Mysterious Mrs. Pansy

The lighting crew, given Patrick’s approval, promptly grasped their task. They moved to the switch and activated the light.

A stream of blue light cast a glow on the diamond buttons adorning Annie’s back, instantly transforming them into glistening white gems. Moments later, the light shifted to red, and the diamonds began to resemble fiery sparks dancing on Annie’s dress.

“It’s incredible how they change colors!”

The onlookers marveled at the sight.

Jane couldn’t help but smile at their reaction.

“As you can see, the diamond buttons are coated with a unique material that responds to light by changing colors. Now, please turn the light and your attention to Annie’s hand.”

Jane firmly held Annie’s hands to prevent any movement while the lighting crew redirected the beam.

Annie’s mind raced, her hands trembling uncontrollably. Jane had spoken the truth. There was, indeed, a special material on the diamond buttons that reacted to different lighting.

What was Annie to do now? She struggled, but Jane’s grip remained unyielding.

When the light focused on Annie’s hand, it turned a cold blue.

Annie’s palm began emitting white light.

The audience gasped in astonishment.

Jane clarified, “What you’re witnessing is evidence that Annie held the missing diamond in her hand and later flushed it down the toilet. The unique material left traces on her hand without her knowledge.”

Jane signaled for the light to change to red, and, like magic, Annie’s hand emitted the same color.

The crowd let out another collective gasp.

Jane continued to maintain a firm hold on Annie’s trembling arm as she gave everyone a closer look.

“It’s clear for all to see that Annie’s hand reacts to the light in the same way as the diamond buttons. There’s no doubt she intentionally removed the button from her dress. Her hands bear the undeniable proof. I believe you all understand the truth now.”

The crowd murmured their agreement.

“I would’ve never suspected Annie of doing this.”

“Why would she do it?”

“Who knows? She’s reaping what she sowed.”

Annie’s complexion turned ashen as she listened to the crowd’s whispers.

Jane held no sympathy for her.

“The evidence is irrefutable. Do you have anything to say?”

“No, it can’t be true,” Annie stammered.

How could this have happened? Why had her seemingly flawless plan unraveled so easily? She hadn’t known about the unique material on the diamond buttons.

“Jane, you must have set me up deliberately, right?” Annie cried out in frustration.

“If you didn’t want to get caught, you shouldn’t have done it. But you did, and now you have to face the consequences.”

With a sneer, Jane released her grip on Annie’s arm.

“Annie, you’ve let me down.”

Bruce moved to Annie’s side, his blue eyes reflecting disappointment.

Appointing Annie as the spokesperson hadn’t been the most prudent decision, but she had been so insistent that he had given her a chance.

Annie had failed to appreciate the opportunity and had caused enough trouble to disgrace him.

“No, please, honey, listen to me. I didn’t do it.”

Bruce’s public rejection sent Annie into a frenzy. She tightly grabbed his arm.

“Please, hear me out. I’m innocent. Jane framed me.”

Bruce spared Annie a glance, then turned to her agent.

“Tell me, what’s the truth?”

His expression was stern, and his aura was intimidating.

“If you lie to me, you’ll regret it for the rest of your life.”Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

The agent paled. She knew that Bruce was a man of his word.

Lying would only ruin her life.

Jane had already proven that Annie had cut the diamond button from the dress. Even if she lied for Annie, she would be instantly refuted.

Furthermore, Annie had a terrible temper and often made impulsive demands without considering the consequences. The agent had worked with her long enough to know that defending her made no sense, especially if it meant getting in trouble with Bruce and Patrick.

She decided to tell the truth. Clearing her throat, she said, “Mr. Longman, Annie indeed cut the diamond button from the dress in the fitting room.”

Annie was furious. “How could you?” she shouted at her agent.

“Annie, I’m simply telling the truth. I won’t betray my conscience.”

“I don’t know why she did it, though.”

Jane inquired, “Where is the button now?”

“Annie flushed it down the toilet,” the agent answered honestly.

“No, you’re lying. I didn’t do it.”

Annie bit her lip and continued to protest.

“Should I have someone retrieve the button from the sewer?” Jane sneered.

Annie remained shameless, continuing to deny the truth.

Patrick finally broke his silence, turning to Morton and instructing, “Send someone to find the button.”

His voice was deep and authoritative.

Morton acted promptly, and the diamond button was soon recovered from the sewer.

“Jane, is this the button?”

Morton carefully handed the button to Jane.

“Yes, that’s it.”

Jane took the button and displayed it to the crowd.

“Loe Studio’s buttons bear their logo.”

While the logo was still visible, the button had been submerged in filth for too long, rendering it unusable.

“What else do you have to say?”

Jane’s question was rhetorical and laced with sarcasm.

“If your agent didn’t witness you flushing the button, how did she know what happened?”

Annie grew even paler and was too embarrassed to defend herself.

Jane addressed the crowd seriously, “Now that the missing button has been found, the truth is crystal clear. Annie, I don’t know why you did it, but know that Pansy Group will no longer work with you.”

“What? You’re terminating my contract?” Annie’s eyes widened in disbelief.