The Missing Mask

After Owen took his final bow, the backstage erupted in cheers and confetti cannons fired off. Both the onstage and backstage crews could finally breathe a sigh of relief. Half a month of hard work had culminated in a flawless finale.

After removing her makeup, Zuri prepared to leave. Remembering Azura's instructions, she asked a staff member for a piece of paper and a pen, then approached Owen.

"Could you sign this?" Zuri handed him the paper and pen.

Owen was taken aback. The surrounding staff, witnessing this, froze. Pablo frantically signaled Zuri to stop her foolish behavior.

Everyone who worked closely with Owen knew he detested signing autographs. In his five-year career, his signatures were so rare that they could be counted on one hand, making them exceptionally valuable.

Noticing the peculiar expressions on the staff's faces, especially Pablo's exaggerated hints, Zuri quietly prepared to withdraw her hand.

Suddenly, her hand was empty—Owen had taken the paper and pen.

"You want me to sign here?" he asked.

Zuri nodded.

Under the astonished gazes of everyone present, Owen smoothly signed his name with a flourish.

"Thank you," Zuri said, taking back the paper and pen.

Just as she turned to leave, Owen's voice called out behind her.

"Wait a moment."

Zuri's clear eyes regarded him. "Is there something else?"

"You haven't received your payment," Owen reminded her.

Isaac, watching from the side, frowned deeply. Something was off—very off. Owen's uncharacteristic concern was unusual. Was he possibly interested in the girl?

Isaac was worried, feeling an urgent need to interrogate Owen privately.

Zuri waved the signed paper. "This will do as payment."

Though she wasn't sure why everyone reacted strangely when she asked for a signature, she had her suspicions. Since he had graciously given his autograph, she wouldn't demand additional compensation.

"A signature is a signature, and payment is payment. Your performance deserves proper compensation. Leave your phone number, and I'll have Isaac transfer the payment to you later."

Isaac inwardly scoffed. This guy was subtly asking for the girl's number with a valid excuse!

Seeing Owen's insistence, Zuri didn't refuse further. Rejecting more would seem pretentious. Besides, she really needed the money.

As she finished the call and was about to leave, an assistant hurried over and called out to Zuri.

"Miss Zuri, please wait a moment."

Zuri paused again.

The assistant, looking anxious, said, "Miss Zuri, the mask is missing from the wooden box you gave me. Did you forget to put it back?"

Though the assistant's words were tactful, everyone understood the implication.

"Missing?" Zuri was puzzled.

The assistant nodded. She had double-checked the box before securing it, only to find it empty. Since no one else had touched the box after Zuri handed it over, the only explanation was that Zuri never put the mask back.

A fox mask worth millions—it wasn't surprising if the young girl was tempted.

But she couldn't let Zuri leave with such a heavy debt on her shoulders. A debt of millions would take years of frugal living to repay. Even if it meant embarrassing Zuri in front of everyone, the assistant had no choice.

The assistant's gaze landed on Zuri's handbag, the implication clear.

Amid the scrutinizing and surprised looks from those around her, Zuri remained composed. Her eyes were clear. "Are you certain there was no mask in the box? Are you sure no one else touched it?"

A barrage of questions left the assistant momentarily stunned.

The assistant nodded firmly. "I'm sure. No one else touched it after you handed it to me. When I did the final check, the silver mask was missing."

The assistant was convinced Zuri had taken the mask.

The crowd murmured.

"That mask is worth millions, with diamonds from South Africa. It's understandable for a young girl to be tempted."

"She seemed nice, but who knew she'd have sticky fingers," someone remarked.

"You can't judge a book by its cover. Owen was kind to her."

"No wonder she refused payment. She already took a million-dollar mask. Who needs the fee?"

"Let's not jump to conclusions. She doesn't seem like the type to steal."

The discussions were loud enough for Zuri and the others to hear. Anyone else might have been angered or embarrassed by the accusations and suspicions, but Zuri remained calm.

Owen's face darkened, showing signs of anger. Isaac quickly interjected, "Zuri, maybe you forgot to put it back. Check your things."

Better he ask first before Owen lost his temper and scared the girl to tears.

Isaac's intention was good, but Owen shot him a sharp, icy look that seemed to say, "You idiot."

Owen coldly commanded, "Have security seal the backstage exits. No one leaves until this is resolved."

This matter needed thorough investigation. There was no room for a thief in his team. Owen hadn't even considered suspecting Zuri.

Zuri sighed, exasperated, her phone vibrating constantly—Azura, no doubt, urging her. "To prove my innocence, you can check my bag. My friend is waiting for me."

She handed her bag to Owen.

Owen pushed the bag back. "No need. It's not you."

"Why?" Zuri asked.

"Your handbag is a custom-made Aiden piece, worth 200,000. Your watch is a Patek Philippe limited edition, worth 580,000. Your necklace is about 100,000, and your clothes are custom-made. Your entire outfit is worth more than the mask. So, you couldn't be the thief."

Who was Aiden? Most people hadn't heard the name, but those who had knew it was a top-tier brand, far beyond their reach.