Chapter 375
Chapter 375:
Abrial gave a casual nod of agreement, her thoughts drifting elsewhere.
Her interest in Ashton was more about Rosalie’s evident displeasure with the situation than any approval of him. Soon, they joined the antique exchange held at the winery. Though the event was modest, the array of invaluable antiques on display was enough to dazzle even an expert like Ashton.
Davis, eager to embarrass Ashton, found his opportunity. He guided the group to an exhibit featuring a silver mask—a recent acquisition of the Carter family. As Davis was still researching it, he was confident Ashton wouldn’t be able to unravel its secrets.
“Kid, since you’re so confident, why don’t you enlighten us about the significance of this silver mask?” Davis challenged, ready to test Ashton’s mettle.
Ashton studied the mask with ease and replied, “A silver mask? You don’t even know what it’s really called? It’s the Mask of Demon, used in ancient exorcism dances. From the patterns, it looks like it belonged to the leader of a large northern tribe p>
He proceeded to unfold the mask’s history, detailing its excavation and the craftsmanship involved.
Even Abrial found herself impressed, her head nodding in approval at Ashton’s masterful exposition.
Ashton’s depth of knowledge and expert display struck a resounding blow to Davis, who had hoped to undermine him. The plan to discredit Ashton had spectacularly backfired, giving the young man a stage to showcase his formidable expertise. As Ashton continued his confident exposition, Davis’ fury simmered beneath the surface, his frustration mounting with every word.
“You just happened to hit upon an area of your expertise. But mark my words, I will reveal your true abilities soon enough!” Davis muttered to himself, his resolve hardening with fierce determination.
Davis might have been imagining things, but in the brief moments Ashton spent presenting the antique, he sensed a subtle shift in Abrial’s demeanor toward him.
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His heart tightened with sudden anxiety.
He had arrived at the event with specific intentions, having prepared thoroughly. If his plans unraveled now, all his prior efforts would be in vain.
Resolved to restore Abrial’s trust in him and protect his own reputation, Davis remained silent, biding his time for the right moment to act.
As they moved past various exhibits, Davis abruptly halted before one in particular.
It was an unassuming piece—a small bronze dagger with an unusually short blade, adorned with a few decorative gemstones that lent it the appearance of a mere ornament rather than a functional weapon.
Its peculiar design had left its origins shrouded in mystery, drawing little attention, with only a few individuals scattered around it.
Seizing the moment, Davis turned to the group with a burst of enthusiasm.
“Miss Carter! We absolutely must not pass by this gem unnoticed!” he declared, stopping everyone in their tracks. Intrigued, Abrial turned around and queried, “What kind of treasure is this p>