Casper did not begrudge Tony for the finger-pointing earlier. Unlike other two-faced snobs out there, the latter’s outburst happened because of his passion for antiques.

“There’s something off about this one. It lacks… flair.”

“You really do know your antiques, Casper,” Victoria said approvingly, and pointed at the porcelain vase with variegated glaze. “What do you think of that one?” If both the vase and the temple jar turn out to be fake, I’d lose two showpieces for the Antique Fair.

“No. That one is the real deal.” He said, to her relief. “Those two men were good with mind games. They used an authentic piece of antique to go along with a fake one to muddy the water. When pretense receives credence, a lie becomes the truth. It would be the ultimate scam if I hadn’t intervened.”

“To think I almost let them get away with it…” Embarrassed, Tony turned to Casper. “Please forgive my arrogance earlier. Showing off my knowledge about antiques to you is like teaching a fish how to swim.”

“There’s nothing to forgive, Mr. Lane. You are no doubt a master of your craft. With your seniority and experience, I can hardly hold a candle to you.”

Grateful for the out and awed by Casper’s capability, Tony grew fonder of the young man by the minute, especially after he found out that Elena was the latter’s secretary rather than his girlfriend. What a promising yet humble individual. It’s rare to find such qualities in youths nowadays.

He handed Casper his business card before making his departure.

After Tony left, Victoria smiled at Casper. “You’re just full of surprises, aren’t you?” Her smile turned flirtatious. “I have to admit that I quite like seeing you like this.”

“Then how do you feel about me naked?” He deadpanned, eyeing her suggestively.

“You wish!” she said in mock anger, but there was something inviting in her eyes.

Sprouting a goofy smile, Casper found his gaze dropping lower as if pulled by a magnet, until it rested on her rather impressive rack.

Or, you can stay the night and we can do some… not-staring,” Victoria whispered in his ear

seductive words were music to his ears. “Sure thing,” he

she interjected a little

Casper. She stood in front of the tied-up men and looked down at them coldly,

guts trying to sell

know,”

his story, especially since they had tried to flee after

to know is

or where the person is? We thought the vase was real, but it turned out to be a forgery; we’re the

hand them over to Victoria. He was sure that under her

do you

his determination—he wanted to use antique forgery to profiteer. Finding the forger for the vase would be

selling you imitations. I’m going to apprehend him for

a piece of antique would be considered real, as long as no

up to, Casper. I want in. If you find that man, I want access to

going halfsies on Buck—his fellow apprentice, and a senior one at that—like a commodity. However, it was simply too good an opportunity

been meaning to tell you, Ms. Stalling,” Casper gave her a heads up that the various associations

a name for yourself,” she said. “When we first met, you were just a student, and now you’ve become

out,

safety in your good hands then, come the Antique Fair,” she said with good cheer, pressing a kiss on Casper’s forehead as goodbye.

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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