Chapter 68
Chapter 68:
Was Yelena the only person their father cared about now?
What did Yelena know about antiques? She grew up in some upstart family—how could she possibly understand the elegance of fine treasures? Bella’s resentment bubbled further.
It was only a matter of time before she taught Yelena a lesson.
Moments later, the host unveiled a stunning vase with an intricate, mesmerizing pattern.
Bella’s eyes lit up, her excitement barely contained.
This was the vase Bella had been eyeing—a treasure unmistakably from centuries ago, or so she believed.
Its jade-like glaze was smooth and flawless, a hallmark of what she deemed a masterpiece.
As bidding commenced, Bella confidently raised her paddle, quickly joining the competition.
The flurry of other bidders only validated her judgment in her eyes—clearly, she wasn’t the only one who recognized the vase’s value.
Bella turned to Callum, her eyes alight with pride. “Dad, this vase is an antique from centuries ago. Look how perfect it has been preserved! It’s incredibly rare and holds immense value amongst collectors p>
Callum, ever the doting father, smiled warmly. “If you like it, Bella, then bid on it p>
Yelena, who had been quietly observing the scene, finally glanced at the vase. Her calm gaze lingered for only a moment before she spoke, her tone steady and matter-of-fact. “That vase is a fake. It’s beautifully crafted, though, and on the open market, it would go for a few hundred dollars, but nothing more than that. Anyone spending millions on it is just asking to be scammed p>
Bella’s expression soured immediately, her posture stiffening. Turning sharply toward Yelena, she retorted with thinly veiled disdain, “Yelena, this isn’t some flea market trinket. If you don’t know what you’re talking about, it’s best to stay quiet. Otherwise, you’ll only make a fool of yourself p>
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Yelena met Bella’s glare with an unbothered expression, her voice cool as she replied, “The only fool here will be whoever buys that vase p>
Their pointed exchange, taking place in the front row, drew the attention of Arion.
Arion’s gaze swept over the duo, his expression sharp. “What’s the matter? Is there a problem here p>
Bella seized the opportunity to speak up, her voice ringing with confidence. “Mr. Hughes, this is clearly an ancient vase from centuries ago, crafted with extraordinary skill. Yet my sister claims it’s fake p>
Arion turned his attention to Yelena, his posture exuding arrogance. “Young lady, if you don’t understand these things, it’s best not to speak out of turn. This vase is a rare treasure, a masterpiece over a thousand years old. How could it possibly be fake p>
Yelena chuckled softly, her calm demeanor a stark contrast to the rising tension. “It’s clearly a replica. Just look at the color of the glaze—don’t you think the sheen is unnaturally bright p>
Arion’s face darkened at her boldness to challenge him. He straightened, his tone turning haughty. “You’re far too young to know how to discern authenticity. I’ve spent decades appraising treasures. I can identify a genuine piece at a… single glance.
Bella quickly chimed in, eager to back him up. “Exactly, Yelena. Mr. Hughes is a renowned expert in the field. His appraisals are beyond question p>
The murmurs in the crowd grew louder, many nodding in agreement. “This young woman is so rude, daring to challenge Mr. Hughes p>