Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

Chapter 66

Although James never really warmed up to Jason, the long-standing friendship between their families compelled him to make an effort. So, he forced himself to chat with Jason, keeping up polite small talk while Briony wandered off on her

own.

As the two men talked, Briony lost herself among the stalls. Suddenly, something caught her eye. She crouched down, pointing at a delicate porcelain bowl. "How much for this one?" she asked.

The vendor glanced over. "It's got a chip, so I'll give you a deal-five grand, flat." Without missing a beat, Briony said, "Wrap it up for me."

The vendor stared, wide-eyed. That chipped, unimpressive bowl had been gathering dust in a corner for ages-he'd practically given up hope of ever selling it. In a place crawling with experts, only a real pro would snap it up at asking price, no questions asked.

He hesitated, scratching the back of his head, about to say something. But Briony cut him off, "I'll give you ten. It's the real deal, but it's flawed. If you don't sell it to me, it'll just sit here collecting dust."

He fell silent. She was right. Several collectors had shown interest, but all of them had walked away because restoring it would be a nightmare.

In the end, Briony bought the bowl for ten thousand, just as she wanted.

As she turned away with her purchase, she found herself face-to-face with Jason's mocking gaze.

"Seriously? Only someone with more money than sense would pay that much for a damaged piece."

Standing beside James, Jason slipped into full lecture mode. "Listen, antiques aren't really for women to dabble in. I know you want to impress Mr. Delaney, but don't waste your hard-earned cash on junk just to keep up appearances."

Briony stared at him, speechless. Who was really putting on a show here? The nerve!

be bothered to answer

together, struggling not to

sighed. "I'm done here. Can we

gave Jason a friendly pat on the shoulder.

already, Mr. Delaney? I was hoping to show

curious despite himself. "Well, with your eye for antiques, I'm sure it's something

porcelain statue from his bag. "Check this out—a late Medieval

A porcelain Christ figure?

then turned their eyes to Jason's

a word, both were thinking the

curiosity, Mr. Prescott, how

"One hundred eighty grand!"

James choked. "How much?!"

bargained him down. Lucky number, you know?

nod. "That's... certainly

head, biting her tongue to keep

in, James hurried through his goodbyes, grabbed

what a sucker. I bet that vendor still can't believe his luck!

older brothers who actually

antics in stride. She offered a dry assessment: "He may be clueless, but at least he's got

that's savage!

Jason's unintentional comedy, the drive back was