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.

not the first to lay hands on it. Besides, those bronze statues have changed hands

chuckled, “Yeah, Mr. Fox, I touched them with my hands too. Just wash and disinfect.

felt a bit relieved. But he still wanted to wash

another small bronze statue with anger and disbelief. “Give it a good look. Tell me if

it on a

in gloves, bent down and

appraisers also gathered around,

out the rust and then scrutinized the inscription carved on it, her

Joseph asked immediately.

before Ashley spoke, he wouldn’t dare to

intently at

turned to Noah,

This is the real deal!’ he

him, Noah understood her meaning. He quietly left the

call and returned, Ashley pretended to continue searching

impatient, urged, “Why’s it taking so long this time?”

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

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

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Chapter 253

up with joy, and the steam from the fake

van

asked, “Where did you get

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

puzzled appraiser nearby threw shade. “Something feels off about this statue. Ms. Ramos.”

You aren’t gonna flip-flop and call

off. “Nah, not

a bunch of cops barged in, bringing along

of the National Museum and a bunch

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

got a tip about someone dealing in ancient

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

was shocked, wondering, ‘Is

denied, “I swear, I didn’t do

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

verge of a meltdown, shook as the law took

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

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

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