Chapter 1250: Chapter 1256

Everyone swung their gazes to the stage in unison. Unsurprisingly, Shirley held the microphone, saying urgently, “The staff have checked the surveillance footage, and no one left all this time. Therefore, we need to seal off the scene temporarily. Only after a thorough investigation can everyone be allowed to leave.”

No sooner had the words left her lips than several security officers appeared at the entrance, barring any exit and entry.

Faced with such an unexpected incident, Bethany wore a grim expression. “What bangle? And who lost it?”

Shirley had a look of anxiety etched on her face. A woman in full makeup cautiously stepped forward. “It’s me. The bangle is worth millions and is a family heirloom, so I can’t afford to lose it.”

Recognizing her, Josie couldn’t help but snort. “Ava?”

The woman wearing an aggrieved expression was the same person who acted high and mighty last time. Her change in demeanor was swift. With her eyes teary right then, she indeed looked pitiful.

Even more amusing was that the ex-mistress and current mistress were meeting face to face, Vivian was bewildered. “Who is that?”

“Just watch the show as a joke.”

Josie attempted to locate Laura, suspecting that the incident likely targeted her.

Meanwhile, the crowd started whispering among themselves. “Everyone here has a net worth of millions. Who would steal your bangle?”

“Exactly. That would be beyond disrespectful.”

Ava was on the verge of tears. “I’m truly sorry, but the bangle means a lot to me.”

“The price isn’t the issue here. The point is, it’s a family heirloom. I’m sure none of us would want to bear the blame. Let’s have a brief search. It would be better for everyone,” Shirley stated emphatically.

Amidst a wave of complaints, everyone still cooperated by heading over to the security to be searched.

Vivian was naturally displeased. “As soon as I arrived, I’m being accused like this. I don’t like it.”

She and Josie were at the end of the line. The latter consoled, “I’m sorry for the bad experience.”

“Anyway, it’s fine. It’s my first time seeing you in a gown. You look stunning. So, Josie is your Clusian name.”

Unexpectedly, those who had been searched at the front circled over, brimming with excitement. “Vivian, may I have your autograph? I’m a big fan of your work.”

Far more people had their faces flushed with embarrassment and said to Josie, “We didn’t know you were Alice. If we were impolite earlier, please forgive us. May we take a picture with you?”

In a flash, the atmosphere there turned lively in an unusual manner.

Shirley and Ava exchanged glances, gnashing their teeth in anger.

“She’s actually Alice.”

There were many people, and signing autographs took a bit of time. After about fifteen minutes, the security finished their search. They walked to the center of the crowd and announced, “Excuse the interruption, but there are only two ladies left to search. Please cooperate.”

Everyone was taken aback. “Has the bangle not been found yet?”

Josie’s eyes flickered as she was suddenly filled with a vague sense of foreboding.

Despising trouble, Vivian was the first to put down her pen and spread her arms. “Go ahead and search.”

A security officer apologized before searching her, but as expected, found nothing.

The crowd rustled. Josie slowly put down the pen in her hand, her gaze traveling past the crowd to meet Ava’s. The latter made a sweeping gesture.

Josie’s eyes fell on her handbag. The security officer had already reached out, unzipped it, and started searching. For a moment, all was silent, with the only sounds of objects colliding.

It was a small makeup bag.

In it are lipstick, compact powder, an eyebrow pencil, some tissues, and also a bunch of keys. That’s all there is.

As Josie cast her mind back to its contents, the staff paused at just that moment and took out an exquisite jade bangle from her handbag.

Immediately, a photo was pulled up for comparison.