Chapter 326

Francesca voiced her concern. “Andrew, you know nothing about antiques, let alone artifact authentication. Perhaps we should leave—this is Jayrodale, and even though we're dealing with Orion and Aspen, what's the worst that could happen?”

Andrew raised an eyebrow. “Who told you I don’t know about antiques?”

He took the bronze statue from Cedric, weighed it carefully, and turned to Orion. “Since you’re letting me go first, I won’t hold back. Now, authenticate this piece.”

Orion was stunned, then burst into laughter. “You fool! This is a fake, and you dare test me with it? This is a replica of the famous piece from the Hall of Faith. The original was destroyed during the early 20th-century civil wars.”

Several antique experts in the room nodded in agreement. “Correct. This statue is a replica. The original was destroyed long ago. Young man, you shouldn’t waste this opportunity.”

Aspen sneered. “And I thought you had skills. This is all you’ve got?”

Orion scoffed. “Boy, I’ve authenticated your worthless piece. Now examine my collection.”

Andrew smiled and shook his head. “I expected more expertise.”

Orion’s face reddened. “What? Are you trying to back out?”

Andrew spoke coldly. “Antique authentication is about separating truth from fiction. Everyone sees this is a replica; your assessment is no different. Your so-called authentication is worthless.”

Orion argued, “Stop beating around the bush. Am I right or wrong? The Radiant Group’s expert panel will prove my word is gospel.”

Elsie whispered, “Mr. Lloyd, this bronze statue is indeed a replica.”

Many wore mocking smiles, believing Andrew a sore loser.

Suddenly, Andrew smashed the bronze statue on the ground.

Cedric stammered, “My million dollars!”

Aspen shook his head. “Self-destructive—that’s all you are.”

Orion crossed his arms and laughed. “What’s wrong, young man? Throwing a tantrum?”

Ignoring the whispers, Andrew searched through the fragments until he found a small black pearl. He remained nonchalant. “I told you you’re a fraud, Mr. Kelce, but you wouldn’t believe me. This is real authentication. See this?”

Orion’s expression darkened. “So what if there’s a pearl inside? That only means I didn’t authenticate it completely. You can’t say my assessment was nonsense.”

Andrew shook his head. “Authentication requires thorough investigation. You were blind to see this as an ordinary statue, calling it trash. But you failed to recognize this priceless pearl. It proves you’re nothing but hot air!”

At the mention of the priceless pearl, many were visibly shocked.