Chapter 59

“Mrs. Stanley, can I help you?” Amelia Johnson asked calmly. Without warning, Mrs. Stanley pulled her onto the stage and grabbed the mic. “I need to clear the air about something. A while back at a party, I lost a bracelet and wrongly assumed Miss Johnson had taken it. Now it’s clear someone else did it, and I feel terrible for the damage this caused to Amelia's reputation and the stress it must’ve brought her. I want to sincerely apologize.” She turned to Amelia, eyes full of regret. “Miss Johnson, I’m so sorry. This might be too late, but I truly want to make amends. Any way I can, just say the word.” “I accept your apology, Mrs. Stanley, but I don’t need any compensation,” Amelia said, looking out over the crowd. “I just hope this reminds everyone not to jump to conclusions or let gossip run wild. Words hurt.” A voice shouted from the crowd, “Amelia! That piano piece was amazing! One more?” She smiled politely. “Sorry, I’ve got something else to take care of. Maybe next time.” Then