One fateful afternoon, while Casey lay still under the spell of acupuncture, Jimena had dared to lift the velvet box's lid. The necklace inside had called to her, its large sapphire flanked by diamonds, each stone meticulously set to catch even the dimmest light.

Just one glance and she knew it was definitely worth hundreds of millions. It was unlike any she had ever seen, massive and impeccably pure.

Slipping the chain around her neck, Jimena caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. The transformation was immediate. The ordinarily plain features of her face were bathed in an aristocratic glow, the sapphire's deep blue making her eyes shine with an uncharacteristic brilliance. No need for fancy attire. The necklace alone vaulted her from her mundane existence into a vision of nobility.

Jimena had always thought that climbing the social ladder would be an arduous journey, yet here she discovered it could be as simple as possessing the right piece of jewelry.

With the glimmer of one particular necklace, she could dazzle anyone, its brilliance enough to make her a beacon in any high society gathering.

As Jimena described the necklace, a flicker of recognition sparked in Casey's memory. So, it was the blue diamond that shimmered Like a piece of the night sky captured in glass.

“Jimena, whatever I offer you will be yours. And if it falls short, I'm prepared to write a check for a hundred million," Casey said, her voice earnest with promise.

Jewelry had never held much appeal for Casey, mundane as it was to her. She knew the stakes were high for Jimena, who was risking far more than she had to gain by helping her. She was willing to pay Jimena more, much more. Yet, the gnawing fear that Davey might discover the necklace's absence haunted her. The consequences for Jimena could be dire.

Jimena's face contorted into a mask of displeasure. "If you're so attached to that necklace, forget I mentioned anything. I'm not about to stick my neck out for you," she snapped, bitterness lacing her tone.

Jimena hefted her medical kit, the clasp clicking shut with finality, and turned to leave. Before leaving, she fired a parting shot over her shoulder. “Remember, if Davey catches a whiff of anything about this, I'll make sure he knows everything you've plotted. Including today's little proposition."

Jimena's facade of loyalty crumbled away, revealing her true intentions. She had gleaned enough from their conversation to ensure her own safety, no need for pretenses any longer.

Yet, the allure of the necklace was undeniable. Jimena lingered at the doorway, dragging her feet slightly, secretly hoping Casey would call her back.

And Casey did. "Jimena..."

Jimena paused, half-turning, her expression an unreadable mask. “It's not that I'm unwilling," Casey hurried to explain, her words tumbling out. "I'm just terrified of Davey discovering the absence. It could put you in grave danger."

Jimena scoffed. “With the horde of jewels you have, do you really think he'd notice just one missing?"

Jimena's impatience was palpable as she stood there, arms crossed, her eyes boring into Casey. "So, what's it going to be? Yes or no? If not, I might just get jittery around Davey. And who knows what I might blurt out?"

It was a thinly veiled threat, leaving Casey pale-faced and trembling.

In all these years, Casey had barely brushed against the world, save for fleeting encounters. Apart from a silent servant who tidied her room, her most frequent interaction was with Jimena.

At first glance, Jimena seemed gentle and reserved. But beneath that facade lurked a skillful switcher of personas. Casey had always presumed Jimena to be a harmless soul and never imagined Jimena capable of such swift deceit.

If it were merely a botched negotiation, Casey could handle it. She'd find another route, another plan. Even with a mere 50-50 chance of Davey uncovering the truth, she couldn't risk Jimena's safety over a trinket. Yet, here was Jimena, threatening her with a brazen “take it or leave it" attitude.