Chapter 323
Aspen smiled sweetly and said, “Mr. Kelce, back in Bridgefields, you’re considered a legend in the antique world, always sharp with your words.”
She glanced around dramatically. “I see that even here in Jayrodale, you’ve kept your genuine style. I must say, I admire your consistency.”
Orion’s face lit up with pride. “Ah, finally, someone who gets me! So many think I’m just showing off or looking down on others, but why would I need to pretend at my level? Like you said, this is just who I am–straightforward and honest. I never sugarcoat my words.”
Aspen’s gaze shifted over the crowd before landing on Andrew, her smile turning icy. “Mr. Kelce, we Bridgefields folk like to let our skills and logic speak for themselves. However, som people here just can’t seem to respect us, no matter what.”
Orion smirked. “Oh? And who’s bold enough to disrespect us?”
Aspen pointed directly at Andrew. “It’s him, Mr. Kelce. His name’s Andrew Lloyd. Ever since I arrived in Jayrodale, he hasn’t missed a chance to belittle me.”
Orion immediately turned his attention to Andrew, his look filled with disdain. He mocked, “I thought you were talking about someone important, but it’s just a young pup. What I deal with is art, history, and fine collectibles. A kid like this probably can’t even tell a teapot from a soup ladle. No need to point him out and embarrass yourself, my dear.”
Several of Orion’s followers burst into laughter.
“Exactly! Mr. Kelce is a celebrated collector and a giant in the field. This kid? He’s nothing.”
“Mr. Kelce came to grace this appraisal event, not to entertain amateurs. Why bother with a nobody?”
“If this kid crossed Ms. Stevens, just let us know and we’ll teach him a lesson. But talking
ues and sophistication? Don’t waste Mr. Kelce’s time–it’s beneath him.”
Francesca’s face turned beet red with anger. “Ms. Stevens, you think you can throw your weight around here in Jayrodale just because you’re from Bridgefields?”
Aspen chuckled lightly, her demeanor calm. “Ms. Aicker, there’s no need to get so worked up. I simply can’t stand people who don’t know the first thing about antiques showing up here. It’s pathetic that he doesn’t notice he’s completely out of place.”
Elsie frowned, visibly displeased. “Ms. Stevens, Mr. Lloyd is a guest of the event organizers. Don’t you think your words are going too far?”
Feigning hurt, Aspen gave an exaggerated bow. “If I upset you, Ms. Santana, I apologize. But I don’t think I said anything untrue. Antique appraisal and collecting are refined, academic pursuits. If someone unqualified comes to watch from the sidelines, fine–but strutting into the appraisal center? It’s unbearable.”
+25 BONUS
Chapter 323
Orion laughed heartily. “Aspen, your sharp tongue is as lively as ever, and I like it. For those who lack talent, there’s no need to waste pleasantries. Keep them at arm’s length.”
Christina, who had been quiet this entire time, sighed to herself. This was a high–stakes appraisal event, and Andrew could have stayed on the sidelines, but no–he had to insert himself into the middle of the storm.
Did he not realize who attended events like this? They were either people with wealth to spare, hunting for rare pieces to add to their collections, or seasoned experts at the top of their game.
