Chapter 2 — The Initials Inside the Clasp
Michael stared at her.
“What do you mean it isn’t yours?”
Claire had always said the bracelet belonged to her grandmother Helen.
Helen gave it to Claire shortly before she died.
That part was true.
But Helen had not been its original owner.
Claire reached toward the bracelet.
Michael didn’t hand it over yet.
Instead, he examined the clasp.
There were tiny engraved letters on the inside.
He had never noticed them before.
J.M.
Michael frowned.
“Helen’s last name was Dawson.”
Claire nodded.
“I know.”
“Then who’s J.M.?”
Claire looked exhausted.
“June Mercer.”
Emma was still in Michael’s arms.
Claire looked toward her daughter.
“Sweetheart, Mommy needs to say something first.”
Emma looked suspiciously at her.
Claire knelt.
“You didn’t take the bracelet.”
Emma’s face tightened.
“I said that.”
“I know.”
Claire swallowed.
“And I knew you hadn’t.”
Michael’s expression hardened immediately.
That was worse.
Claire had not simply jumped to the wrong conclusion.
She had knowingly accused Emma.
Emma hugged Bunny tighter.
“Why?”
Claire’s voice cracked.
“Because Daddy came home early, and I was scared he would see what I was doing.”
Michael stared at her.
“So you used Emma as a distraction?”
Claire closed her eyes.
“Yes.”
Michael did not hide his anger.
“That’s unacceptable.”
Claire nodded.
“I know.”
Then Emma asked:
“Who’s June?”
Claire looked at the engraved initials.
“Someone Grandma Helen hurt a very long time ago.”
Michael frowned.
“How?”
Claire answered:
“By accusing her of stealing this exact bracelet.”