Chapter 13
“Stealing something? Seriously?”
“What the hell is going on?”
“A thief in a crowd like this? That’s p got to be some next–level nerver”
“If anyone’s brazen enough to do it here, they’re either a pro or just plain stupid. If it’s a newhile, she’s gotta face the music”
Tmean, she looks well–off Maybe this is just a misunderstanding?”
“Yeah, right. These days, even thieves can look like models. Don’t let her looks fool you!”
Speculation spread like wildfire. A few thought Eliana might be innocent, but most seemed convinced she’d done it. After all, starting a rumor cost nothing—just a loose tongue and a loud voice.
It seemed Willow was ready to burn her bridges with Eliana for the sake of this photo. Just moments ago, she’d been fake sweet, calling her “sister”
“Are you sure this photo is yours?” Eliana asked.
Yes It’s of a little girl, short hangs, round face. Okay, it’s not me in the picture, but it’s a really important photo to me. Give it back!” Willow said, practically pleading
Willene’s confidence made one thing clear–she’d taken this photo deliberately in their past life. This was the key to her success back then, and she wasn’t letting it go now.
The onlookers didn’t get why this photo mattered so much. But with Willow practically on the verge of tears, they were inclined to believe her.
“Come on, it’s just a photo. She’s about to cry! Just give it back already someone said.
“Stealing a photo? Who even does that! Pathetic another sneered.
Elana ignored the peanut gallery and turned to Willow, “What if this photo isn’t yours! You’re accusing me of theft. You realize I can sue you for slander, right!”
Willow was flustered. “What are you talking about? It’s mine”
Eliana smirked, her voice calm but cutting. “Fine, if this photo isn’t yours, you’re going to apologize to
- me. In front of everyone. Admit you lled.
Willow froze. Apologize? In public? That would kill her pride. But she was desperate enough to take the gamble.
“Fine, I agree! This photo is mine, anyway, Willow insisted.
Eliana didn’t waste time. She held up the photo for everyone to see.
“Take a good look, folks, Who’s in this photo?” she asked, loud and clear.
Someone stepped closer and squinted. “Uh isn’t that you? Definitely not a little g
girl with bangs!”
“Yeah, that’s you! Dead ringer” another chimed in.
““Exactly.” Eliana said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “So, tell me, holding a photo of myself–does that count as stealing?
The people who’d been accusing her just moments ago suddenly shut up, looking sheepish.
Hut Willow
w wasn’t done. Her face twisted in disbelief. “No! No way! I saw you holding my photo. Where did you hide it! Give it back!”
She lunged at Eliana, grabbing at her clothes like a madwoman
“Are you insane?” Eliana snapped, shoving Willow back “What’s wrong with your Forgot to take your meds this morning?”
Willow’s behavior wasn’t winning her any fans. The crowd, mostly young and hot–headed, started grumbling. Nobody likes a scene–especially when it turns physical.
“Seriously, what the hall’s her problems?”
e mattered.
“Yeah, she’s acting like she’s not all there. Just because she’s playing the victim doesn’t mean she’s right,” another chimed in their tone sharp
Willow Garcia caught the shift in the crowd’s murmurs, and her expression tightened for a brief moment. Then she quickly put on a pout, trying to
look hurt.
1/2
“No, you’ve got it all wrong,” Willow said, her voice trembling as she hit her lip. “This photo is incredibly important to me. It’s from a leukemia patient I helped–she sent it to me as a keepsake. I promised myself I wouldn’t let her down. That’s why I have to find it.”
Eliana almost burst out laughing at the absurdity of Willow’s claim. Her imagination really knew no bounds,
‘Supporting a leukemia patient! What a load of crap. She wondered how Silas would react if he knew Willow was cursing his daughter with this
nonsense.
The crowd, predictably, started to waver again,
“Oh, I see. That’s really kind of you. Yeah, you should definitely find that photo,” me onlooker said sympathetically.
“Yeah, if it were me. I’d want to find it too someone else agreed.
“Totally. I mean, that photo’s gotta have a lot of sentimental value. And if the girl in it has leukemia… that’s heartbreaking,” another added
Willow, emboldened by the crowd’s sympathy, turned to Eliana with a triumphant look. “If you didn’t take my photo, then let me search you!”
Eliana raised an eyebrow, her gaze icy. If she hadn’t been prepared for Willow’s antics, she might’ve actually been caught off guard by her melodramatic performance.
“You wanna search me? Fine. But what happens if you don’t find anything?” Eliana asked coolly
Then I’ll apologize to you!” Willow shot back.
a
“No,” Eliana said, her tone sharp. “You already owe me an apology. If you don’t find it, I want you to post a public apology on the school’s forum. No
Willow’s eyes widened. The school forum? A public apology? Isn’t that a bit much!”
“Oh, so you do understand what a bit much means, Eliana shot back, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
Willow narrowed her eyes, seething. She was absolutely certain the photo was on Eliana. She’d seen her pick it up earlier. If only she knew exactly where Elana had hidden it, she’d have snatched it by now.
That photo was her golden ticket to meeting Silas–her key to launching her career in the entertainment industry. There was no way she’d let Eliana steal this chance from her.
Gritting her teeth, Willow finally snapped, “Fine! If I can’t find it, I’ll post the apology.”
“Great. Everyone here heard that,” Eliana said, spreading her arms wide. Go ahead. Search me.”
Willow immediately began rummaging through Eliana’s pockets and belongings. She searched again and again, becoming increasingly frantic.
But no matter how thoroughly she checked, there was no sign of the photo.
“Did
you find it?” Eliana asked, her voice calm but laced with mockery.
“Hold still! I need to check inside your clothes! Willow demanded, desperation creeping into her tone.
“That’s a bit over the top. Don’t you think so?” Eliana said coldly, her presence suddenly dominating the space.
Willow felt a chill run down her spine, as if Eliana’s disdain was a physical force pressing down on her.
“You didn’t find anything, right?” Eliana said coldly.
Willow froze, her face pale/She had no comeback.
“Everyone here saw the whole thing. They can testify. Willow Garcia, I expect to see your apology on the forum tomorrow. If not….. Eliana’s smile was razor–sharp. T’ll make sure you can’t show your face around this school again.”
With that, Eliana turned and strode into the auditorium, leaving the crowd buzzing cast pointed glances at Willow, whose face was now beet red with humiliation.
Whispers rippled through the onlookers as they
Inside, Willow was fuming. Her hands clenched into fists, nails digging into her palms. ‘Why the hell did that bitch get to act so high and mighty?
