Security hurried toward the commotion.
Before anyone accused Ava further, the store manager calmly walked over carrying a ring of keys.
Without raising his voice, he approached the display case.
He unlocked the glass door.
Inside...
The original diamond necklace rested safely in its black velvet box.
The manager carefully lifted it out.
"It was never missing."
"The store necklace is right here."
Silence filled the showroom.
Victoria stared at the necklace with wide eyes.
"But..."
"I thought..."
The manager looked at her calmly.
"The necklace you were holding is your own."
"You walked into the store wearing it."
Victoria instinctively reached toward her neck.
Her face turned bright red.
She had mistaken her own necklace for the display piece.