And The Daddy Is… The Infertile Guy?!

Chapter 40

“Someone must’ve lined your pockets, the way you’re talking. Grand Gavel Auction House has never once had a fake pass through its doors!” Vivien flushed a deep crimson, her voice breaking through the tense atmosphere like a siren’s wail.

Sean shook his head sadly. “The paper’s age is spot on, and the ink and inkstone are the real deal! But the painting is a forgery! The forger’s skill was so divine that it even fooled me. Just get close to the painting, take a good sniff, and you’ll catch the scent of fresh ink hidden beneath the artificial aging.”

A painting that’s been around for ages should have lost its ink fragrance long ago.

“No way!”

“Who would dare to sniff a painting that close, no wonder.”

“A fake, after all. I knew something was off with Serene Harmony vanishing from history!”

The forger was clever, using paper from the Renaissance to throw the experts off the scent.

Bainbridge felt as though he’d just had a bucket of ice water dumped over him, freezing him to his core.

“No… it can’t be!” Vivien bit her lip, her face a fiery red, “Bainbridge, don’t listen to him. This old fool…”

Π

his neck like ropes, “Shut it, you

Bainbridge, what a shame! If only I’d arrived sooner… But a fake’s a fake, and no amount of wishing changes that. We all know Grand Gavel Auction House’s

deal was done, the buyer assumed

drain, and now he’d be the laughing

face pale with shock, “Bainbridge, thanks for bidding high. The painting’s

flooding his face and the taste of blood filling his mouth. His eyes rolled back, and he collapsed.

“Mr. Bainbridge!”

me! Call an ambulance!”

He’s passed out from pure rage, what

go.” Howard was cool and detached, his austerity adding an air of asceticism

demeanor.

his wheelchair out of the auction house. His good mood was infectious, and she couldn’t

followed, chattering

handle losing. If he’d just owned up to the fake, everyone would’ve admired his grace. But passing out from anger? How petty.”

pride, “Howard

Gwendolyn agreed wholeheartedly.

you home,” Howard