Punishment

Carol eyed Dorothy with pity. The old woman was hell-bent on framing and punishing her. But Robbie's expertise came to her rescue. If the gown was confirmed, the ring was too. Caesar was indeed a powerful man with connections in high places.

Robbie sported a smug grin. "Napoleon's Sunday Ring! Ah, what a glorious history it has! The ring has traveled across royal families and has seen many civil wars and gleeful weddings! But I won't bore you all with such tedious information. The Sunday Ring has an ornate golden base, and inlaid are two gems–a diamond and a blue sapphire. I have studied the marvelous piece of jewelry with great scrutiny during my training."

"Is Carol's gift the genuine item?" Alexander asked, his nails digging into the mahogany table.

"Mr. Blackwell… I regret saying this… The ring is a counterfeit!"

***