Chapter 286

Chapter 286:

As Ashton narrated the history and significance of each antique, he caught a glimpse of Jacoby and his companion seamlessly blending into the group.

He recognized the duo’s intentions immediately and had strategically remained visible, anticipating their arrival. Seeing that his adversaries had taken the bait, a slight smile curled at the edges of Ashton’s lips.

In his mind, he chuckled at the thought. This arrogant playboy likely had no inkling that he had just stepped into a meticulously laid trap.

Jacoby was utterly oblivious to the trap he was stepping into. Brimming with unshakeable confidence, he cut a path through the crowd alongside Aydan, nudging people aside to carve out space.

Those who found themselves abruptly displaced were initially poised to protest. However, upon recognizing Jacoby, they resignedly silenced their complaints.

Leveraging the influential Marquez family name, Jacoby and Aydan swiftly navigated to the forefront of the queue, securing positions beside Ashton and a cohort of distinguished officials.

As Ashton prepared to introduce a landscape painting, Jacoby exchanged a meaningful glance with Aydan, cueing him to seize the moment.

At the periphery of the exhibition, the quality of the displayed pieces left much to be desired, barely surpassing what one might stumble upon at a local flea market.

Taking Jacoby’s cue, Aydan stepped forward, interrupting Ashton to deliver a scathing critique.

“I’m fairly certain this painting dates back a century, judging by its style,” he began. “Chamberlain Schmidt, the artist, wasn’t particularly renowned at the time, so he produced copious amounts to gain some recognition. Consequently, several of his works have endured. Although this is considered one of his finer pieces, it scarcely holds substantial value—likely no more than two to three hundred thousand dollars.”

Ashton, visibly irked by the interruption, shot Aydan a sharp look. Yet, maintaining decorum, he quickly summarized the painting’s details before ushering the group to the next exhibit.

But Aydan was quick on the draw again, cutting in before Ashton could speak.

𝓒𝓱𝓮𝓬𝓮 𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓉𝓮𝓇𝓈 𝒊𝓷 g𝓪𝗅𝗇ovέ𝗅𝓈.𝓒𝓸 m

“This porcelain vase, while historically interesting, lacks impressive craftsmanship. It holds little research value or aesthetic merit.”

Continuing in this vein, Aydan dominated the discourse with his biting assessments of the exhibits before Ashton could introduce them.

While he sprinkled a few compliments here and there, his critiques were predominantly harsh, punctuated with dismissive gestures and criticisms of the artifacts’ mediocre quality.

As he continued, the wealthy onlookers behind them started whispering among themselves.

This was precisely what Jacoby had hoped for—to expose the so-called antique exhibition as the farce he believed it to be.

However, Jacoby was blissfully unaware of the shifting expressions on the faces of the high-ranking officials surrounding him.

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