Chapter 5: The Missing Diamonds
Chapter 5: The Missing Diamonds
The morning of the annual Sterling Foundation Gala was pure chaos. Florists rushed through the halls, caterers shouted in French, and Maya was busy trying to calm Mrs. Sterling, who was overwhelmed by the noise.
Amidst the frenzy, Alexander’s head of security, a burly man named Cole, marched into the East Wing with a face like thunder.
"Mr. Sterling needs to see you in his study. Now."
Maya’s stomach dropped. She followed Cole to the West Wing. When she entered the study, Alexander was pacing behind his massive oak desk. In the center of the room sat a velvet jewelry box. It was empty.
"The Sterling Star," Alexander said, his voice clipped. "A ten-carat diamond necklace belonging to my mother. It was supposed to be worn by my grandmother tonight. It’s gone."
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Maya gasped. "Oh my god. Was there a break-in?"
Alexander stopped pacing and looked directly at her, his eyes unreadable. "No alarms were tripped. The only people with access to the master safe are me, Cole, and..." He hesitated, the pain flashing briefly in his eyes. "...and you."
