Penelope felt a pang of injustice. She lowered her head and remained silent.

Being mistaken for a habitual thief by the man she loved was a situation she could never have imagined.

"Speak up!" He raised his voice.

Penelope sniffled and said, "I didn't mean to. I didn't want to take it...Grace walked in unexpectedly. I..."

"Your conditioned reflex?" Warren sneered.

Penelope lifted her head with a determined look in her eyes. "You can ask me if you want, but can you not use this accusatory tone as if I were a criminal?"

"You can explain to me just how far you are from being a criminal."

"I already said...