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.

to lay hands on it. Besides, those bronze statues have

I touched them with my hands too. Just

relieved. But he still wanted to

another small bronze statue with anger and disbelief. “Give it a

place it on

gloves, bent down and gave it

appraisers also gathered around, eager

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

Joseph

before Ashley spoke, he wouldn’t dare to touch anything

stared intently at the

Ashley turned to

is the real deal!’ he thought..

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

the call and returned, Ashley pretended to continue searching

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

retorted, “What’s the rush? Whether it’s real or fake, it’s right

for a few more minutes before slowly speaking. “Yep,

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Chapter 253

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

van

asked, “Where did you get this statue?”

small stuff. Help me hunt down some big shots, art collectors, or loaded folks.”

nearby threw shade. “Something feels off

aren’t gonna flip-flop and call

appraiser waved it off. “Nah,

bunch of cops barged in, bringing along some fancy folks in their middle ages.

big-shot director of the

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

top cop flashed his badge, talking tough, “We’ve got a tip about someone dealing in

life of a noble. The legacy of this noble is under the custody of the state. How did

was shocked, wondering, ‘Is he a

leaf, denied, “I swear, I didn’t

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

shook as

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

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

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