I laughed and clapped. “Bravo! You guys
should win an Oscar. Should I get you an
award?”
I looked at their angry faces. “I’m not eating. I
can’t stomach this dinner theater. Carry on.”
I waved and went upstairs.
Back in my room, I used the bracelet to scan
the room. Nothing.
“It’s not in here?”
I quietly left my room, planning to search the
others.
Then, I ran into Madison.
く
“What are you doing outside my room?”
My heart pounded, but I smiled. “I heard your
parents bought you tons of jewelry. I’m out of
ideas, so I thought I’d get inspired.”
Madison’s eyes lit up.
If I was designing again, she could steal more
ideas.
She grabbed my arm. “Mom had a special
inspiration room built for me. Come see!”
I resisted the urge to gag and nodded.
It used to be the guest room, now it was
Madison’s jewelry storage.
The room was overflowing.
Г
I was speechless.
Their love for her was something else.
“Mom always sees good stuff and buys it,
even though I have too much.” She smirked,
showing off how loved she was.
I ignored her, focused on finding the idol.
I faked a stomach ache and went back to my
room.
I needed another plan.
I started sketching some terrible designs.
Madison actually gave me the key to the
jewelry room.
Г
I didn’t turn her down.
Then, the day before the competition, she
finally made a move.
She started crying on the couch, waking me
- up.
I was annoyed, and tried to go to the kitchen
to get something to eat.
But Mom stormed over and slapped me. “You
little thief! You’re stealing from our family
now!”
I pushed my cheek with my tongue and
looked at her. “Madison said her jewelry was
missing. She gave me the key. So you think I
stole it?”
Г
Mom was still furious. “So you admit it?”
Madison, faking tears on the couch, gave me
a smug smile.
“It’s ok, it must have been me, I don’t blame
sister…”
“Too bad I installed cameras in the hallway.
We can watch the footage, shall we?”
Mom and Madison looked shocked.
To not be exposed, Madison said, “I probably
misplaced it…”
There were no cameras, it was a bluff.
I snorted and walked over to her. I grabbed
her hair and dragged her back.
Her eyes were filled with fear.
“What are you doing!”
I slapped her.
“Think before you try something so stupid.”
I lost my appetite and went upstairs.
On the day of the competition, the family
went to support Madison.
Perfect timing to look for the idol.
I searched every room.
Only Madison’s was left.
く
I opened the door. The room was pretty.
I scanned every corner.
Then, I stopped at a painting.
The snake bracelet heated up, as if the snake
was alive.
The painting was harmless.
So the idol was behind it.
I took it down.
The wall was caved in but there was no idol!
There was only a bird with black smoke
coming from it.
く
They knew.
Madison was backstage at the competition.
She pulled the idol from her backpack.
