Chapter 5 - The Accusation
Realizing that playing the helpless victim wasn't instantly turning Richard into an executioner, Eleanor scrambled up onto her knees, ignoring the sharp, bruising pain in her hip. Her face was flushed crimson, a grotesque contrast against her golden hair and the brilliant red of her dress.
"She's lying!" Eleanor shrieked, her voice cracking with hysterical venom as she pointed a shaking finger toward the upper gallery. "Search her room! She stole my diamond bracelet! That’s why she attacked me—she’s a common thief caught in the act!"
The word theft changed the chemistry of the room instantly. Anger in Richard’s eyes morphed into cold, analytical suspicion. In high society, a physical altercation was a scandal, but theft was an existential breach of contract.
