I never imagined that right now, at this very moment, it would be hanging around Winifred Taylor's neck, catching the light like a taunt.
Asher hadn't just cheated. He'd taken the thing I treasured most, the thing that meant everything to me, and given it to his mistress.
My stomach lurched violently, and a wave of cold so deep it burned rolled through me. I locked every muscle in place, fighting with everything I had not to come apart right there.
I stepped forward, fury rising through me.
"Take it off."
Winifred flinched and shrank back, her eyes reddening even more.
"Mrs. Sanchez, what are you doing..."
I stared at the necklace, every word deliberate.
"Taking what isn't yours without asking is stealing."
Her face went white. She clutched the necklace, lips trembling like she was about to cry.
"Mr. Sanchez gave this to me. I didn't steal it. If you like it so much, here, just take it."
She yanked it hard. The chain snapped, and a thin line of blood rose across her neck.
Asher pulled Winifred behind him in one swift motion, shielding her like she was something precious.
He turned to me, brow furrowed, voice sharp.
"Aileen, are you done making a scene?"