Chapter 7 Framed Up

"Yes, that's the one."

Bill nodded, feeling kind of irritated.

"That was Master Vincent Geoffrey's work! If it weren't for that charity auction, whose proceeds would go to poor children, I couldn't have bought it at such a low price."

Vincent Geoffrey was the most famous jade carvings master in the country and a legendary name and figure in this industry.

He had no children, nor did he take any disciples. Because of this, no one would inherit his superb skill and talent. Every piece of his work had become a unique and invaluable masterpiece that couldn't be replaced.

Jadee, one of Vincent's notable works, was small yet exquisite, just about the size of a thumb. When it was put up for bidding in the auction, Bill managed to acquire it for over a million dollars. However, it turned out that this amount was still supposed to be very cheap compared to Vincent's other prominent masterpieces.

It was one in a million, and now, it went missing. Bill couldn't believe that such a precious jade piece would just be misplaced.

Because of the tension, the atmosphere in the living room immediately became a little awkward.

Of course, Bill was upset. Although they were pretty rich, the jade piece still cost a fortune.

On the contrary, Julie was much calmer than her husband. She didn't really care about the money that went to waste. However, she also couldn't help frowning because she was concerned about something else.

What bothered her more was that something got lost inside their home. This kind of incident was very rare. In fact, it might be the first one.

"Sir, Madam, I don't want to speculate... But is it possible that someone stole it?"

At this time, Lily broke the silence and offered an insinuation.

Noticing that she captured everyone's attention, she continued, "Just as Mr. Jenkins said, Jadee is too precious to be lost just like that. If someone stole it, then maybe we can still find it. In that case, I'm willing to let you search me and my room."

Upon hearing this, Bill casually waved his hand and countered, "No. That's not necessary. You are one of the highest rated maids recommended by the housekeeping center of Sheffield. They guaranteed us your reputation. Besides, you have been in this household for several years, and we've never lost anything before. If you're going to steal something, you should have done it long ag-"

While Bill was still speaking, he suddenly stopped as an urgent thought flashed in his mind. "Maria... Where is that girl?"

Sensing that her plan was sailing smoothly, Lily's face subtly showed a smug grin.

She then pointed out of the window and explained, "Miss Maria got up earlier than me this morning. When I saw her, she was already practicing some karate in the yard."

Lily spoke these words casually, but there was a deliberate hint in them that the others wouldn't miss.

As expected, the Jenkins family immediately grasped that important information. Maria got up earlier than Lily, which meant that she instantly became a prime suspect.

If everyone was still asleep back then, she could have easily stolen the jade from Vivian's bag.

"It has to be her! There's nobody here who could have a clearer motive! Besides, she's the real outsider in this house!"

Vivian shouted with her eyes widened, unable to maintain her composure.

She pointed out of the window and continued yelling at Maria's back.

However, the entire villa was soundproofed. Therefore, Maria obviously didn't hear anything from the inside. Instead, she continued her routine, practicing karate out in the yard.

"Hmm... Actually, her movements are not bad." With narrowed eyes, Julie didn't immediately agree with Vivian. "She looks so relaxed for someone who's just committed a crime. It may be too hasty to say that she's the one who did it."

Bill also looked at Maria intently and understood what Julie was saying. "Vivian, your mother may be right. If Maria was the thief, I don't think she's going to stay behind. She should have run away, bearing a guilty conscience."

But Vivian had no doubts. She gritted her teeth and declared, "Dad! Mom! You're being deceived! It only meant that this wasn't her first time doing this! She can be this calm after doing something wrong. Isn't that scarier? She doesn't even feel guilty at all!"

His daughter's words somewhat persuaded Bill. "Well, we can't confirm anything if we don't do something. We will figure it out if she's lying. I won't tolerate such behavior inside this household!"

Eventually, they asked Lily to call Maria into the living room.

When Maria went inside, she was still sweating profusely. Her wet locks stuck on her face, but she didn't look the least embarrassed. In fact, this disheveled look made her even more dynamite and beautiful.

"Maria, we have something to ask you."

The moment Maria stepped into the living room, Bill started talking. He wore a serious expression, and he didn't want to give her a chance to prepare for what was to come.

But before he could continue speaking, his eyes suddenly widened when his gaze fell on Maria's neck.

Hanging around it was a jade pendant, skillfully tied with a black thread. Furthermore, this jade pendant looked exactly the same as the one that Vivian had just lost.

"Jadee!"

Vivian also saw the jade pendant on Maria's neck, so she couldn't stop herself from bellowing in anger.

"You thief! Not only did you steal Jadee, but you also have the guts to wear it as if it's yours?!"