Chapter 223: Chapter 223

Elena’s admiration for Casper grew. Skills aside, his best and most attractive attribute was his personality.

He was ruthless to those who crossed him, but he would help those in need selflessly and readily.

When he saw Elena in a dazed, Casper waved his hand in front of her eyes.

“What’s on your mind?”

“Oh, I… erm… I was thinking about Louis and his family. It must be tough on them.”

She quickly changed the topic.

“That’s right. Louis is an exemplary man. When he stepped forward earlier, it showed that he has a conscience and was guilty for what he did. When I asked, he shouldered the consequence of his action in silence.”

Thinking back to all the people he met recently, Casper realized there were wicked and magnanimous ones. Humanity could be unpredictable.

“I have to do something to resolve Amelia’s problem. Her mom and brother are unworthy of my mercy.

Since I’m not a kind person, I have no qualms resorting to unscrupulous methods to teach them a lesson.”

Both he and Elena were engrossed in their own issues. Meanwhile, at Victoria’s Chamber, two men entered. Each was carrying a box half a meter wide with great care.

“Our guests are here.” Casper stood up and Victoria joined him. The men stared lecherously at her exposed thigh.

“This way, please.”

Victoria ushered them ahead before beckoning for Casper to follow.

The scent of sandalwood was reinvigorating as they entered a secluded, private room.

A vigorous old man sat inside.

Victoria made the introduction. “This is Victoria’s Chamber’s honorary consultant, Mr. Tony Lane. He only has his eyes on the rarest antiques.”

Tony didn’t put on any airs. “Ms. Stalling said two treasures have arrived. Naturally, I came to satisfy my lust for antiques.”

“Mr. Lane, I’m sure you have seen a fair share of treasures throughout your life. These can’t compare to what you’ve already seen?”

Victoria and Tony prepared to examine the antiques after some friendly banter.

Casper sat between the women. After they had their fill with Victoria, the men with the boxes feasted their eyes on Elena.

Feeling displeased, Casper snapped, “Your eyes are popping from the sockets. Are you here to sell your wares or ogle?”

One man glared angrily at him. With more important business on hand, he let the insult slide.

Tony was watching them with interest. It was normal for young men to have conflicts. However, Casper was dressed shabbily. The old man wondered why Victoria had invited him for the appraisal.

In their line, both the treasure and its owner were subjected to appraisal. This was something Tony understood very well. Still, he couldn’t judge Casper based on his attire.

“Let’s get down to business. The faster we conclude the deal, the better,” Victoria remarked.

Tony nodded. “Ms. Stalling has shown me the pictures. The items looked pristine, having retained their colors. However, pictures are pictures. We have to see the actual piece.”

The two men exchanged glances and carefully carried the porcelain vases covered by a layer of cloth out of the boxes. Tony’s eyes lit up when the men unveiled the treasures.

One was an enamel temple jar, while the other a porcelain vase with variegated glaze. Both were dated in the medieval period. Tony quickly put on his gloves and inspected the items.

“These are exceptional!” he exclaimed after examining the items for five whole minutes. Then he put the vases down reluctantly.

“What do you think? I’m sure you’re impressed!”

The men expected Tony’s reaction and they couldn’t wipe the smug grins off their faces.

Casper remained in his seat and observed. Gradually, his expression turned solemn.

“Excellent. Both items are genuine. Ms. Stalling, congratulations on obtaining two gems.”

Tony removed his gloves after his job was done.

“I appreciate the help, Mr. Lane. I’ve already transferred the appraisal fees to your account,” Victoria replied with a smile.

“Hahaha, that paltry sum means nothing to me. My greatest wish is to win the bid for these items at the auction.” Tony’s words implied that he was filthy rich.

When Victoria caught Casper’s expression, she asked with a grin, “Casper, do you have anything to add?”

He looked at the two men with amusement. “This porcelain vase with variegated glaze is the real deal.

It’s at least five million.”

“That’s too little. Given the stiff competition at the fair, it should be twice the amount,” Tony answered.

“The enamel temple jar is far too exquisite. I’m sure it’s this amount.” Casper showed one index finger.

Tony disagreed and smacked his lips. “To be honest, unveiling these two items together would cause chaos at the auction. I won’t be surprised if they start the bid at ten million.”

“You have misunderstood me, Mr. Lane. I meant one thousand.” Casper shook his head.

All eyes were trained on him after his declaration. Tony was offended. “Kid, are you saying that I made a mistake?”

“That’s right. The meticulous workmanship is evidence that this is an immaculate forgery.”

“B*llshit!”

The sellers unleashed their rage at Casper. Then one of them tried to take back his item. “Victoria, I’m dealing with you because of your reputation. But, I didn’t expect a nobody to insult me.”

Unfazed, she waited for Casper to explain. What he did next shocked her. He snatched the jar and threatened to smash it.

“What are you doing!”

Antiques meant the world to Tony; they were his life. The threat riled him and the two sellers froze in shock. The panic was what Casper wanted.

“Hmph! I obviously won’t break it. Ms. Stalling, can you send it for a proper appraisal?”