Chapter 489 Hairpin Found

Silence ensued. Andrew grinned gloatingly. Children haven’t developed the awareness to protect their belongings yet. Hence, it’s the parent’s fault when the child’s obviously expensive hairpin is stolen!

What kind of reasoning is that? The look in Christina’s eyes darkened. “Based on your logic, are you saying if a person’s expensive handbag or money is stolen, it’s their fault for bringing it with them? In that case, why do we even need police officers?”

Andrew clearly had no refute for Christina’s questioning. His expression darkened as he remained silent.

However, Lola rebuked with disdain, “Who knows if she was wearing a real diamond hairpin? If it’s a fake, doesn’t that mean the police officers are wasting their time searching for something that costs a few dozen bucks?”

The atmosphere grew tense.

Just then, the door was opened again before Nathaniel stepped in with Lucas in his arms.

He ceased his movements, blocking the light with his towering figure, and stared at Christina and Camila. “Who’s bullying you?”

L Upon spotting her father, Camila pounced toward him and spoke aggrievedly. “It’s Heather’s fault my hairpin went missing, Daddy...”

She felt bad because the hairpin had been given to her by her father.

In response, Nathaniel lifted her and wiped the tears on her face away. “Is it the one I bought from an auction for you?”

“No. It’s the custom-made diamond hairpin you bought me last month.”

At the side, Lucas acted as though he just discovered a huge secret. When did Daddy buy so many hairpins for Camila? He didn’t even buy me the limited-edition action figure I asked him to! Isn’t he just playing favorites?

The expressions on the assertive couple’s faces shifted the moment they saw Nathaniel.

I can’t believe they’re the wife and daughter of Mr. Hadley! In that case, he definitely bought a diamond hairpin for his daughter!

Thank goodness he didn’t hear what I said earlier. Otherwise, we would’ve offended a prominent figure! Andrew greeted Nathaniel with a smile. “We met at a reception before, though you didn’t notice me because of how busy you were, Mr. Hadley.”

Nathaniel had attended so many social events that he couldn’t remember everything about them. Additionally, he didn’t pay great attention during most of them and usually only spoke with more capable individuals in the business industry. Hence, if he couldn’t recall someone, it meant they weren’t significant enough to be remembered.

Ignoring the man, he turned to Christina. “Have you found the hairpin yet?”

“No. The police officers suggested checking everyone’s bags. However, some people claimed they didn’t take it yet refused to cooperate,” scoffed Christina.

It was then Winnie suggested in a small voice, “Did someone pick it up by accident? If you return it, you probably won’t be punished. Mrs. Hadley is pretty kind.”

Christina was confounded by Winnie’s words. Does she know who took the hairpin? Or is it because she wants to smooth things over and prevent a fight? After all, we’ll all meet again at the ballet school, so perhaps she’s trying to avoid future awkward situations. If the thief had returned it at the beginning, I would’ve let this matter go. However, after all that was said and done, I can’t pretend nothing happened anymore.

Nathaniel turned toward the couple with a frown. “You’re not cooperating?”

Paling, the man felt awkward. If I can snatch an opportunity to befriend a distinguished figure like him, our company will ascend to greater heights!

Immediately, he grabbed-Lola’s handbag. “Of course we’ll cooperate!”

The woman was shocked and tried to snatch the bag back. “I didn’t steal anything, so why should I let others search my bag?”

“If you didn’t steal anything, just show it to the officers! What are you worried about? Andrew continued. to tug on the handbag.

Neither of them was willing to give up.

“I don’t want anyone to see what’s inside!” Forcefully, Lola pulled the bag.

Meanwhile, the man was still so eager to please Nathaniel that he didn’t relent. “If you didn’t take the hairpin, just show your bag to them!”

Suddenly, the bag was torn in half. As a result, everything inside spilled to the ground, including cosmetics, a perfume bottle, a purse, and a shiny hairpin.

An uncomfortable silence filled the air as everyone held their breaths.

While Andrew was dumbfounded, Lola felt embarrassed. Gritting her teeth, she admonished in a small voice, “I told you not to take my bag, but you insisted. Are you happy now?”

The man replied, “How can you blame me? You claimed you didn’t steal it...”

Christina found the couple’s actions sad yet amusing.

Lola, who was acting all arrogant earlier, kneeled and hugged Christina’s leg. “I was overtaken by greed. earlier. Please forgive me! I’ll apologize to you!”

When the children were arguing with each other just now, the hairpin had dropped next to her foot. After realizing there weren’t surveillance cameras around, she put it into her bag.

She was giddy that she picked up a valuable item and thought no one would notice.

Naturally, she didn’t expect things would turn out the way it did.

However, her pleading was pointless as there was undeniable proof of her crime.

Christina frowned. “Weren’t you mocking us for buying a fake earlier? Isn’t the decision to steal an item made based on its value?”

What a pathetic woman. Upon pushing Lola’s hand away, Christina stepped away with disdain. “I don’t need any apologies or compensation. The evidence is solid, so I’ll let the police officers do their job.”

The police officers took a photo of the mess on the ground before lifting Lola and picking her belongings. up. “Miss, please follow us to the police station to record your statement.”

Lola wailed while Andrew watched, feeling utterly humiliated.

Christina picked up Camila and was ready to leave when Heather scampered toward her.

“Miss, please don’t take my mommy away. I was only playing around. It has nothing to do with Mommy...” As the girl spoke, she cried.

Christina’s heart softened when she saw the crying child.

As she hesitated, she turned to Nathaniel, asking for his opinion.

Nathaniel understood her thoughts and whispered. “You should decide.”

After a brief contemplation, Christina turned to Lola. “Enroll your daughter in another ballet school. I won’t sue you, but I don’t want to see you again.”

Disbelief was written all over Lola’s face. She was stunned for a few moments before she thanked Christina profusely.

Christina then requested the hairpin from the police officers. “Sorry for wasting your time, but I won’t be suing her.”

The police officers nodded, gave Lola a stern warning, and left.

After that, Christina left the building with her children. Perhaps the kids were tired, for they fell asleep in their parent’s embrace soon after boarding the car, Suddenly, the car took a turn. Christina temporarily lost control of her body and bumped into Nathaniel.