Chapter 928
Romello frowned, his eyes burning with anger as he raised the paddle, ready to strike at Gabrielle.
“Hey, hey! Calm down! That’s going to hurt! Don’t hit me!”
Gabrielle quickly shielded herself with her arms and, taking advantage of his hesitation, lunged at him, grabbing onto his thigh and sobbing.
“Romello, you know me, I’m usually so well–behaved. If I’ve done something wrong, you have to let me know what it is,” she pleaded, tears shimmering from Romello’s intimidating demeanor.
Reluctantly, Romello lowered the paddle, his voice cold as he continued, “Gabrielle, have you forgotten our family’s principal? Why are you stealing now?”
Gabrielle clung tighter to his leg, looking up at him with a puzzled expression.
“Romello, what are you talking about? You suspect me of stealing the crystal earrings? How could I? I’m the heiress of the prestigious Nicholls family! I’ve seen all kinds of luxury jewelry. I would never steal, especially not from Sheena. It’s impossible!”
Romello’s frown deepened.
In truth, he did not believe Gabrielle would steal either, knowing her temperament well.
That was also why he brought her to the altar room for questioning instead of
immediately resorting to punishment.
“Tell me exactly what happened,” Romello commanded sternly.
Gabrielle breathed a sigh of relief and quickly recited the rehearsed lie she had practiced at her aunt’s house many times before.
“At the tea party, Sheena and I were chatting. She mentioned how she hadn’t seen me in a while and expressed concern for me. Oh, and she asked about Phoebe’s health, but I didn’t know much, so I didn’t say anything. Later, we had a pleasant conversation, and Sheena said she wanted to give me a little gift, so she gave me the crystal earrings. It’s still in my bag!”
Gabrielle’s bag had fallen to the corner of the pillar when the bodyguards tossed her into the altar room.
Chapter 928
She cautiously glanced at Romello’s expression, seeing no signs of anger, and then moved toward the corner of the pillar, picking up her designer bag from the floor.
Then, she took out a pair of expensive and delicate blue crystal earrings and handed them. to Romello before continuing her explanation.
“Romello, I intended to leave such valuable earrings at home after the tea party.
However, when Natalie called, I forgot to place them on the vanity and ended up taking them with me,” she explained, retrieving her phone from her bag and showing Romello the call log.
After her explanation, Romello’s expression softened considerably.
Curiously, Gabrielle asked, “Romello, why did you accuse me of stealing Sheena’s earrings earlier? Did something happen?”
Romello lowered his gaze, his expression grave.
“Sheena claimed the earrings were stolen and, along with Lionel, searched the Nicholls. residence and took Phoebe with her.”
Gabrielle secretly breathed a silent sigh of relief, then quickly feigned surprise.
“Why were they able to take Phoebe? Doesn’t that count as trespassing? And why did. Sheena say I stole the earrings when she gave them to me herself?”
Romello did not bother explaining further, glancing coldly at his innocent yet naive
sister.
“In the future, keep your distance from Sheena, and don’t let her manipulate you. You’re not a child anymore. Besides family, don’t trust anyone else’s words blindly.”
“I understand, Romello,” she replied softly, casting a timid glance at the paddle in his hand. “Could you please put that thing away? It’s frightening…”
Romello tousled her hair. “Alright, it’s late. Go rest.”
Gabrielle nodded obediently and left the altar room.
Even after exiting the altar room, her legs still trembled.
She let out a long sigh, patting her chest to soothe her startled heart.
She only hoped that now that Sheena had taken Phoebe, she would never bring her back.
She did not want to see Phoebe at the Nicholls residence at all!
