son

devastate me on every front. The sheer audacity of her plan sent a jolt of ice through my veins, but it also sparked a cold, calculat

hispered to my phone screen, my voice a low

ear. There was no time for wallowing. Candace wanted a confr

look like a victim. I wasn't going to look like I had just cried my eyes out. I was going to look composed, unshakeable. I met

fair, was easily accessible. I wasn't just going to her apartment; I was going to the police station first. Candace had

high, requesting to speak to an officer about a malicious false accusation. I briefly explained the situation, focusing on the pet-sitting job and

en. "We'll need to investigate this. Where is

this is a retaliatory tactic due to a personal dispute involving my long-term boyfriend, Damien Travis." I laid out the essenti

Damien's name. "Damien Travis, the divorce at

ve Ms. Smith is trying to cause me max

r to Ms. Smith's residence. You should accompany them.

text. Not a messy, emotional showdown. Candace wanted

ndace stood there, her blonde hair perfectly styled, a smirk playing on her lips. She wore a designer tracksuit, looking effortlessly chic, a stark contrast t

at dragged in. You actually showed up. And you brought friends." She glanced at Detec

"Ms. Smith, we're here to investigate a report of theft. Ca

" She pointed a manicured finger at me, her eyes flashing with venom. "She came in here under f

my face remained impassive. Her lies we

of of this accusation?" Detecti

you, Addison?" She turned to me, her eyes blazing. "Where is it, you criminal? Give me back my rin

. "And I already informed Detective Miller that I suspect this is a f

of surprise, then her eyes narrowed. "You manipulative liar! Who

from indignant fury to forced sweetness. "It's Damien," she mouthed to me, a defiant glint

she brought the police! She's denying everything, she's accusing me of lying... She's saying terrib

the small hallway. "Candace? What's going on? Police? Addi

ndace cried, looking at me with triumph. "Can you believe th

em. Just tell them you want to press charges for theft. Do not discuss our persona

tarted, clearly wanting

wearing thin. "I have to go. I have a critical client sit

her face before she quickly masked it. She had expected him to rush to her side, to pu

t a fresh wave of pain through me, a chilling reminder of his complicity. But his abrupt dismissal of Candace, his clear focus on self-

ctive Miller said, her voice cutting through the tension. "We'll need to go to the precinct

s still blazing at me. "She's a

ory, painting herself as the innocent victim of a vengeful ex-girlfriend. She described the ring in elaborate detail, claiming it was a family

eigned emotion. She even produced a printed photo of the diamond ring, a c

Lawson, do you have this ring on y

nder the magazines. The diamond ring that solidified Damien' s other proposal. But I couldn't produce it and claim it was

, letting the words hang in the air. "It's in unit 27B, hidden in a small mahogany jewelry b

color drained from her face. She knew I knew