Chapter 6 - The Red Clutch
"Your privacy," Julian echoed, his tone dangerously flat.
Vanessa lunged for the table, her hands desperately reaching for the red clutch. But Julian was faster. With calm, effortless strength, his large hand closed over the designer bag just a fraction of a second before her manicured fingers could touch it.
He lifted the purse out of her reach.
"Julian, give that back to me right now!" Vanessa shrieked, her elegant facade entirely shattered. She grabbed his arm, pulling at his black suit jacket, looking like a feral animal trapped in a snare.
Julian didn't even flinch. He simply looked down at her frantic, sweating face.
"If there is nothing to hide, Vanessa, then there is nothing to fear," Julian said.
He stepped back, creating distance between them. With smooth, precise movements, he unclasped the gold latch of the red purse.
Olivia watched from the other side of the room, her hands still clutching the silver cloche. Her heart hammered against her ribs. She was terrified of what would happen to her mother, but a deeper part of her knew Julian deserved the truth.
Julian reached his hand inside the silk-lined interior of the bag. He bypassed the lipstick and the compact mirror. His fingers brushed against something heavy, cold, and wrapped in fabric.
He slowly pulled the silk handkerchief out.
Vanessa dropped to her knees on the floor, her hands covering her face as a loud, pathetic sob tore from her throat. The game was over.
Julian unwrapped the fabric.
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Resting in the palm of his hand was the legendary fifty-carat blue sapphire necklace. The priceless family heirloom that was supposed to be securely locked inside the biometric wall safe in the pantry.
👉 How will Julian react when he realizes his entire engagement was a heist?
