Chapter 378
Chapter 378:
He responded with a mocking sneer, “Isn’t it basic sense to verify the authenticity of a high-value antique before buying it? Very well! If you’re too scared to have it checked, then I’ll handle it. Should this piece prove genuine, I’ll cover any cost necessary!”
Davis retorted with a sneer of his own, “You’re dealing with a priceless artifact from royal nobility that dates back a millennium. The owner is starting bids at 12 million. Do you even grasp the magnitude of what it would cost to replace it? You couldn’t come close to covering that, even if you auctioned off your very…”
As Davis’ words hung in the air, a figure beside Ashton stepped forward.
Rosalie, her expression grave, interjected, “I trust Ashton’s expertise. If his evaluation is wrong, I’ll shoulder the financial repercussions.”
As Rosalie stepped forward to support Ashton, Davis’ face betrayed a flicker of unease.
Despite his mounting anxiety, he was keenly aware that Rosalie was a guest of honor, beyond his authority to question.
Davis’ anxiety escalated, leading to increasingly erratic actions — something that didn’t escape Abrial’s notice.
Nonetheless, Davis was her family’s esteemed appraiser, so Abrial refrained from making rash judgments about him.
After thoughtful consideration, Abrial reached her conclusion. She declared decisively, “Let’s end this debate. I believe Ashton raises a valid point. We’re evaluating an artifact potentially worth millions. If it withstands the test he proposes, I’ll purchase it at the listed price.”
A shadow of anger briefly crossed Davis’ features.
Abrial, sharp-eyed, caught this subtle shift.
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She promptly inquired, “Davis, do you have any reservations about my decision?”
Davis shook his head, forcing a smile. “Not at all,” he replied smoothly. “Verifying an item’s authenticity is perfectly reasonable. I have no issues whatsoever.”
Yet, despite his assurances, Ashton noticed Davis exchanging covert glances with the artifact’s owner again, heightening his suspicions.
Promptly upon Abrial’s instruction, the event’s organizers produced a small bottle of hydrofluoric acid.
Ashton delicately lifted the dagger, balancing it in his palm, and then meticulously extracted one of the jewels from the hilt using tweezers.
Before initiating the experiment, Ashton explained, “Just to set the record straight: this won’t react with the hydrofluoric acid if it’s genuinely antique. However, if it’s been artificially aged with paint, it will turn bronze the moment it touches the acid.” With those words, he dropped the jewel into the bottle filled with hydrofluoric acid.
As anticipated, the jewel reacted immediately upon contact with the acid.
Bubbles erupted within the bottle, and the fake jewel swiftly reverted to its original bronze hue.
The verdict was evident to all present.
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