Chapter 322

Orion’s sharp words enraged Cedric. He raised the statue, ready to smash it, but Francesca and Elsie intervened, calming him.

Francesca asked anxiously, “Grandpa, why are you so upset?”

Cedric’s face flushed crimson and then paled as he gritted his teeth. “Do you see this statue? Orion tricked me into buying it for ten million—a fake! That rotten cheat!”

Francesca, livid, moved to confront Orion, but Elsie restrained her.

“Ms. Aicker, you shouldn’t,” Elsie said, shaking her head.

“Why not?” Francesca retorted. “Just because he’s a big shot, he’s allowed to scam people?”

Elsie sighed. “That man is Orion Kelce, a top antique expert from Bridgefields. He’s highly respected in the field.”

Francesca remained unconvinced. “So what if he’s an expert? Does that give him the right to cheat others?”

Elsie replied with a wry smile, “Unfortunately, in this appraisal event, all sales are final. The event tests one’s ability to identify genuine items. If someone lacks the knowledge and is tricked, it’s considered part of the game. Complaints aren't entertained.”

Cedric’s face was grim. “Forget it, Fran. It’s our bad luck. That old cheat only preys on amateurs like me. One day, when he’s sick and dying, I’ll…” he muttered darkly, trailing off.

Francesca fumed. “That cheater dares to strut around our town like he owns it? Can’t anyone challenge him?”

Elsie shrugged helplessly. “Mr. Kelce is incredibly skilled. Most wouldn’t dare challenge him.”

She added, “At events like this, the stakes are incredibly high—millions, sometimes tens of millions. To challenge him and lose means more than losing face; they could lose everything.”

Andrew chuckled. “I’m not so sure about that.”

Elsie looked at him in surprise. “Mr. Lloyd, what do you mean?”

Andrew smiled. “Mr. Kelce might not be as invincible as everyone thinks.”

Elsie blinked, attributing Andrew’s confidence to youthful arrogance. Many disliked Orion, but none dared openly challenge him.

Across the way, Orion shook his head, looking smug and unconcerned.

“Jayrodale’s antique scene is clearly declining,” he said disdainfully. “Even Cedric doesn’t dare play anymore. Is there no one brave enough to challenge me?”

He gestured grandly at the crowd. “Don’t worry, I won’t embarrass you too much. I’ll even teach you a thing or two about appraisal and genuine antiques.”

The antique experts hired by Radiant Group scowled but remained silent, clearly reluctant to engage with Orion.

Just then, a clear, confident female voice rang out. “Well, Mr. Kelce, it’s been a while, but you’re just as arrogant as ever.”

The crowd turned, curious about who dared speak to Orion in that manner. The crowd parted to reveal two striking women approaching the center.

Orion chuckled upon seeing them. “Well, well. Look who it is—Aspen Stevens. Still as sharp-tongued as ever, I see.”

Andrew’s eyes narrowed, recognizing the newcomers. Of all people, it was Christina and Aspen.

“Talk about a small world,” he muttered.