Clara placed her shaking hands over her pregnant stomach as fear tightened inside her chest.
The two older women held her arms firmly, pretending to offer comfort while holding her still.
Clara: Julian, please tell your mother that I would never take anything that belongs to her!
Julian stepped into the circle, tugging nervously at the black bowtie around his silk collar.
Julian: Clara, this is very embarrassing for my entire family in front of our guests.
Clara: You cannot possibly believe that I am a thief, Julian!
Julian: If you just let them search you, we will sort this whole thing out afterwards.
Clara gasped in utter disbelief as her fiancé turned his back on her emotional plea.
Clara: You are asking me to submit to a public search right here in front of everyone?
Julian: Honest people have nothing to hide, Clara. Just cooperate so we can move past this.
Tears began to spill down Clara's cheeks, ruining her light makeup in front of the crowd.
She felt completely isolated, trapped inside a room full of wealthy strangers who judged her instantly.
Victoria stepped forward, her white lace gown rustling against the polished hardwood floor.
Victoria: See how defensive she gets? That is the reaction of someone who is guilty!
Clara: I am not defensive! I am hurt because you are accusing me without any proof!
An aunt standing nearby reached out and snatched Clara's small silver purse off her wrist.
Clara: Give that back to me right now! You have no right to touch my personal items!
The aunt dumped the contents of the bag onto a silver tray held by a waiter.
Keys, lip balm, and a pack of mints tumbled out, but there was no diamond bracelet.
Victoria scowled at the tray, her eyes narrowing in visible disappointment and rage.
Victoria: She must have hidden it somewhere else in this building before coming downstairs!
Julian: Mother, let us check the hallway closets before making any more public scenes.
Victoria: Absolutely not! She is not leaving this room until the police arrive and question her!
Clara wiped her wet cheeks with the back of her hand as anger replaced her fear.
She looked at Julian, realizing that he cared more about his family name than her dignity.
The silence in the room stretched thin as Victoria pulled out her phone to dial nine-one-one.