Her Billionaire's Murder Mystery - Stephanie Fowers Page 0,43

it off with style. Each earring, each bracelet and even her necklace looked to be chosen with care and deliberation.

“Autumn Molinero is presenting her collection of jewelry,” Veronica announced to Aaron.

Charly’s heart skipped in excitement. Autumn Molinero? The Autumn Molinero? Charly had heard she was designing the pieces for the greatly anticipated Barefoot Ball on Saturday, but she never thought she’d come in person. Her twin sister Rio would’ve been so jealous. They both loved everything jewelry.

Darcy stretched to her feet, her eyes glittering as she glanced over at Dominic. “Oh, it’s Aaron’s special friend from Dallas.” That was said with a cruel look at Charlize.

Aaron rushed over to greet the beautiful woman. They were clearly good friends, and suddenly Charly’s stomach sank as Darcy’s passive aggressive comments made sense. Was this another ex-girlfriend? The man collected them in the dozens. All these glamorous women in his past life were hard to compete with.

“I brought the collection for the silent auction.” Autumn set a polished box carved from walnut onto the side table. “Tell me what you think?”

Charlize pulled forward, her mouth gaping when she saw the intricately crafted designs of rings and tie-tacks, hairpins, necklaces and armbands. Each piece of jewelry had a distinct design that made them seem like antiques from the ’20s. Charly straightened. “Did you design the necklace that Aaron gave me, too?”

He tipped his head, looking slightly confused like he did every time she brought up the stolen necklace. “No, Autumn’s designs are for the silent auction.” His lips flattened, and he glared over at Dominic. “You’d better be careful with these. We’ve got a jewelry thief around here.”

Autumn dropped a necklace back into the box, shutting the lid hard. “Is this true?”

“No, no, it’s for the game,” Charly quickly reassured her. “I think whoever did it is the murderer, if you ask me.” Dominic was her first suspect. After that, Darcy.

Veronica let out a sigh and brushed through the gathered group, her cool gaze sliding over the pieces that Autumn had designed. “These are absolute perfection,” she said in her raspy voice. “Aren’t you happy that I told you that your first designs weren’t acceptable?” she asked Autumn.

Charly gasped.

Aaron’s gaze turned sharp on Autumn’s suddenly tight expression. “What are you talking about? Not acceptable?”

Veronica waved her hand. “Oh, it isn’t what you think. It’s just me pushing the staff to do their best work. No need to worry.”

Aaron’s jaw clenched. His eyes drew to his friend’s. “She made you redo them?”

Autumn’s cheeks flared bright pink. The designer looked like she wanted to be anywhere but there. “We came to an agreement that I would create designs more suitable for your event.” She kept her voice even, but Charlize caught a flash of annoyance in her eyes.

Aaron must’ve, too, because he wasn’t letting it go. “You realize this is my friend, Veronica? I’m sure the first designs were just fine. Where are those, Autumn? We’ll buy them too.”

“No, no.” Autumn shook her head. “For this event, I’m a jewelry designer first, your friend second. I’m a professional.”

“Of course you are,” Charlize tried to cut in, embarrassed for them both. Veronica had clearly been the wrong person to deal with the famous artist. “I’ve seen all your designs. They’re fantastic.”

Veronica’s lips twisted as she snarled back at her. “Cool it with the sweet Girl Next Door act. It’s getting old, honey.”

Aaron held up his hand and put a stop to the bickering with a hard look. “How about we move on?” His eyes promised something different, however, as he glowered at Veronica. He took a deep breath. “At least let us pay for the materials and the time you put into the first designs.”

“No, Aaron, please.” Autumn refused with the grace of a princess, before biting down a smile. “That’s cute, but I’m not exactly hurting for money. Just let your guests know they’re wearing an Autumn Molinero design. Can you do that for me?” Oh, they would be thrilled the moment they found out.

“I’ll let the press know too,” Aaron promised.

Autumn clapped her hands, looking desperate to stop this attention as she tried to wrap up the meeting. “If any of my designs catch your guests’ eyes, they are more than welcome to buy them at cost.”

“Or I can just take them all and pay you what they’re worth.”

“Aaron.” She swatted playfully at him as she gathered her things. “I’m flattered, but you know how I work. Each of my designs must find their way