Chapter 85
Chapter 85:
The stalemate had to be broken. Why not settle this matter definitively?
Bella’s eyes narrowed, her lips curling into a cold, humorless laugh. “Oh, Yelena! There’s no need for that. I had mine appraised by an expert when I purchased it. And, I have the authenticity certificate right here p>
With a flourish, Bella reached into her purse and pulled out a small card, holding it aloft for the crowd to see.
The bold letters reading “Certificate of Authenticity” gleamed under the chandelier’s light, a smug smile spreading across her face as she addressed the room.
Ernest paused as his eyes fell on Bella’s authenticity certificate.
His brows furrowed deeply. How could this be?
It was identical to the one issued for Yelena’s bracelet.
Yelena, unruffled, calmly produced her own certificate and held it up for the crowd to see. The room fell silent as the realization struck. Identical.
The certificates, the bracelets—everything was the same. The air grew thick with suspicion.
Ernest’s expression turned serious, the calm professionalism he had maintained now tinged with concern. He turned to Bella, his tone measured but firm. “Miss Harris, may I ask which dealer at Grottowell Auction House assisted you with this purchase p>
Bella straightened, her voice sharp with indignation. “It was Mr. White. One of your top managers,” she replied, confidence bolstering her words.
She wasn’t lying.
The room shifted uneasily as Ernest’s frown deepened. He pressed further, his tone taking on a grave edge. “Are you referring to Henley White p>
Bella nodded, certain of her response. “That’s right. Henley White p>
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Ernest exhaled, his regret palpable. “In that case, I strongly suggest you report this to the police immediately. Henley was exposed just yesterday for selling counterfeit items as genuine to unsuspecting clients. He has been terminated from the auction house for his actions p>
Ernest continued, his tone somber, “It appears he resorted to this scheme to pay off substantial gambling debts. Several clients have already come forward, reporting losses of tens of millions. If your bracelet came through him, I’m afraid you may have been among those deceived p>
Bella’s face drained of color, her earlier confidence crumbling like a fragile facade. “Impossible! Is this a joke?” She took a step back, her mind reeling.
“You can call to inquire about it now,” Ernest suggested, his tone measured but unyielding. “This incident has affected many clients and is already making headlines. You might find answers there p>
The room fell silent for a moment, and then erupted in a flurry of murmurs. The famed auction house? Involved in a scandal like this?
Whoever had their auction items handled by Henley was truly unfortunate!
Needless to say, auction items weren’t cheap. Even the simplest ones cost millions.
Bella stood frozen, her mind spinning. It felt as if the floor beneath her feet had suddenly disappeared.
But she wasn’t ready to give up—not yet. Clinging to the last shred of hope, she pulled out her phone and frantically dialed Henley’s number—no one answered.
Then, a notification popped up on her screen—a news alert.
Her fingers trembled as she tapped on it, her pulse quickening. The headline glared back at her—”Scandal at Grottowell Auction House: Henley White Arrested for Counterfeit Scam p>