Chapter 377
Chapter 377:
Abrial turned to face him, her confidence faltering under his scrutiny.
Ashton pressed on. “I traveled to Staville as Rosalie’s aide to guarantee the success of our project. I have no ulterior motives here. Please, take my advice.” However, Davis was having none of it.
He approached, brimming with assurance, and countered, “Miss Carter, are you actually questioning my judgment? I assure you, with complete certainty, that this artifact is authentic, dating back a millennium. If I’m mistaken, I’ll leave the antique business for good p>
As Davis delivered his words with such confidence and venom, onlookers around them turned their attention to Ashton. Some looked doubtful, while others murmured and gestured among themselves.
The antique’s owner, in particular, glared at Ashton, issuing a stern warning.
“Who do you think you are? Do you even realize where you are? Here’s a piece of advice: Stop stirring up trouble, or you’ll find yourself out on the street p>
Davis snorted dismissively and added, “You’re just an assistant, having a chance to see the world on someone else’s dime. Don’t act like you’re something you’re not p>
These mocking words only heightened Ashton’s suspicion.
Meanwhile, he noted the secretive glances shared between the antique’s owner and Davis while they mocked him, solidifying his belief that something was amiss.
With resolve, Ashton countered, “The authenticity of an antique isn’t determined by a single person’s word. I can present evidence to show this item is counterfeit. One of the biggest giveaways with these replicas is the accuracy of the decorations—they’re difficult to replicate precisely. Centuries have passed, making it impossible to know exactly how the original was crafted. Modern technology is often used to mimic these ancient techniques p>
Pointing at the decorative gemstones, he continued, “From what I’ve seen, the gemstones on this dagger’s hilt likely received a coat of special paint recently to simulate age, possibly involving hydrofluoric acid to create an antique look. Simply remove one of these decorative gemstones and apply a certain reducing agent, and you’ll see a reaction that restores its original color p>
As Ashton presented his argument, murmurs and debates stirred among the onlookers.
Read new content at gⱯlnσv𝒆ℓs․com
At that moment, Davis, looking rather displeased, sidled up to Abrial and murmured, “Ignore his ramblings. If you test the artifact using his methods, it’ll only damage it and decrease its worth. It’s a genuine piece, trust me. Buy it and gift it to your grandfather. He’ll be thrilled p>
Previously swayed by Ashton, Abrial now appeared doubtful as she digested Davis’ advice.
Noticing Davis’ desperate tone, Ashton’s suspicions grew.
He flashed a knowing smirk and challenged him, saying, “Why the rush to have Miss Carter purchase this antique? Something doesn’t smell right here p>
Davis’ expression soured. Jabbing a finger toward Ashton, he snapped, “What nonsense are you talking about? I simply recognize that it’s a rare find and suggested Miss Carter should acquire it for her grandfather. Nothing more p>
Witnessing Davis’ incensed reaction only solidified Ashton’s belief in his suspicions.