Only Mr. Johnson avoided my gaze.
The bracelet they mentioned had been a birthday gift from my father during my freshman year.
At that time, Isabella and I were roommates. She thought it was pretty and begged me to let her wear it. After I lent it to her, she refused to give it back.
I asked her several times, but she kept brushing me off.
One day, when she took it off to shower and left it on the table, I simply retrieved it myself.
But when she came out, she immediately cried and accused me of stealing it.
Later, Mr. Johnson investigated and told me Isabella’s family was poor and she might never get to wear something that nice in her lifetime. He asked me not to hold it against her.
Out of respect for him, I let her keep the bracelet.
But instead of being grateful, she spread the rumor everywhere that I was a thief, and I was ostracized for three whole years.
Now, facing my classmates’ familiar ridicule, Isabella once again pretended to smooth things over:
“Oh, that incident back then—Claire didn’t mean it. I’ve long since let it go.”
Then she turned to me with a proud and mocking smile:
“But today is my wedding day. My husband is the richest man in Bayshore City, and the guests here are all powerful figures.”
“Claire, with your lowly status and your dirty hands, you don’t belong in this high-class setting.”
“If you want food, wait outside. After everyone’s done, I’ll pack up some leftovers for you.”
Her so-called generosity won her more admiration:
“Isabella, you’re amazing! Not only do you forgive Claire’s past mistakes, you’re still so kind to her. No wonder you married the richest man in Bayshore City!”
“Claire’s just a thief. How lucky she is to have a classmate like you!”
“Claire, hurry up and kneel to thank Isabella for her kindness, then go wait for the scraps!”
I ignored their arrogance, looked straight at Isabella, and smiled faintly:
“If I don’t go in, this wedding won’t happen today.”
At my words, everyone burst into laughter.
“Claire, were you reincarnated from a garbage bin? You sure love to act important!”
“Hilarious! She really thinks she’s someone who can ruin Isabella’s wedding to a billionaire?”
“Some people never change—still poor, still pretending after all these years!”
Isabella chuckled disdainfully.
“Claire, you should know that with my status as the billionaire’s wife, you’ll never be qualified to even speak to me again.”
“I only gave you a chance to eat our leftovers because we were once classmates. But if you keep making a scene, don’t blame me for throwing you out!”
Seeing she was still the same as back then, I couldn’t help but sneer.
This was the sister-in-law my brother praised so highly?
“No need to kick me out. Honestly, I don’t even want to attend this wedding.”
I turned to leave.
“Stop right there!”
Before I could take more than two steps, Isabella rushed forward. While no one was looking, she quickly shoved a ring into my pocket, then grabbed me and shouted:
“You filthy thief, you just can’t help yourself, can you? You actually tried to steal something at my wedding!”
At her words, the classmates rushed over.
“Isabella, what’s going on? Did Claire steal from you again?”
Isabella nodded, holding up her bare hand with a look of indignation and grievance.
