Web Fic
Chapter 39
Chapter 39
Chapter 39
Gwendolyn and Jeannie had just settled back into their seats when the auction was drawing to
a close.
Howard had a long and red velvet box beside him, which appeared to be a recent acquisition
from the auction.
Next door, the ostentatious Bainbridge was flaunting Serene Harmony, huddling with a few
others to admire it.
They were all sycophants, doling out compliments.
The heir of the Chadwick family was no ordinary title, which signified the supreme of Bayridge City. Bainbridge sure had hit the jackpot with his birthright.
“Mr. Bainbridge has secured the original. Warren must be thrilled.”
“I heard that at the grand 70th birthday bash, you’ll be announced as the heir. Don’t forget to look after us when the time comes.”
Bainbridge, his ego inflated, waved his hand with a smug smile, “Nothing’s set in stone yet.”
“Who else could compete with you? That lame excuse of a man? Ha, he can’t even play the part of a real man.”
The flattery had Bainbridge riding high. His narrow and cold eyes glanced at Howard with a mix of arrogance and disdain.
Suddenly, the auction hall erupted in noise.
“Mr. Quincy has arrived!”
“Why is Sean Quincy here? I heard he was involved in authenticating Serene Harmony, but for some reason didn’t issue a certificate.”
Sean Quincy, a master appraiser of relics with a family lineage steeped in history, was known as the “living history.” Any antique that passed through his hands instantly doubled in value.
Howard lifted his sky–blue ceramic cup, taking a sip of the bitter coffee, his‘ thin lips curling into an almost imperceptible smile behind the shield of the cup.
The stage was set for the drama.
He slid another cup of tea towards Gwendolyn, “Your lips are chapped, have some water to moisturize.”
Gwendolyn’s gaze was drawn to his elegant hands as she accepted the cup.
“Mr. Quincy!”
“Mr. Quincy’s presence is an honor indeed.”
Chapter 39
A throng of people surrounded him, and even Bainbridge wanted to make his acquaintance, hoping to invite him to Warren’s birthday celebration.
Sean was serious, “I’m here for Serene Harmony. Has it been auctioned?”
“It’s done!”
“Mr. Bainbridge won it and dropped 35 million without batting an eye. He intends to gift it to Warren.”
Bainbridge puffed out his chest as Vivien latched onto his arm, chiming in, “We are known for our devotion. Unlike Howard, so stingy, barely spent a hundred thousand at the auction.”
“Where is Serene Harmony?” Sean asked anxiously.
“Right here.” Bainbridge handed the luxurious brocade box to Sean, “Take your time admiring it,
I’m in no rush to take it home.”
Sean unfurled the scroll slowly. The pine trees and cranes came to life, charming and delightful. A fresh wave of awe swept the crowd.
“What a showing off!” Jeannie sneered.
Gwendolyn turned to look at Howard, sensing his good mood. Why was that?
In the crowd.
Sean, with a magnifying glass and tweezers in hand, scrutinized Serene Harmony over and over. Finally, clutching his chest, he shouted loudly.
“It’s wrong, all wrong!” Sean slapped his thigh in frustration, “It’s all my fault for not seeing it earlier.” Text © 2024 NôvelDrama.Org.
“Mr. Quincy, what’s wrong?” the crowd asked curiously.
Bainbridge was even more anxious, a bad premonition brewing.
“This painting is a fake!” Sean, his hair tinged with gray, wrung his hands in despair.
*Impossible! How could it be a fake?” Bainbridge was stunned as if struck by lightning!
“Mr. Quincy, could you have made a mistake? How could it be a fake? We’re not exactly
amateurs here.”
“Mr. Quincy, are you sure you’re not mistaken? The paper, the colors, and the age all seem
correct…