Came Back as an Heiress After My Ex-Fiancé Made Me Blind novel Chapter 26

As the auction reached its midpoint, the hostess ascended the stage with utmost care, unveiling a masterpiece of pristine ancient art.

The auctioneer's voice resonated through the hall, "Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to present 'Ink-Stained Frost Elegance,' the crowning achievement of our contemporary maestro, Mr. Florian Wright. This painting not only signifies his retirement but also epitomizes his artistic maturity! For aficionados of ancient art, this is an unmissable gem!"

Upon hearing this, Victoria's curiosity sparked. Her late grandfather, a revered national artist, had shielded his ink treasures from eager buyers. She had grown up amidst the rich tapestry of Chinese art.

Mr. Florian Wright, the creator of this piece, had been one of her grandfather's closest friends. Victoria observed the painting with keen interest, but a single glance furrowed her brows.

Jack noticed her reaction and inquired, "What troubles you?"

Victoria sighed softly, "This painting is a counterfeit."

What?

A counterfeit?

Jamal, standing nearby, was incredulous. "Miss Victoria, how can that be? This auction house is highly reputable, meticulously scrutinized. All items are authenticated by experts. The chance of forgery is almost nonexistent."

Victoria blinked, her gaze clear and unwavering. She asserted, "This 'Ink-Stained Frost Elegance' is undeniably a forgery."

Jamal couldn't help but ask, "Miss Victoria, do you possess substantial expertise in art authentication?"

Victoria replied nonchalantly, "To some extent."

Perplexed, Jamal turned to Jack, seeking guidance.

Jack cast a profound gaze at Victoria, wholeheartedly trusting her judgment. He signaled to Jamal, indicating that he should handle the situation.

Following Jack's instructions, Jamal left the private room, his mind clouded with doubt.

Backstage at the auction, Jamal sought out Manager Davis, narrating the incident with the counterfeit painting.

Moore Corporation held shares in this auction house.

Consequently, when Jack arrived, the managers respectfully welcomed him, essentially greeting their own boss. Upon hearing Jamal's account, Davis burst into laughter. "Jamal, surely you jest. How could this painting be fake? All our items undergo rigorous authentication, complete with certificates. We wouldn't dare auction them otherwise."

Jamal was exasperated. "I'm not joking. There's a young lady upstairs, Miss Victoria, who asserts that this painting is a forgery."

Jamal pointed in the direction of the room on the second floor and said, "There, that's Miss Victoria, who was bidding with Mr. Moore at the auction just now."

Zheng, the manager, was aware of this Miss Victoria. She came to the auction with Mr. Moore and he seemed to take great care of her, indicating a close relationship between them.

However...

Davis furrowed his brow, skeptical. "How can a young lady like her discern authenticity? Is she playing a prank due to Mr. Moore's favoritism?"

In truth, Jamal was equally puzzled. However, Jack's unwavering trust in Victoria allowed her considerable latitude. As the auctioneer concluded the detailed introduction, the bidding was set to begin.

Jamal clicked his tongue. "Manager, regardless of the truth, please have the painting removed for now. If it's proven genuine later and someone purchases it, our auction house's reputation will be irreparably damaged."

Davis hesitated, glancing toward the second-floor private room. Could the words of an art novice be trusted?

Feeling the urgency, Jamal urged him gently. "Please, manager, act swiftly. This decision aligns with Mr. Moore's wishes."

At the mention of Jack, Davis dared not delay any further. Reluctantly, he agreed, "Very well, I will instruct the auctioneer to remove the painting and summon additional experts for authentication."

His voice low, the man responded, "Let him in."

With permission granted, Davis entered, a radiant smile on his face. Behind him were the art appraisers. "Mr. Moore, Miss Victoria, I apologize for the interruption."

Jamal deduced the reason and couldn't contain his curiosity. "Has the authenticity been determined?"

"Yes," Davis smiled at Victoria in her seat, "Miss Victoria here is truly extraordinary. We had eight art appraisers carefully examine the painting. In the end, it was confirmed; this painting is indeed a fake!"

Jack was unsurprised by the result.

However, Jamal was so astounded his mouth hung open.

Davis seemed a bit embarrassed. "We had professionals assess this painting previously, but it never came to light that it was a forgery. Today, eight appraisers examined it, and only two of them identified it as fake. This painting is truly... remarkably deceptive."

Hearing this, Jamal grew even more astonished.

Only two out of eight appraisers recognized it as fake, and it took almost twenty minutes of careful examination.

Yet, Miss Victoria had spotted it with just a glance.

He couldn't help but look in Victoria's direction.

‘My goodness, Miss Victoria is truly amazing! No wonder Mr. Moore believes in her so deeply!’

Just moments ago, Davis thought of Victoria as an inexperienced young girl, and he was incredulous about Jack's indulgence. Now, his attitude did a complete 180-degree turn. He genuinely respected her. After all, if this counterfeit had been auctioned and later revealed, it would have ruined the auction house's reputation.

"Miss Victoria, we are immensely grateful to you!"