, yes, but why should that inconvenience anyone else? “What does my loss have to do with them?” she thought bitterly. Her mind churned with indignation. “Why should they be subjected to this ridiculous search just because I misplaced something?”

Erin, standing beside her, felt a cold spark ignite in her chest as she caught sight of the unfriendly stares directed at them. Nyla’s sharp tongue had caught them off guard, and now Erin was brimming with a simmering resentment. “I didn’t expect her to be such a formidable opponent,” she mused. “But mark my words, she’ll pay for this.”

With a heavy sigh, Erin attempted to diffuse the situation. “I suggested this to clear everyone’s names and help Jacqueline find her necklace. It means a lot to her,” she said, her voice tinged with desperation.

A murmur rippled through the crowd, and someone retorted, “What does that have to do with us? If it was so important, she should’ve kept it safe at home instead of wearing it out.”

“Exactly!” another voice chimed in, brimming with indignation. “She lost it herself and now wants to search our bags? I don’t agree with that!”

A smug laugh escaped from the crowd. “Hah! If you care about the necklace so much, I’ll buy you a new one right now. Stop delaying the charity gala!” The laughter echoed, a mockery of Jacqueline’s plight.

Jacqueline felt a surge of frustration as she saw the crowd rallying behind Nyla. Her plan to frame Nyla was slipping through her fingers like sand. “I need a new strategy,” she thought, biting her lip to suppress her anger.

Taking a deep breath, she addressed the group with feigned calmness, “Everyone, please. I wanted to give the person who took my necklace a chance to return it discreetly. But since they won’t, I have no choice but to expose them.”

She paused for effect, her gaze sweeping over the crowd before she continued, “I had a tracker installed in the necklace to prevent it from getting lost.”

As she spoke, she pulled out her phone, fingers dancing over the screen as she feigned urgency. Tom, standing beside her, furrowed his brow but remained silent, sensing the tension in the air.

Then, with a triumphant shout, Jacqueline declared, “Found it!”

The collective breath of the room hitched as all eyes turned towards her. Jacqueline’s gaze zeroed in on Nyla, who met her stare with a chilling calmness. “Ms. Jayston, I can’t believe you took my necklace!”

Silence enveloped the room, thick and heavy, as the weight of her accusation settled in. The Sumners were known for their wealth; it seemed absurd that Nyla would stoop to theft. Yet, the earlier opposition to the bag search loomed large in everyone’s minds. If she was innocent, why had she reacted so defensively?

Jacqueline clenched her jaw, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. “Enough talk. Just open your bag.”

With a serene smile, Nyla unzipped her bag, revealing a diamond necklace that sparkled brilliantly under the lights, casting a dazzling reflection around the room.

Jacqueline’s expression shifted from confidence to shock, her face lighting up with a triumphant sneer. “Ms. Jayston, you claimed you didn’t take my necklace. What is this in your bag then?” she demanded, her voice dripping with accusation. The people surrounding Nyla began to murmur, their looks shifting from curiosity to disdain.

“Wow, I can’t believe Mr. Sumner married a thief. The Sumners’ reputation is ruined tonight!” one voice cut through the air, sharp and unforgiving.

“I had a feeling something was off when she refused to let us search her bag. Turns out she did steal Jacqueline’s necklace!” another chimed in, the crowd growing bolder in their condemnation.

“People from wealthy backgrounds who fall from grace can have twisted minds. Now she’s stealing for money!” The mocking and contemptuous gazes bore down on Nyla, who felt the heat of humiliation wash over her. Clark, once an ally, now turned his cold stare toward her, disappointment etched on his features.

As the crowd’s whispers grew louder, Nyla stood her ground, her heart pounding in her chest. She was caught in a web of deceit, but she refused to let it ensnare her completely.