Chapter 276
Lena added, "Mom, just look at her, sneaking around and stealing when I'm not in the room. We should call the cops."
Hattie interjected, "Could there be some kind of misunderstanding? Annika seems honest and trustworthy, not the type to do such a thing."
And to be honest, Annika's cooking was to die for! Hattie absolutely adored the meals Annika prepared.NôvelDrama.Org © content.
Annika pleaded, "Ma'am, I swear I didn't take the necklace. I have no idea what's going on here. Did the necklace sprout legs and walk over here by itself?"
Regina scoffed, "Annika, what nonsense are you spouting? Necklaces growing legs? Who do you think you're fooling? Don't think just because Ms. Josefina's got your back that you can do whatever you please!"
That was when Josefina returned. "Regina, seems like you've got your own cheerleader," she said.
Josefina came back with Oliver in tow, and Annika's spirits lifted for a moment, then settled back down to her usual composure. "Ms. Josefina," Annika explained, "Regina claims I stole Miss Lena's diamond necklace, but I didn't. I said I have proof, but Regina doesn't believe me, and she won't let me present it."
When Hattie and Garrett got home from work, they walked right into the heated argument. Annika was insistent, calling for Josefina to come back, adamant not to bring shame upon Ms. Josefina.
Josefina entered, standing by Annika's side. Her gaze was fixed on Regina as she pointed at the diamond necklace on the table. "You keep saying Annika stole the necklace. What proof do you have? Did you see it with your own eyes?"
"I didn't see it happen, but after Miss Lena reported it missing, I found it in Annika's room!" Regina claimed. That was proof enough for her.
Evidence was laid out right in front of them, and Annika would definitely get thrown out!
Oliver sensed that Annika held a special place in Josefina's heart, and he knew someone close to Josefina would never stoop to theft. He spoke up, "Your words alone aren't proof. It's also possible that someone were framing her."
Oliver's words sent a chill through Lena. She chimed in with a nervous giggle, "Oliver has a point. We've all searched high and low since the necklace went missing. If someone's framing her, why drop it
in Annika's room, of all places?"
Josefina agreed, "Exactly, why in Annika's room? That's practically setting her up.”
Hattie nodded, "Josie and Oliver make sense. Annika's new to the Harrison family. She wouldn't start off by being a thief. We need to investigate further." Garrett seconded, "Let's look into it more."
Josefina turned to Annika. "You said you had evidence, right? If you're being wrongfully accused, show us what you've got."
Josefina trusted Annika wouldn't speak without something substantial. Without solid proof, Annika wouldn't make claims.
Regina glanced at Lena, who quickly looked away, pretending not to see.
What proof could there be? She didn't want to see it!
Lena dreaded the thought of Annika producing evidence. She was about to speak up when Regina, oblivious to her own peril, blurted out, "What proof? Show us what you've got! Annika, you think I'm going to be scared just because you say so?"
Annika smiled warmly and said, "Alright, I'll show you the evidence right now."