Chapter 94
Chapter 94:
Guided by the Campbell sisters’ directions, Ashton found himself at the entrance to the Campbell family manor.
Nestled in the opulent South Hills of Inewood, an area where even the affluent often managed only a modest residence, the sprawling manor stood as a testament to the Campbell family’s vast wealth.
The sight of their sprawling manor left Ashton, no stranger to luxury, quite impressed.
He pulled over at the manor’s gate, observing the sisters as they proceeded inside.
After a brief pause, he decided to exit the vehicle, intending to caution Rosalie about Fraser’s dubious intentions.
Yet, just as he was about to voice his concerns, the sharp blare of a car horn interrupted him.
He turned to find a fleet of sleek cars rolling toward the manor.
The sisters halted, their expressions brightening instantly.
Ashton then saw a distinguished middle-aged man emerge from a black Maybach, likely their father, Bruce Campbell, the family patriarch.
Selena rushed to his side, her arms encircling his in a warm embrace. “Dad, you’re finally home! It’s been months, I missed you so much!” she exclaimed, her voice filled with relief and affection.
Rosalie chimed in, her tone protective, “Dad had to conduct extensive market research. It’s no wonder his trip took so long p>
Bruce responded with a chuckle, giving his daughters a nod of acknowledgment. His eyes caught sight of Ashton, who lingered a few steps behind, still contemplating his next move.
A flicker of suspicion crossed Bruce’s eyes.
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He had encountered numerous young men vying for his daughters’ attention, and he instinctively pegged Ashton as another suitor.
“Let’s continue this inside. And who might this be p>
Bruce asked, his demeanor composed yet his tone tinged with frost.
Rosalie caught the reference to Ashton and hastened to correct her father’s assumption. “Dad, you’ve got it wrong! This is Dr. Ashton Baldwin, the one I’ve been telling you about. He just gave us a lift back home,” she explained quickly.
Bruce’s aloof demeanor thawed noticeably, his eyes warming as he regarded Ashton.
“Mr. Baldwin, I owe you an apology. I’ve heard about the numerous times you’ve come to my daughter’s aid. I just didn’t expect someone so young to have achieved so much. I was out of line earlier, and I’m sorry,” he said sincerely.
Ashton dismissed the apology with a wave and a smile. “No worries at all, Mr. Campbell p>
With the air cleared, Rosalie let out a relieved sigh and then turned to her father with a curious tilt of her head. “By the way, Dad, how did the market research turn out p>
Bruce’s laughter filled the air as he responded, “It went exceptionally well. I’ve even secured a cooperation deal with some local enterprises. Plus, I stumbled upon some fascinating antiques p>
Eagerly, Bruce popped open the trunk to display his finds. While the Campbell sisters weren’t experts in antiques, they enthusiastically complimented their father’s acquisitions.
However, Ashton’s keen eye picked out a counterfeit among the collection.
Although he was reluctant to dampen Bruce’s enthusiasm, Ashton felt compelled to voice his concerns. He began cautiously, “Forgive me for pointing it out, but the celadon piece in your left hand looks somewhat questionable p>
Bruce, caught off guard yet intrigued, quickly responded, “Dr. Baldwin, what exactly are you suggesting p>
Ashton waved a dismissive hand and replied, “Please, Mr. Campbell, call me Ashton p>
He then delved deeper into his explanation. “You might not be aware, but with genuine antique porcelain, age introduces characteristic internal cracks due to its structure. When you shine a light across it from various angles, you’ll notice these hairline fractures, subtle yet discernible. The absence of these could indicate that the piece is a replica p>
Prompted by Ashton’s advice, Bruce grabbed a flashlight and inspected the porcelain.
His examination confirmed Ashton’s suspicions.
Every other piece displayed the delicate web-like cracks typical of authentic, antique porcelain, all except for the one Ashton had singled out.
A mix of embarrassment over his oversight and admiration for Ashton’s expertise washed over Bruce, deepening his interest in the young man’s knowledge. Bruce’s excitement was palpable as he proposed, “Ashton, why don’t you join me in my study later? I have many more items there that you might find interesting p>
Previously, Bruce had appreciated Ashton primarily for saving his daughter, his respect more formal than heartfelt.
However, discovering their shared passion for antiques truly ignited his enthusiasm, momentarily making him forget even about his two daughters, who found the whole situation both surprising and amusing.