CHAPTER 78

ARIA’S POV

I burst out laughing at Adam’s question. It’s as if he has a mental checklist, trying to get everything done in one shot. His seriousness contrasts sharply with the absurdity of the situation, making it almost comical.

“I’ve paid one billion dollars for this antique piece. It’s not that I stole it or something. It’s mine.”

Now the ball is in my court, and I won't let anything slide. First, Adam calls me here and I get disgraced. Then they try to coat it with some insincere apology, and now he's singing the same song about the necklace.

My anger boils over, my heart pounding in my chest. They stand there, looking stunned, as if my reaction is unexpected.

“If you want the necklace back, then pay me thrice the price I paid?"

Eva and Elodie exchange glances, their expressions a mix of guilt and defiance. His mother, always the actress, tries to look sorrowful but I can see through her façade. Adam's face tightens, his eyes narrowing. He's not used to being challenged, especiall