Hiding Behind Her Superficiality by Kyla Olson

Back home, the living room had a lively atmosphere as the other four members of the Winthrop Family were there, including
Margot. Another young woman about the same age as Elspeth was also sitting on the couch. She wore a dress with a suit and
she seemed to be a young lady from a wealthy family. “Callum, you’re home. Come, sit. Ophelia returned today and came
straight over after her flight landed.” The woman rose to her feet to greet Callum. However, he responded coldly, which caused a
disappointed expression on her face. Then, she looked at Elspeth and said, “You must be Elspeth, right? I’m Ophelia Fleming,
and I grew up with Callum and the others. We’re friends from now on, so we can hang whenever you’re bored.” Ophelia heard
from her conversation with the others earlier that Elspeth was beautiful, but she did not expect her to be this beautiful. Her bare
face looked fair and flawless, which every woman would envy. Meanwhile, Elspeth had seen through her thoughts and replied
flatly, “Sure.” At that moment, Theodore returned as well. The Fleming Family and Winthrop Family had been friends for
centuries, so he was naturally polite to Ophelia. While the others were happily chatting, Elspeth was sitting on the side, waiting
for dinner to start. Then, Margot said, “By the way, Ophelia, I knew you were coming back and I specially bought some things for
you. Let me head upstairs to get them.” First, she went upstairs, then she came back down and questioned Theodore unhappily.
“Where’s the box of jewelry I just bought and placed in the drawer?” “How would I know?” asked Theodore. She then turned to
her five sons. “Did any of you take it?” They all shook their heads. “That’s strange. Did it grow wings and fly away?” Then,
Ophelia carefully suggested, “Mrs. Winthrop, could someone have stolen it?” “Who has the guts to steal something from me?
You’d better give it back and leave the Winthrop Residence this instant, or else, you’ll be living in a dungeon cell!” Seeing no one
admitted it, Margot ordered, “Mr. Graham, search every room in this house.” Meanwhile, Elspeth, who was playing on her phone,
was instantly intrigued when she heard that. An hour later, the butler brought a few people and searched through all the servants’
rooms, but they did not find the lost set of jewelry. Then, the butler hesitantly asked, “Mrs. Winthrop, besides the servants’
rooms, we haven’t searched through Miss Lynwood’s room.” At that moment, a servant stood up and accused, “Mrs. Winthrop,
Miss Lynwood just happened to pass by when we discussed the broken surveillance camera yesterday. This afternoon, I saw her
coming out of you and Mr. Winthrop’s room.” Her words proved that Elspeth knew about the broken surveillance camera and had
gone into the master bedroom, which made her look very suspicious. Hearing that, Margot was instantly enraged. “Elspeth! I was
wondering why you didn’t accept the bank card from Theodore yesterday. You act aloof on the surface and do such heinous
things in the dark! Mr. Graham, search her room.” Theodore immediately rose to his feet and argued, “Nonsense! Elsie wouldn’t
do such a thing.” “How is that nonsense? Theodore, do you think you know her well? What can’t people from small towns like her
do? She was alone at home all afternoon yesterday, so she’s very suspicious!” Meanwhile, Elspeth kept a stoic face while
comforting Theodore, “It’s alright, Mr. Winthrop. Let them search the room.” Ever since this incident began, she knew someone
had planned this just for her. As for who the culprit was, she was going to find out soon. While the butler led a few servants to
search Elspeth’s room, the rest of them remained seated on the couch. Then, Elspeth pointed at the servant who accused her
and asked, “What’s your name?” I’ve never entered Mr. and Mrs. Winthrop’s room, so why did she frame me?