The Mafia Heiress's Comeback: She's More Than You Think novel Chapter 257

Chapter 257 A Painting

At last, even the most oblivious guests began to grasp the truth unfolding before them.

They had completely overlooked Maren’s genuine authority in the world of antiques.

Her casual yet quick examination of the items–even identifying their age and ranking them–was no less impressive than Dunn’s.

“Humph, what’s so great about being quick? I haven’t even tried yet.” Dunn’s expression twisted the moment someone commented that Maren was faster. The very idea of being outpaced by a woman grated on him.

He pushed himself to accelerate again and again, but no matter how hard he tried, Maren stayed just one step

ahead.

“Incredible!”

The onlookers took notice as well. Maren wasn’t just fast–her judgment was strikingly accurate, her instincts

razor–sharp.

It was nearly perfect. Her insight was something to behold.

Realizing the gap between them wasn’t closing, Dunn slowed his pace. After all, it would be even more humiliating if he pushed himself to the limit and still couldn’t catch up to her.

Seeing this, Lucien felt a wave of relief. Maren’s command of antique knowledge clearly eclipsed Dunn’s.

If he had known Maren possessed this level of skill, he wouldn’t have bothered to invite Dunn at all.

He had never guessed that Maren was so deeply informed and talented in antique appraisal. With her on his side, winning Calvert’s favor wouldn’t be that hard.

Dunn, meanwhile, simmered with frustration, silently cursing Lucien over and over. If Lucien had someone like her, why drag him into this spectacle? The humiliation was unbearable.

“There’s nothing special about this. When it comes to antiques, what matters is discernment, not speed. And I can do that too,” Dunn said.

Everyone could see right through him. Sure, speed wasn’t everything, but Maren had outdone him in every way that counted.

As for Dunn’s claim that he could match her? The crowd answered only with quiet smirks. “Who do you think is going to win? The master from Ozel, or the girl?” someone asked.

“Oh, the girl for sure,” another chimed in.

“No question! We were way off earlier. It’s clear now–she’s the real deal.”

“Didn’t you hear? She’s with Lucien. That makes her Voutsas‘ antiques expert!”

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Chapter 257 A Painting

“That’s right! Voutsas‘ master just took down Özel’s!”

Laughter erupted as the last comment landed.

Dunn was on the verge of exploding. These people flipped sides faster than a coin just minutes ago, they were jeering at Maren with him, now they couldn’t praise her enough.

To make matters worse, they were claiming that Voutsas‘ master had defed one from Ozel

If word of this reached Ozel, he’d be disgraced beyond repair.

He’d lose face not just publicly, but within the entire antique circle–and more importantly, within his family

Absolutely not. He couldn’t let this spiral out of control.

He had to win.

Even if winning wasn’t possible, losing was simply not an option.

But the outcome had already slipped through his fingers. Everything now depended on who uncovered the hidden treasure first.

If Maren got there before him, he was finished.

Luckily for him, neither of them had found anything significant, despite combing through more than a hundred

items.

Only a few pieces remained.

“Found it.”

Just as Dunn had convinced himself that this heap held nothing of value, a voice rang out.

It was Maren’s.

His worst fear made real. His fingers trembled, and the item in his grasp nearly slipped from his hand.

He whipped his head around to find her.

All eyes had shifted to Maren, who held a painting in her hands.

“Maren, did you find something?” Lucien lit up with anticipation as he reached for the painting and gently unfurled it on the table.

The painting revealed a sweeping battle scene from a bygone era–two mighty armies locked in a dramatic clash in majestic panorama.

“Wow! The craftsmanship is exquisite!”

Even a single glance left the crowd awestruck by the artist’s mastery.

“Even if it’s not an antique, whoever painted this had to be expensive,” someone murmured from the crowd.

Heads nodded in agreement all around.

“The composition is vivid, and the technique definitely mirrors that of classical painters. If it’s authentic, its worth could be immense,” Scotty added, unable to hide his awe.

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Their excitement lit up Lucien’s face like a sunrise. “Fantastic!”

He moved carefully, beginning to roll the painting back up. Victory was sweet, but he wasn’t about to waste the prize–this was going straight to Calvert.

“Hold on!” Dunn suddenly reached out and slammed his hand down onto the painting.

“Dunn, what do you think you’re doing? You’ve already lost.”

Now that Maren had proven herself, Dunn’s presence was redundant. Lucien didn’t bother with civility and dropped the formalities.

The way he said Dunn’s name alone was enough to make his blood boil. “Who said I lost?”

“What? Don’t tell me you’re refusing to admit it.” Lucien scowled, losing his patience already. He wasn’t the kind of man anyone dared to challenge lightly.

“I mean, this painting’s a fake!” Dunn blurted out, cornered by Lucien‘ glare.

What?

Gasps rippled through the room as Dunn’s words landed.

“But the craftsmanship looks ancient, the style checks out, and even the mounting is consistent with the period. What exactly is fake about it?”

The customers questioned Dunn doubtfully.

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