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.

hands on it. Besides, those

touched them with my hands too. Just wash and disinfect.

bit relieved. But he still wanted to wash his

Tobby brought over another small bronze statue with anger and disbelief. “Give it a good look. Tell me if this is real

someone carefully place it on a

and gave it

also gathered

first checked out the rust and then scrutinized the inscription carved on

it?” Joseph

time, before Ashley spoke, he wouldn’t dare to

stared intently at the

moment, Ashley turned to Noah, subtly nodding her head.

This is the real

authenticity but instead signaled to him, Noah understood her meaning. He quietly left the private room and dialed the police.

the call and returned, Ashley pretended

urged, “Why’s it taking so long

real or fake, it’s right here.

it for a few more minutes before slowly speaking.

08:51

Chapter 253

up with joy, and the steam from the fake statues “Well, at

van

a sneaky grin, asked, “Where

stuff. Help me hunt down some

puzzled appraiser nearby threw shade. “Something feels off about this

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

off. “Nah,

of cops barged in, bringing along some fancy folks

of the National Museum and

as a ghost, stuttering. “What…what’s the deal here?”

flashed his badge, talking tough, “We’ve got a tip about someone dealing in ancient swag.”

“The inscription on it is from the Renaissance period, documenting the life of a noble. The legacy of this noble is under the custody of the

was shocked, wondering, ‘Is he

leaf, denied, “I swear, I

in. “Come spill the beans at the station. Help us clea this up.”

the verge of a meltdown, shook as the

words, the National Museum director beckoned to an archaeologist

it like a hawk, then beamed at Ashley. “You hit the bullseye! The scribbles do tell a noble’s story! This statue is legit,

05:51