Mrs. York let out a sigh of relief as soon as she saw Quintessa unharmed. She quickly got up from her seat, with a mix of concern and relief in her eyes.
Quintessa, pushing Vivian forward, approached Mrs. York and handed her a velvet pouch, “Check if this is your jewelry set.”
Pouring out the contents, Mrs. York saw the entire set, which was authentic and intact. She had almost given up hope of ever seeing her beloved jewelry again, but Quintessa had managed the impossible with what seemed like a simple wave of her hand.
The look Mrs. York gave Quintessa said it all - she was in awe.
Quintessa glanced over at Vivian and the others, “Cat got your tongues?” She slammed a bottle on the table, making them all jump.
Vivian, shivering, hurriedly apologized, “Mrs. York, I’m so sorry. Please, you’re known for your generosity. I-I just got greedy, I might never own something like that in my life. I envy you, and I’m sorry. I know you have a big heart, and you’ll forgive me, right?”
Mrs. York felt a twinge of disgust at Vivian’s apology. It felt insincere, as if Vivian was trying to guilt her into forgiveness. Without thinking, Mrs. York turned to Quintessa for support.
Quintessa sighed, wondering how many times this sweet old lady had been taken advantage of by these people. Today, if she hadn’t been there, Mrs. York would have been tricked yet again.
Quintessa smirked coldly, “So you steal someone’s belongings, and if they don’t forgive you, they’d be the bad guys? She might be kind, but I’m not. People who cross me usually regret it. Weren’t you the one shouting about being slandered and wanting to go to the police? Fine, let’s call them.”
Quintessa played a recording from her phone where Vivian admitted to stealing the jewelry under duress.
Quintessa always had a backup plan. She had started the recording before confronting Vivian.
“How many years do you think theft could get you?”
Vivian hurriedly begged, “I’m sorry, Mrs. York. I was an idiot for having taken advantage of your kindness. Please, let me off this time. I promise, it won’t happen again. I’ll steer clear of you.”
Quintessa turned to Mrs. York, “Should we let her go, or hand this evidence to the police? It’s your call.”
Mrs. York said indifferently, “I don’t care about the past. But from now on, we’re no longer friends. I won’t cut you any slack. You say I’m bullying you? Fine, I’m bullying you this once. I don’t want to see you around me ever again.”
Vivian thanked her repeatedly and ran off.
Quintessa wasn't surprised by Mrs. York’s decision. She knew that she was a person with a heart as soft as pudding and inherently good – this was expected of her.
Mrs. York was touched by Quintessa’s help, especially given their rough past. She whispered her appreciation, “Why did you help me? I’ve been so awful to you.”
Quintessa smiled, “Awful? But you never tried to harm me. The world’s full of cunning people, and your innocence is rare. What if you became wise to the world’s ways from being bullied? Then, I wouldn’t stand a chance in our arguments, would I?”
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