Save Myself from Desperation by Cara Agnes

Chapter 253

Joseph winced, dropping that fake small bronze statue and making a beeline for the exit, desperate to scrub and disinfect his hands.

The appraisers nearby didn’t bat an eye since they’ve handled such things before.

“Yeah, I’ve heard my master spill the beans before. Burying fake bronze statues in an outhouse pit is a tricky way to fake authenticity.”

“Look, the rust on these two bronze statues is suspicious. None of it’s natural. They’re definitely knockoffs!”

“I mentioned earlier. The engravings could be bogus too. I’m on the same page. Ms. Ramos. I also think these small bronze statues are phony.”

The skeptical young appraiser shot Ashley a stare, staying mum with heavy breaths and turning red-faced.

Noah turned to Tobby who was baffled, saying, “The bronze statues you’ve got are fake. We can’t put them up for sale.”

Tobby, gritting his teeth, argued, “How could they be fake?”

But StarGavel Auctions was the go-to, the real deal in the auction house game. That was why Tobby came here.

Noah grinned, subtly probing. “If you’re not buying it, get someone else to take a look. Also, where’d you snag the bronze statues?”

Tobby avoided the question, growling in frustration, “Hold on. I’ve got another bronze statue here. I’ll bring it over for you to check out.”

Ashley, a bit surprised, thought, ‘Another one?’

After that announcement, Tobby dashed out.

Noah looked at Ashley, respectfully asking, “Mind waiting a bit, Ms. Ramos?”

Ashley replied, “Sure.”

After about half an hour, Joseph finally came back after washing his hands. Each hand was disinfected at least a hundred times, judging by the

red skin.

“Ashley…” Joseph said, eyes moist. ‘Oh, I am grimy. My hands are not

08:51

Chapter 253

clean, he thought.

You’re not the first to lay hands on it. Besides, those bronze statues

with my hands too. Just wash and disinfect. It’s no big deal.”

still wanted to wash his

“Give it a good look. Tell

had someone carefully place it on

and gave it

appraisers also gathered

the

it?” Joseph

before Ashley spoke, he wouldn’t dare to touch anything at random.

at

turned to Noah, subtly

shocked. This is the real deal!’ he

that Ashley didn’t immediately confirm its authenticity but instead signaled to him, Noah understood her meaning. He quietly left the private room and

and returned, Ashley pretended to continue searching

it taking so long this

real or fake, it’s right here. It isn’t

it for a few more minutes before slowly speaking. “Yep, this one’s the real

08:51

Chapter 253

from the fake statues “Well, at least one of them isn’t a

van

“Where did you get this

it off. “Don’t sweat the small stuff. Help me hunt down some big shots, art collectors,

nearby threw shade. “Something feels off about this statue. Ms.

scowled. “What’s your deal? You aren’t gonna flip-flop

off. “Nah, not what

in, bringing along some fancy folks

They were the big-shot director of the

as a ghost, stuttering.

cop flashed his badge, talking tough, “We’ve got a tip about someone dealing

is from the Renaissance period, documenting the life of a noble. The legacy of this noble is

wondering, ‘Is he a thief?’

shaking like a leaf, denied, “I swear, I

moved in. “Come spill the beans at the

on the verge of a meltdown, shook as the law took him away.

Ashley’s words, the National Museum director beckoned to an archaeologist by waving his hand. “Edward,

at Ashley. “You hit the bullseye! The scribbles do tell a noble’s story! This statue is legit, dating back to the Renaissance

05:51