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

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Chapter 253

clean, he thought.

Besides, those bronze statues have changed hands so many times. They’re quite clean by

“Yeah, Mr. Fox, I touched them with my hands too. Just wash and disinfect. It’s no

he still wanted to wash his

small bronze statue with anger and disbelief. “Give

place it on a nearby

back in gloves, bent down and gave it a thorough

gathered around,

rust and then scrutinized the inscription

Joseph

wouldn’t dare to touch

intently at the inscription.

a moment, Ashley turned to Noah, subtly

This is the real

to him, Noah understood her meaning. He quietly left the private room and dialed the

and returned, Ashley pretended to continue searching for

it taking so long this time?”

or fake, it’s right

at it for a few more minutes before slowly speaking.

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Chapter 253

and the steam from the fake statues “Well, at least one of them isn’t a knockoff.”

van

wearing a sneaky grin, asked, “Where did you get this

sweat the small stuff. Help me hunt down some big shots, art collectors, or loaded

“Something feels off about this

deal? You aren’t gonna flip-flop and call it fake now, right?”

“Nah, not what I

barged in, bringing

were the big-shot director of the National Museum and a bunch

as a ghost, stuttering.

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

the Renaissance period, documenting the life of a noble. The legacy of this noble is under the custody of the state. How did you come across this statue?”

‘Is

denied, “I swear, I didn’t do that.

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

verge of a meltdown, shook as the

the National Museum director beckoned to an archaeologist by waving his hand. “Edward, check this

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

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