Chapter 16

Emma's stomach dropped, panic flickering in her eyes.

How could this be happening?

The piece had been authenticated by multiple experts-it couldn't be a forgery!

Shoving aside anyone in her way, she stormed toward Eleanor, her voice rising. "You must have stolen the real one! Otherwise, how would you know the exact details and call them out so quickly?"

But before her accusation could land, a booming laugh rolled across the gallery. "That's quite the sharp eye you've got, Eleanor!"

Every head turned toward the sound. Standing a short distance away was David himself, a broad smile stretching across his face. With a hand stroking his beard, he regarded Eleanor with playful admiration. "Truth be told, I've grown tired of the usual, predictable exhibitions. So l planted this forgery as a little test-a bit of fun for tonight.I never imagined you'd spot it so quickly."

His revelation sent murmurs rippling through the crowd.

So this had been David's doing all along.

Given his reputation for being unpredictable and eccentric, perhaps it wasn't so surprising he would stage such a stunt.

The audience accepted David's words without hesitation, nodding along as if the matter was settled.

But Dyer wasn't about to let David enjoy the spotlight alone. He scoffed loudly, his tone laced with mockery. "Hah! Just admit it, old man-you got duped by a forgery and now you're scrambling for a cover story. Lucky for you, Eleanor's got a sharper eye than you. Imagine if a buyer had spotted it after the sale-your so-called reputation would've gone up in smoke!"

David's face flushed crimson, his beard practically bristling in outrage. "You decrepit relic! You've got one foot in the grave and still wag that venomous tongue!"

Then, in a sudden shift, he turned to Eleanor with an exaggerated pout, almost childlike. "Eleanor, you saw it-this wrinkled fraud is smearing my name. You'd better stand up for me!"

Dyer bristled in return, jabbing a finger in David's direction. "Don't let that old goat fool you, Eleanor!He's as stubborn as a mule and never admits when he's beaten!"

Eleanor couldn't help the small smile tugging at her lips as she watched the two of them bicker like quarrelsome schoolboys rather than the venerable masters they were.

Some things about her teachers, she realized, would never change. Meanwhile, the spectators were left reeling.

The sight was baffling-two of the most legendary figures in the antiques world, sparring so familiarly with each other, and all while treating Eleanor with such casual warmth.

From the way they addressed her, it was obvious this connection ran deep.

Emma stood frozen, her mind reeling.

How could someone like Eleanor-a woman with nothing but an orphanage to her name-possibly be on such familiar terms with Dyer and David, two titans whose word alone could shift the antiques world?

Even her family struggled to get an audience with them.Unless...

Her eyes suddenly widened as the thought struck her. She jabbed a finger at Eleanor, spitting venom.

"You shameless slut! My brother just tossed you aside, and now you're already crawling into Mr. Gill's bed? Do you have no dignity at all?" Emma said.

A heavy silence swallowed the room.

Gasps rippled through the crowd-Emma really dared to say such a thing?

Everyone here knew the truth: David and Dyer weren't just respected; they were living legends in the antiques circle, men revered like walking archives of history.

To throw mud at David so brazenly... was Emma fearless, or simply brainless?

Eleanor lifted her chin, her gaze slicing through Emma with quiet contempt. "Emma, you never fail to prove just how stupid you are."

The insult hit, and Emma snapped. "Who are you calling stupid?" she yelled, face flushed with outrage.

But Eleanor didn't give her the satisfaction of a pause.Her lips curled faintly as she added, "Perhaps you've forgotten-our little wager from earlier still stands, doesn't it?"