Chapter 253
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253
Third Person’s POV
Priscilla believed that if Adelaide showed the slightest disrespect, the royal council would strip her of her status and exile her.
This thought revived Priscilla’s suppressed vanity and desire for control, and a smug look appeared on her face.
Madison sneered, “That’s not certain. How about this: tomorrow, ask her for a box of pink diamonds. If she refuses, you’ll know she’s not truly filial.”
The pink diamonds in the display case had long made Madison envious.
Priscilla, who valued face above all, declared, “Of course she’ll give it! It’s just pink diamonds–I’ll take them from her treasury myself.”
Madison laughed, “Really? Then go fetch some now and hand them to me. If she doesn’t demand them back, I’ll admit defeat–return your diamonds and pay you $300,000. But if I win, those diamonds are mine.
Wanda chimed in with false concern, “Priscilla, this isn’t right. If Adelaide finds out and blames you, it would be terrible… You shouldn’t do this. I’m sure you wouldn’t dare.”
Priscilla was completely manipulated by the two.
Naively prideful and easily provoked, she asserted, “It’s just a few pink diamonds. What’s the worst that could happen?”
Moments ago, she’d worried about Adelaide’s powerful connections and her own diminishing authority. Now, she felt in control.
She left the banquet, chin held high, with Susan heading to the side hall.
The banquet hall was lively with guests toasting. Only a few wolf pack guards watched over the gifts.
Since the Blackthorn Pack’s banquet only invited dignitaries, no one would risk sneaking around.
Caldwell had assigned them, and they let Priscilla enter without suspicion after she nodded.
Priscilla walked through the gift–filled room with her hands behind her back, barely able to find a path.
Gifts covered every surface, leaving only a narrow walkway.
Four large boxes of pink diamonds sat open, each stone round and radiant. The unique luster of these pink diamonds far outshone ordinary gems.
“Nearly a hundred carats in total- I’ve never seen so many,” Priscilla whispered in awe.
Susan, wary of Madison’s scheme, whispered, “Priscilla, this isn’t fitting for you. Taking the Luna’s gifts could ruin your reputation.”
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Priscilla glanced at her like she was naive . “ Do you really think I’d do that?”
Susan sighed in relief, thinking Priscilla had sense.
But then Priscilla said, “I won’t take them–but you will.”
Susan’s eyes widened. “What?!”
“Fear not. If trouble arises, I’ll protect you,” Priscilla urged, hiding her true intentions.
Priscilla glanced back outside and urged in a hushed tone, “Hurry, just grab a few. No one will notice. With so many pink diamonds, ten fewer won’t make a difference.”.
Susan was incredulous. Was Priscilla really asking her to steal at her age?
She thought Priscilla had lost her mind. But what could she do?
It was her first time doing anything like this. She was on edge.
Though Priscilla shielded her from view, Susan’s hand trembled as she reached out.
Her heart raced as she stuffed a handful of pink diamonds into her pocket, not even sure how many she’d taken. Then she turned around, feigning nonchalance.
Luckily, no one outside glanced in–who would suspect Priscilla of orchestrating a theft?
Priscilla and Susan walked around the room. Priscilla said in a showy way, “These gifts are amazing– so many precious jewels!”
Susan wiped her sweaty forehead–nervous in the cold.
“Let’s go. We need to entertain guests,” Priscilla said, leaving the room with Susan close behind.
Guilt–ridden, Susan could only pray inside–she had no choice.
Once they left, the guards exchanged a glance. One slipped away to find Caldwell.
“Is this true?” Caldwell frowned.
“I wouldn’t dare lie or stop her–I feared causing a scene,” the guard reported.
“See to your post. Not a word of this to anyone,” Caldwell ordered.
After the guard left, Caldwell poured a whiskey and circulated the hall.
Through a screen’s gap, he spotted Priscilla handing Madison something.
He saw it clearly–pink diamonds, at least five or six.
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