Mara’s blood ran cold as the guard pulled the glittering diamonds from the pouch.

“I didn't take that!” Mara shouted, her voice echoing in the silent room.

“Thief!” Celeste screamed, playing the victim perfectly. “Call the police and have her arrested!”

Mara looked frantically at Julian, silently begging him to believe her.

Julian looked at the bracelet, then at the tears pooling in Mara’s eyes.

He noticed her hand instinctively gripping the tarnished silver locket at her throat.

That locket was proof of a kind, selfless soul who had once kept a terrified boy calm in the dark.

“Hold off on calling the police,” Julian ordered his men.

Celeste gasped, grabbing his arm. “Julian, she stole from us!”

“I said wait,” Julian snapped, his voice dropping to a dangerous octave.

He walked slowly toward Mara, stopping mere inches from her.

“Did you put that in your pocket?” he asked, searching her eyes.

“No, on my life, I did not,” Mara swore.