Chapter 320
Andrew smiled and said, “Ms. Santana, it seems you’re not just a skilled auctioneer but also an expert in antiques. That’s quite impressive.”
Elsie’s face lit up at the compliment, though she remained modest. “Mr. Lloyd, you’re too kind. It’s just that I’ve grown to love what I do, and my family has been in the antiques business for generations. I’ve picked up a few things along the way.”
As they strolled around the plaza, Andrew said casually, “Well, let’s take a look around. If anything catches my eye, I’ll leave it to you to help me evaluate it.”
Elsie nodded with a smile. “Feel free to let me know if something interests you, Mr. Lloyd. I’ll be happy to assist.”
Feeling a little competitive, Francesca kept her expression pleasant but couldn’t resist commenting. “There are so many antiques here–paintings, artifacts, and all sorts of treasures. Can Ms. Santana really guarantee she knows everything about all of them?”
Elsie remained calm and replied confidently, “The world of antiques is vast and intricate, covering countless styles and eras. It would be arrogant to claim mastery over everything, but I can assure you that I have a solid understanding of the market and a decent level of authority.
Andrew nodded thoughtfully, impressed by Elsie’s humility mixed with quiet confidence. He could tell she was a woman of genuine expertise, not just empty boasts.
However, Francesca was not convinced. With a sly smile, she pointed at a yellowed painting lying on the ground. “I’d like to buy this painting. Ms. Santana, can you give me her professional opinion on it?”
Elsie glanced at the painting and looked a bit surprised. “Ms. Aicker, that’s a counterfeit. It has no collectible or artistic value. Are you sure you want to buy it?”
Francesca’s face flushed with embarrassment, but she doubled down. Turning to the vendor, a man with a scraggly goatee, she asked, “Sir, how much is this painting? Who’s the artist, and what era is it from?”
The vendor immediately grinned and began his pitch. “Miss, you’ve got a sharp eye! This is an authentic masterpiece by the renowned Tom Hemmings. Since you appreciate its value, I’ll let it go for just 200 thousand dollars.”
Francesca turned back to Elsie with a smirk. “You heard him. He says it’s a genuine Tom Hemmings piece and is asking for two hundred thousand. Do you still think it’s fake?”
Elsie shook her head and calmly addressed the vendor. “This painting has absolutely no connection to Tom Hemmings or any historic era. But if Ms. Aicker truly likes it, I’ll buy it as a gift for her–100 dollars, take it or leave it.”
The vendor’s face twisted in disbelief. “100 dollars? Are you joking? Forget it! If you don’t
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Chapter 320
recognize its worth, I’m not selling it to you.”
Francesca laughed lightly. “It seems Ms. Santana’s influence doesn’t carry much weight here.” Unfazed, Elsie pulled out an identification badge hanging from her neck and held it up for the vendor to see. “Are you sure I don’t know what I’m talking about?”
widened,
The moment the vendor saw her credentials, his demeanor shifted entirely. His eyes and he quickly started nodding and bowing. “Oh, my! Ms. Santana, I didn’t realize it was you! Please forgive my ignorance.”
He chuckled nervously and added, “Ms. Santana, your sharp eyes are unmatched. You know what? Forget a hundred dollars–how about 50? Take it for cost price!”
In no time, the painting was neatly wrapped and handed over to Francesca. Elsie paid the 50 dollars with a smile. “Ms. Aicker, still think I don’t know what I’m talking about?”
Francesca’s expression was a mixture of confusion and disbelief as she stammered, “Wait a second… That guy just claimed this painting was worth 200 thousand, and now he’s selling it for 50 bucks?”
She stared at the wrapped painting in her hands, completely bewildered. “If it’s worth so little, how on earth did he have the audacity to ask for 200 thousand in the first place?”
At that moment, Francesca was so stunned that she forgot all about competing with Elsie.
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