The glittering diamond earring.

Lance, his frustration still lingering, shared the details of the events that had unfolded, recounting his decision to sedate Michael to ensure Abigail's safety.

"What?" Abigail looked at him with disbelief.

"He was about to call for backup," Lance fumed, forgetting about the fact that he was talking to his boss. His voice carried a hint of indignation, a testament to his protective instincts that had driven him to take such drastic measures.

"I didn't have much of a choice. Now tell me, why didn't you pick up when I called?"

A sense of guilt weighed heavily on her. She looked outside, not able to meet his eyes, aware that her actions had caused trouble for Lance and put him in danger. She conjured up a fabricated story.

"I was talking to his girlfriend," she said. "The phone was in silent mode, and I didn't check it."