Claire let out a harsh, mocking laugh.

“Innocence?” Claire laughed. “You’re delusional.”

“Mr. Han, take her bag.”

Mr. Han looked at me, a brief, almost imperceptible nod passing between us.

“Very well,” Mr. Han said.

“If both parties agree, we will conduct a brief inspection of the bag here to resolve the matter quickly.”

He stepped forward and reached out his hand toward my canvas tote.

I handed it to him without hesitation.

The terrace went completely silent.

Even the crickets in the nearby hibiscus bushes seemed to quiet down.

Mr. Han placed the bag on the empty glass-topped table nearby.

Claire leaned forward, her eyes wide with anticipation, a cruel smile playing on her lips.

Vivian folded her arms, looking down her nose at me.

Mr. Han unzipped the main compartment of the bag.

He reached inside, his movements slow and deliberate.

The first item he pulled out was a small, worn leather wallet.

Then, a tube of simple lip balm.

Next came a small pack of tissues.

Claire’s smile began to falter slightly as the pile on the table remained small and ordinary.