Chapter93 The Head of Prescott Corporation?
Dominic, who had been momentarily swayed by Ariana's words, now heard Miranda's statement and instantly recalled numerous scenes.
That's right. Everything Miranda had, Ariana had almost equally.
When he bought Miranda a limited edition bag, he'd also buy Ariana the latest style from the same brand. When Miranda had a driver, he'd arrange a car for Ariana too.
But no one knew that Ariana was also his daughter. This very secret made him subconsciously feel he owed this younger daughter something.
So when Ariana had coyly, carefully asked him for this necklace, he'd agreed without hesitation.
He'd thought, Miranda had so much already. What was the harm in sharing one item with her sister?
Noticing Dominic's expression change due to Miranda's words, Ariana reached up to remove the necklace.
"Miranda, I'm sorry." Her eyes reddened, her voice full of grievance. "I just loved it so much. I wanted to wear it for a bit. If you like any of my jewelry, I can give it all to you."
She paused, her voice dropping with a note of resentment and inferiority.
"Actually... I never felt those things were really mine. Being able to possess them temporarily already made me very lucky."
With these words, Dominic's already biased heart tilted completely toward her.
Recently, with company matters keeping him exhausted and overwhelmed, Ariana had been the one by his side taking care of him.
Miranda not only refused to come home but dared to hang up on him.
Comparing the two, the scales in his heart tipped entirely.
Dominic looked at Miranda with displeasure and rebuked her. "When did you become so petty? It's just a necklace. What's wrong with letting your sister wear it?"
As his words fell, a strong yet aged voice suddenly rang out nearby.
"That's not right."
Miranda's eyes showed surprise when she recognized the speaker.
It was actually Mr. Prescott.
She was about to speak when Mr. Prescott gave her a look, signaling her not to worry.
Dominic also turned. Seeing the speaker's face, shock flashed through him.
The head of Prescott Corporation?
But as soon as this thought emerged, he quickly dismissed it.
He looked the man up and down. Plain clothes, cloth shoes on his feet.
Someone of Mr. Prescott's stature couldn't possibly dress like this.
Must have mistaken him for someone else.
Dominic steadied himself and asked tentatively, "Who are you?"
Mr. Prescott clasped his hands behind his back, strolling forward unhurriedly. Without even glancing at Dominic, his gaze swept over Miranda and Arabella before he spoke.
"I'm just an old man passing through, looking to buy some things for my granddaughter-in-law. I happened to overhear your words and found myself disagreeing."
Seeing him alone, Dominic became even more certain of his judgment.
If Mr. Prescott visited this kind of mall, forget bodyguards, the entire mall management would probably come out to greet him.
He frowned, his expression darkening. "This is a family matter between me and my daughter. It's not an outsider's place to interfere."
"Oh?" Mr. Prescott raised an eyebrow. "Family matters mean you don't need to be reasonable? Even so, you can't help your woman steal from others."
He pointed at Ariana.
"Look at this... well, daughter of yours. She's wearing designer brands head to toe. If she can afford all that, she shouldn't be short this one necklace. Why is she stealing someone else's to wear?"
Dominic's heart lurched. How did this old man know Ariana was his daughter?
The thought had barely formed when Miranda beside him spoke flatly.
"Grandfather, you're mistaken. I'm his biological daughter."
She looked at Dominic, her eyes ice-cold.
"I really don't understand what my father is thinking, constantly siding with an outsider. People who don't know better would think she's his real daughter."
As Miranda finished speaking, Mr. Prescott showed a puzzled expression. He looked at Dominic and clicked his tongue. "Oh my, I got it wrong? I thought that crying, sniveling one beside you was your precious daughter."
The sales associates who'd been watching couldn't help but huddle with colleagues and whisper.
"Oh my God, I got it wrong too. When that gentleman paid for that girl earlier, he didn't even blink at the price."
"Right? So harsh to his real daughter but so good to an outsider. What kind of logic is that?"
"Could she be his mistress?"
Every word of gossip drilled into Dominic's ears. His face instantly burned with shame.
Just then, his phone suddenly rang.
Dominic immediately pulled out his phone without even checking the caller ID.
"I need to take this call."
Without another word, he hurried out of the store.
Seeing this, Ariana panicked and wanted to follow immediately. But as soon as she moved, Miranda blocked her path.
"Return my necklace." Miranda stood before her. "Otherwise, I'm calling the police right now."
Ariana instinctively touched the necklace at her throat, her eyes full of reluctance and venom.
This necklace was so beautiful. Why did Miranda get to be born with everything while she had to beg and plead like a thief?
Seeing the greed in her eyes, Miranda's eyes narrowed further, her voice growing colder.
"All my jewelry is registered and notarized with a law firm. Each piece has a unique number and my initials. If you're not afraid of going to prison over a necklace, keep wearing it."
At these words, Ariana's heart filled with panic.
She knew Miranda was telling the truth. Lancaster possessions, especially valuable jewelry like this, were all documented.
At the entrance, Dominic, who'd gone to answer his call, had already disappeared.
Having lost her biggest supporter, Ariana had no choice but to reluctantly reach up and unfasten the necklace clasp, despite her resentment.
Miranda crossed her arms, watching her coldly. "Be careful. This necklace was custom-designed for me by a top designer. It's one of a kind in the world. If you damage it even slightly, I'll absolutely make you pay enough to bankrupt you."
She paused, a mocking curve forming on her lips.
"Also, you've worn my necklace. It's dirty. You need to pay me a wearing fee and cleaning fee right now. Otherwise, I'm still going to the police station to report you for theft. After all, you only reluctantly returned it after being caught red-handed."
"You!" Ariana trembled with rage but was completely helpless.
Under Miranda's icy gaze, she had no choice but to bite down her anger and reluctantly pull out her phone to transfer a substantial "wearing fee" to Miranda.
Seeing the successful transfer notification from her banking app, Miranda finally retrieved the necklace with satisfaction and carefully placed it back in its jewelry box.
Ariana left the store carrying her shopping bags, looking at the meager balance remaining in her bank account, nearly mad with fury.
A few days ago, to silence those troll farm companies and keep the matter from being traced back to her, she'd spent a large sum in hush money.
The money she'd gotten from Harrison was already running low, and now Miranda had extorted another chunk. What remained couldn't even buy the cheapest bag in that store.
She carried her few shopping bags out of the mall, full of resentment.
As soon as she exited, two uniformed figures blocked her path.
"Excuse me, are you Ariana?"
One of the officers showed a serious expression and displayed his credentials.
An ominous premonition rose in Ariana's heart. She forced herself to remain calm and nodded. "Yes. What's this about?"
"We're from the Criminal Investigation Division of the Municipal Police." The officer's voice carried no emotion. "Regarding the recent large-scale dissemination of false and defamatory information online, we've received a report. Evidence suggests you were involved."
"We need you to come with us to the police station for questioning."