Chapter 49
Chapter 49
The lively scene quieted down. It was only then that many people noticed Sharon, who had been standing behind Wallace. They started to wonder who she was and whether she was Wallace’s new girlfriend.
Nolan sneered. “Young lady, it’s better to keep quiet. You wouldn’t want to embarrass yourself.”
Sharon shot back, “Like what you’re doing right now?”
Nolan froze, realizing Sharon was mocking him. He was surprised that she had such a sharp tongue, despite looking so sweet and gentle.
A few people around chuckled, finding Sharon quite interesting.
A warm glint flashed in Wallace’s eyes. He was moved by his sister’s protective gesture. He raised his head, his expression turning cold. “I’ve already asked for another appraiser.”
“Who knows if the appraiser you hired will speak in your favor? You expect us to trust the person you bring in?” Nolan was clearly stirring the pot, and the earlier incident had shaken people’s trust in Wallace.
Wallace narrowed his eyes. “So, who do you think would be more suitable?”
“I heard the appraisers from Crownstone Enterprises are quite famous. Why don’t you try asking them?” Nolan suggested.
The room went quiet. Everyone knew that Nolan was trying to make things difficult for Wallace.
Crownstone Enterprises is a company under the Queen’s Fan Club. It’s notorious for being reclusive, avoiding any interaction with outsiders, and showing little interest in them.
Its members never dealt with outsiders, and they would rather see other businesses fail. It was a cutthroat organization.
Wallace’s assistant couldn’t take it anymore and said, “How could the Crownstone Enterprises possibly send an appraiser? Are there no other appraisers we can trust besides them?”
“Nope, there aren’t. If I brought in an appraiser from my family, would you trust them?” Noan replied, looking smug.
He leaned in close to Wallace and whispered, “Last time, Richard took my shares in the Vanguard Group. Now I want you to hand them over willingly, or things are going to get ugly. You’re just starting to break into the antique business–if your reputation is ruined, how do you plan to keep your business afloat?”
Wallace’s lips curled into a cold smile. “You lost because you weren’t good enough. Now you’re just flailing around like a cornered rat, huh?”
“Who are you calling a rat? Your sharp tongue won’t help you,” Nolan snapped. Feeling triumphant, he turned his gaze to Sharon. “So, what about you, young lady? Got anything to say?”
He was sure Sharon wasn’t powerful enough to get anyone from Crownstone Enterprises to help out. He would see Wallace make a fool of himself today.
Sharon smiled slightly. “I already said something earlier. Appraisers from Crownstone Enterprises? As long as you pay, they’ll agree.”
“How naive. That company’s employees would rather see everyone else go under than make a move for money. You have no idea what kind of company it is, do you?” Nolan said disdainfully.
It was true that Sharon didn’t know what kind of company it was. She only knew it was under her name, and how arrogant the members wwasn’t really her problem.
Just then, a man in a suit walked over and removed his sunglasses. “I heard someone needs an appraiser?”
Nolan, who was about to mock Sharon, froze, unsure of what was going on.
Chapter 49
Sharon turned her head. “Yes, we need you to authenticate these two paintings.”
She had just sent a message to Cameron, requesting an appraiser from Crownstone Enterprises, and it seemed they were quick to respond.
“No problem. But we don’t come cheap–payment upfront, no credit,” the man said.
Wallace waved his hand and said to his assistant, “Pay him.” Although he was a bit puzzled, since the man was here, he wasn’t about to turn him away.
“Hold on.” Nolan, the troublemaker, spoke up again. He gave the man a suspicious once–over before continuing, “Are you really from Crownstone Enterprises? Aren’t you guys known for staying out of other people’s business? I’m starting to wonder if you’re an impostor.”
The man stayed composed. “Our boss just told us to be kinder and make more money.”
As soon as he finished, the exhibition coordinator hurried over. “Is there anything I can help with?”
The argument had been going on for a while, but the coordinator knew it was beyond his ability to solve the matter involving the four major families.
“Perfect timing. You know the people from Crownstone Enterprises, right? Is this guy for real?” Nolan said. He still didn’t believe anyone from Crownstone Enterprises would get involved.
The coordinator glanced over and replied respectfully, “Yes, this is the current appraiser for the exhibition. There’s no way he’s an impostor.”
The onlookers gasped, shocked that the man was indeed an appraiser from Crownstone Enterprises and the one in charge of the appraisal for this exhibition.
They had no idea why the man was intervening, given that Crownstone Enterprises‘ employees were notoriously high and mighty, refusing to deal with
outsiders.
Nolan fell silent, his expression darkening.
The appraiser placed the two paintings on the table, and the elderly man, dressed in traditional attire, looked a bit nervous and subconsciously glanced
at Nolan.
Sharon noticed this detail and quickly figured out who was causing trouble.
Ten minutes later, the appraiser spoke. “This one’s genuine.” He was referring to the Vance family’s ancient painting, so the other one was a fake.
With the truth revealed, Sharon turned to Nolan with a sneer. “Mr. Pierce, since you care so much about the authenticity of our antiques, let’s return the favor and check yours out.”
Nolan’s heart skipped a beat. He suddenly had a bad feeling.
Wallace immediately caught on. “This makes sense. It’s only polite to return the favor. Let’s have Crownstone Enterprises’s expert help us authenticate these, too.”
“They are so busy. They don’t have time for these trivial matters,” Nolan said, flustered.
But the appraiser replied calmly, “Actually, I have some free time right now. I’d be happy to help.”
Furious, Nolan cursed inwardly, “Why don’t you mind your own frigging business? Aren’t you supposed to be all high and mighty? Why are you suddenly
so nosy?‘
Maintaining a neutral expression, the appraiser subtly glanced at Sharon beside him–his true boss behind the scenes.
If it had been anyone else needing his help, he wouldn’t have bothered to agree. But it was their boss, and of course, he had to help; he didn’t dare disregard her.
With urgent matters at hand, Nolan was in no mood to cause trouble here. He left right away with the appraiser to handle the situation.
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Chapter 49
Sharon smiled, thinking the Pierce family members were insufferable.
Wallace ruffled his sister’s hair. “It’s fine now. Looks like you really are my lucky star.”
With her around, everything always turned out all right.
“It’s because you are respected, Wally.” Sharon refused to admit that her involvement had anything to do with the outcome.
Now that the situation was settled, Sharon and Wallace walked out and continued their stroll, only to run into Wendy and Nicholas.
When Wendy saw the sweet and gentle Sharon, she smiled. “What a coincidence, to run into you here.”
Wallace replied calmly, “It is a bit of a coincidence. If anything catches your eye today, Mrs. Baxter, feel free to let me know. I’ll cover the costs.” “Oh, I couldn’t possibly. Actually, I’m here to pick out a coming–of–age gift for Shari, and Nick is here for the same reason,” Wendy replied. Wallace’s expression stiffened slightly. He was less than pleased. He didn’t want any other man picking out gifts for his sister.
AD
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