After a moment’s pause, she recollected what Lucinda had told her earlier and decided to feign ignorance.


    “I wasn’t hiding.


    Why would you think so? Our aunt’s daughter, Mindy, called me and invited me over.


    I hang out with her often.


    I intended to spend the night there, but you sent your men to bring me back.


    I used to spend nights there.


    What’s the issue? Why are you wielding a cane to terrify me?”


    Mekhi squinted, watching her expression, and pressed on, “Were Lucinda’s crystal earrings with you?”Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Upon hearing this question, her fear intensified, and she reminded herself to adhere to Lucinda’s instructions, knowing Mekhi wouldn’t release her otherwise.


    With apprehension, Sally raised her head and said with innocence, “Yes.


    Is there a problem with that?”


    Mekhi’s brows furrowed and anger burned within him.


    He instantly raised the cane, poised to strike her.


    “Mekhi! Please calm down.


    Don’t hit me! It’ll hurt!”


    Sally shielded her head with her arms, pleading.


    Seeing his hesitation, she firmly grasped his thigh and began sobbing.


    “You know me well.


    I’ve always been obedient to you.


    I have done nothing wrong.


    Why do you want to hurt me?”


    Her fear intensified, and her tears flowed freely.


    Mekhi pulled back the cane.


    His voice was cold as he questioned her, “Sally, when did you learn to steal? What have I taught you since childhood? Which hand did you use to take her earrings?”


    Sally clung to his legs and looked up at him with a confused expression.


    “Stealing? What do you mean? You think that I stole her crystal earrings? That’s impossible! As ady of the Shaw family, I have the means to purchase any rare and precious jewelry.


    Why would I steal earrings?! Also, Lucinda is one of my best friends… I’d never do that to her.


    ”


    Mekhi frowned, but he wavered in his conviction.


    In fact, he never believed Lucinda.


    He knew his sister well.


    She would never resort to theft.


    That’s why he brought her back to give her an opportunity to rify the situation, instead of just restraining her and resorting to punishment.


    In a deep tone, he demanded, “What exactly happened? Tell me all the details.


    ”


    Sally breathed a sigh of relief and promptly recounted the pre-prepared story she’d rehearsed at her aunt’s house.


    “At the tea party, Lucinda held my hand and we chatted.


    She mentioned how she hadn’t seen me in a while and missed me greatly.


    She asked about Noelle’s well-being.


    But since I had no idea, I quickly changed the topic.


    We had a pleasant conversation, and she even gifted me a pair of crystal earrings.


    They’re still in my bag as we speak.


    ”


    As she was pushed into the room, her bag had fallen by the door.


    Sally cautiously stood up and cast a careful nce at Mekhi.


    Seeing he wasn’t angry, she approached the door and picked up her bag from the floor.


    She brought out a pair of exquisite blue crystal earrings, gave them to him, and went on to exin, “Mekhi, after the tea party ended, I intended toe back and keep these precious earrings in my room.


    However, I got a call from Mindy, so I went directly to her house from the party.


    ”