"Ruby, I don't care what kind of game you're playing. Let me say this one more time: I didn't take your bracelet."
Claire's voice was firm, her unwavering stance making Ruby's crocodile tears seem even more pitiful. Sophia quickly stepped forward to help Ruby to her feet, her tone sharp as she directed her frustration at Claire.
"Ruby, get up! You don't need to lower yourself to beg someone so heartless!"
Ruby ignored Sophia's attempt to console her, choosing instead to direct her plea toward Richard. "Richard, don't you remember? That bracelet… means so much to me. Since the day you gave it to me, I've never taken it off. Not once."
She reached for Richard's hand, her eyes brimming with tears, but he stepped back coldly, maintaining the distance between them. His aloofness stung, but
