Chapter 553
Just one glance was enough to reveal the flaws.
Yet, this incredibly subtle change in expression went completely unnoticed by the others, who remained full of eager anticipation.
The socialite who had spoken earlier chimed in first, her tone dripping with flattery. “Mr. Pierce, your eye is truly exceptional. You spotted the most valuable piece in the room at a single glance.
Mrs. Sterling said this is a unique piece passed down from European royalty. It’s the only one of its kind in the world, and its collection value is staggeringly high p>
The people around enthusiastically agreed, chiming in and waiting for the grandmaster to deliver a glowing appraisal.
From the side of the crowd, Thea, with one hand tucked into her tailored trousers, spoke unhurriedly.
“Mr. Pierce, everyone here is curious about this collection. Only someone like you, who has seen countless treasures, can really explain the intricate details of it p>
Sienna chimed in as well. “Why don’t you give it a detailed critique? It would satisfy all of our curiosity p>
Hearing their words, Helena let out an arrogant scoff and held her head even higher.
She bought this with hard cash; what did she have to fear from an appraisal?
The more it was praised, the more humiliated Sienna and Thea would be!
Quentin Pierce turned his head toward their voices, looking warmly at Sienna and Thea. He chuckled softly, a flash of knowing amusement in his eyes.
“You two are quite thoughtful, trying to test me. Unfortunately, jewelry of this craftsmanship is mere child’s play; it’s hardly a challenge p>
As his casual words fell, the crowd simply assumed that the master had seen so many top-tier treasures that his standards were impossibly high, hence his dismissive tone.
Everyone laughed and smoothed things over, believing Quentin Pierce was just being modest, without reading too deeply into it.
Helena looked incredibly smug, instinctively raising her hand to stroke the sapphire at her neck, a self-satisfied smile returning to her face.
She assumed he just didn’t care about wealth, not that her necklace wasn’t rare enough.
Only Celeste, who had been holding her breath and staying highly tense the entire time, felt a violent wave of panic.
Quentin Pierce pulled his clear gaze away from Helena.
He strolled slowly past rows of collected jewelry, his eyes sweeping over piece after seemingly flawless piece his expression remaining entirely placid.
Until he stopped in front of Helena, his cool gaze fixed on the Royal Windsor Sapphire necklace she wore, and he let out a faint sigh.
“Mrs. Sterling, are all these jewels your private collection p>
“Of course.” Helena smiled softly, her voice filled with the superiority of someone constantly admired.
“The ones in these two cabinets are just a small part of my personal collection.
If you’re interested, Mr. Pierce, I can invite you to my home for a proper tour someday p>
“That won’t be necessary.” Quentin Pierce waved a hand gently, his manner polite and humble.
“Would you mind if I took a closer look at this necklace p>
Helena gave a soft murmur of agreement, deliberately stepping closer to accommodate his inspection.
He raised his hand, meticulously observing the gemstone’s facets and the plating texture from an inch away, his fingertras lightly grazing the carved setting.
In just three seconds, he withdrew his gaze and spoke calmly.
“The design of your necklace perfectly replicates the shape of the royal unique piece The antiquing process and the setting techniques are all top-tier in today’s market p>
Hearing this, the crowd immediately smiled and nodded in agreement.
“He’s truly a master. He saw its value in just three seconds p>
But a second later, Quentin Pierce’s tone shifted abruptly, utterly devoid of mercy.
“But it’s a pity. This is not a repatriated royal treasure; it is a top-tier counterfeit made with recent technology p>
With one sentence, the entire room’s clamor froze instantly.
The laughter, the envy, the praise—all came to a screeching halt.