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.

the first to lay hands on it. Besides, those bronze

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

a bit relieved. But he still wanted to wash his hands

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

someone carefully place it on a nearby table.

in gloves, bent down and

surrounding appraisers also gathered

and then scrutinized the inscription carved on it, her expression suddenly turning

it?” Joseph

before Ashley spoke, he wouldn’t dare

intently at

Ashley turned to Noah, subtly nodding her head.

This is the real

to him, Noah understood her meaning. He

pretended to continue searching for a

“Why’s it taking

real or

before slowly speaking. “Yep, this

08:51

Chapter 253

eyes lit up with joy, and the steam from the fake statues “Well, at least one of them isn’t a

van

sneaky grin, asked, “Where did you get

off. “Don’t sweat the small stuff. Help me hunt down some big

feels off about this

aren’t gonna flip-flop and

it off. “Nah, not what

bickered, a bunch of cops barged in, bringing along some fancy folks in their

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

as a

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

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

wondering, ‘Is he

“I swear, I

“Come spill the beans at the station. Help us clea

a meltdown, shook as the

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, dating back to the Renaissance period. It’s remarkable that you

05:51