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 unting Serene Harmony, huddling with a few
others to admire it.
They were all sycophants, doling outpliments.
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 timees.”
Bainbridge, his ego inted, waved his hand with a smug smile, “Nothing’s set in stone yet.”
“Who else couldpete with you? Thatme excuse of a man? Ha, he can’t even y the part of a
real man.”
The ttery had Bainbridge riding high. His narrow and cold eyes nced 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 epted 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 Vivientched 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 ss and tweezers in hand, scrutinized Serene Harmony over and over.
Finally, clutching his chest, he shouted loudly.
“It’s wrong, all wrong!” Sean pped his thigh in frustration, “It’s all my fault for not seeing it earlier.”
“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
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