"That is correct," she replied.
Everyone erupted in conversation and gossip. They were floored. The Duchess got up from her seat and walked down the steps.
"I happen to know the other two owners of the diamonds as well," she declared.
The store manager turned to the Duchess, "Duchess Ophelia, please share with us who they are."
He must have been hoping the information would prove Laina was a thief and not the rightful owner of the diamond. Perhaps in the ensuing commotion, he might even be able to take the diamond from her.
The Duchess took out her folding fan and unfurled it as she revealed, "Apart from myself, the late Lady Resiel owned one..."
Laina smiled. She knew the Duchess knew who she was. She even drew out the reveal for a little extra suspense. Perhaps it was unintentional, but Laina trusted her gut on this.
