Chapter 2 â "The Perfect Viral Moment"
Chloe smiled at the camera as thousands of viewers flooded into her livestream.
"There she is," Chloe whispered dramatically. "See the woman pretending to shop? Watch closely."
Comments exploded.
"She looks suspicious."
"Record everything!"
"This is gonna be good!"
Elena didn't even notice.
She was still studying the diamond necklace while the sales associate unlocked the display case.
"Would you like to try it on, Ms...?" the associate asked politely.
"Elena is fine," she replied with a warm smile.
The necklace sparkled around her neck.
"It reminds me of something my father would have given my mother," Elena said quietly.
"I'll take a closer look."
The associate nodded and excused herself to prepare the authentication papers.
Across the showroom, Chloe's eyes lit up.
"She's alone now."
Without anyone noticing, Chloe walked closer, pretending to admire another display.
Her phone never stopped recording.
Then she saw her opportunity.
The sales associate returned carrying several velvet jewelry trays.
For one brief second...
The necklace left Elena's neck and rested on the counter beside three other diamond pieces.
Customers walked past.
Employees greeted another family.
The boutique became briefly busy.
Chloe smiled.
"So easy..."
Her fingers moved faster than anyone could see.
She slipped the necklace into the open pocket of Elena's shopping tote.
Then she quietly stepped backward.
Five seconds later...
She screamed.
"Oh my God!"
Every conversation stopped.
"She stole it!"
Dozens of heads turned toward Elena.
The sales associate froze.
"What?"
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"The necklace!" Chloe shouted, pointing directly at Elena. "I SAW HER TAKE IT!"
The boutique fell completely silent.
