Chapter 338

Orion staggered to his feet, his bloodshot eyes glaring at Andrew. He roared, "Andrew, you insolent brat! This isn't over between us!"

Andrew retorted, "How dare you use that tone with me? Do you have a death wish?"

Humiliated, Orion, supported by his followers, scrambled toward the antiques fair exit. He fled down the bustling street, his pride shattered, unwilling to remain a second longer.

Christina hesitated, turning to Aspen. "Aspen, regardless of what happened, Mr. Kelce remains one of Bridgefields' most prominent figures. Are you really not going to check on him after such a humiliating defeat?"

Aspen's tone was icy. "Check on him? Not a chance. It doesn't matter. Mr. Kelce's fury is something Andrew absolutely can't handle. Just wait—he'll definitely return to settle the score, and Andrew's the one in real trouble now."

Christina frowned. She felt Andrew had gone too far. Winning was one thing, but forcing someone as esteemed as Orion to kneel and bow was excessive. Such actions resolved nothing; they only bred resentment and invited retaliation.

Aspen sneered. "Christina, don't be fooled by Andrew's arrogance. Soon enough, he'll learn the price of his recklessness."

Christina's eyes widened. "Aspen, you're not planning to challenge Andrew in antique appraisal again, are you?"

Aspen smirked confidently. "What's the fun in that? The real excitement is about to begin. The upcoming portion of this event is where true masters shine, where only those with vision and courage can truly compete."

Meanwhile, the Jayrodale experts escorted Andrew to a seat of honor with the utmost respect. Cedric seized the opportunity to leverage his newfound connection. "Mr. Lloyd and I go way back. If any of you wish to work with him, I'll gladly make introductions."

Instantly, the other experts flocked to Cedric.

"Dr. Aicker, you know Mr. Lloyd? That's incredible! Please speak highly of me to him!"

"Dr. Aicker, you're one of us in Jayrodale's antiques circle. Don't keep this connection to yourself!"

"Dr. Aicker, we're practically family. Next time I want to visit Master Lloyd, I'll be counting on you to arrange it!"

Cedric's face lit up with pride as he basked in their praise. Riding the wave of Andrew's triumph, he found himself enjoying newfound admiration within the antiques community.

Francesca crossed her arms, pouting. "Grandpa, stop dragging Andrew into your messes!"

Cedric chuckled. "How is it a mess? My relationship with Dr. Lloyd makes this perfectly natural."

Francesca stomped her foot, her annoyance tinged with amusement.

Elsie chimed in with a smile. "Ms. Aicker, try to understand. Dr. Aicker has always been passionate about antiques but never truly fit into the community. Thanks to Mr. Lloyd, he's finally earned his place and some respect."

Francesca paused, her frustration softening. She had to admit it made sense. Orion had deceived her grandfather, and the humiliation, for a renowned Jayrodale doctor, had stung deeply. With Andrew's support restoring his dignity, Cedric's elation was understandable. She turned to Andrew with a warm smile. "Andrew, you're truly a jack-of-all-trades, aren't you? On behalf of my grandpa, thank you for stepping in and helping him."

Francesca felt genuine respect and admiration for Andrew. His brilliance in medicine was unmatched, his martial arts skill seemingly boundless. Even in the rarefied world of antiques, he'd demonstrated expertise beyond anyone's expectations. She marveled at how he managed to master it all.