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.

blinked. “It’s okay. You’re not the first to lay hands on it. Besides, those bronze statues have changed hands so

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

still wanted to wash his hands once again.

with anger and disbelief. “Give it a good look. Tell me if this is real

it on a nearby

down and

surrounding appraisers also gathered

checked out the rust and then scrutinized the inscription

Joseph asked

spoke, he wouldn’t dare to touch

intently at the

a moment, Ashley turned to Noah,

This is the

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

made the call and returned, Ashley pretended to continue searching for a few more minutes.

it taking so long this

it’s real or fake, it’s right here. It

before slowly speaking. “Yep,

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Chapter 253

steam from the fake statues

van

asked, “Where

sweat the small stuff. Help me hunt down some big shots,

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

You aren’t gonna flip-flop and call

off. “Nah,

in, bringing along some fancy folks

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

as a ghost, stuttering. “What…what’s

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

‘Is

“I swear, I didn’t do that. I

spill the beans at the station.

shook as the law took him away.

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

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

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