Lost and Found: Return of My Mysterious Fiancee by KIKI

Chapter 884: Appraising the Treasure

Natalie gestured for Ava to proceed. Ava carefully removed the red cloth covering the tray, revealing a pair of ivory tusks. She gingerly placed them before Natalie, who picked up one of the tusks with focused eyes. Natalie examined it closely, her fingers brushing over its surface. She brought it to her nose for a sniff, then lightly tapped it against the table, producing a faint sound.

Suddenly, Natalie flung the tusk to the ground. It shattered instantly, breaking into two pieces that scattered across the floor.

Ava let out a startled cry, her beautiful face flushing with anger. "Natalie, what are you doing? Do you have any idea how difficult it was to acquire these tusks? Is this how you treat something I brought for your appraisal?" Natalie waved a hand dismissively, her tone warm and calm. "Don't rush to anger. Let me be honest with you-the tusk I broke is a counterfeit. I've carefully examined it. The authenticity of ivory can be judged in four ways." Ava's face remained tense with frustration. "Fine. Then explain yourself. I want a reason."

Natalie spoke unhurriedly. "First, authentic ivory contains blood streaks, but the ones in this shattered tusk are far too vibrant. Genuine ivory develops cloudy streaks over time; they should never appear this fresh and red." "Second, the texture. When I touched this tusk, its surface felt rough and uneven. High-quality ivory is smooth and cool to the touch, like polished jade."

"Third, take a closer look at the surface. You'll notice there's not a single natural pattern on it. Real ivory always has visible markings."

Ava's expression shifted, alternating between red and pale. Listening to Natalie's reasoning, she realized the shattered ivory was indeed a fake. She had been deceived.

Natalie bent down to pick up one half of the broken tusk from the floor. "Do you know why I broke it?"

her head,

its quality. Your tusk split in two with a simple drop to the floor.

comprehension dawning on her face. She picked up the

"They're cloudy, not too red!" Ava's eyes lit up with excitement. Guests nearby, having listened closely to Natalie's explanation, leaned in

over the surface. "It's smooth and

subtle smile on her

Ava scrutinized the tusk's surface. Her beautiful eyes reflected its

hurled it to the ground. The room fell silent. Slowly, she opened her eyes, her long lashes trembling. The ivory lay

with gratitude. Her voice was earnest as she said, "Thank you, Natalie! I was so rude

don't mind. The world is full of doubters. I've learned to

began approaching Natalie one by one, seeking her advice. Compared to the earlier commotion, the next five presented far simpler

a match for General Praevion-she knows everything from astronomy to the smallest details of life. She's a genius at strategy and decision-making." "Her courage and intellect put all of us men to shame. Who could possibly compare to

stage, waiting. From the audience, a small

suit with suspenders and a red bow tie, walked with steady determination despite his young age. He looked like a little gentleman as he made his way toward the stage. His short legs swung back and forth when he sat across from