CHAPTER 27

The manager braced himself for a reprimand, so Declan's unexpected question left him momentarily stunned.

"Answer me!" Declan demanded impatiently.

The manager, startled into alertness, quickly gathered his thoughts. Despite his confusion, he replied truthfully,

"Mr. Thornton, Ms. Mercer pawned the jade bracelet."

Indeed, she had been willing to part with such a meaningful jade bracelet for the s