Chapter 160 The Fake Revealed

bScarlett /bstared at the painting–specifically the unnaturally vibrant green in the robes bof /bthe briver /bbgoddess- /band without hesitation, scoffed.

“If this is an authentic piece, then it must be a joke

A murmur swept through the room.

iWas /iishe/i… icalling /iit a ifake/ii? /i

iImpossible/ii. /i

Had she ilost /iiher /imindi? /i

These people had gone out of their way to help her, and she was turning on them? Tearing down their gesture in front of everyone? What a waste of the Joyner family’s so–called goodwill.

The room fell silent, so quiet that you could hear the flicker of candle mesb. /b

Even Sophia and Owen, despite their rising anxiety, didn’t interrupt. They trusted Scarlett instinctively, even if it drove them to the brink of a nervous breakdown. And when others looked ready to rebuke her, one cold nce from Owen was enough to silence them.

Franklin’s grin froze on his face. A vein twitched at his temple.

Before he could explode, Scarlett beat him to it, her tone biting and cold.

“Oh, how thoughtful of you–to help me with a counterfeit.”

Someone in the crowd couldn’t hold back. “What an ungrateful brat. How could something this exquisite be fake? You really don’t know how to appreciate kindness.”

Martha immediately put on her most pitiful expression, looking like she’d just been wronged by the entire world.

Scarlett’s gaze swept over the crowd, cool and unbothered.

“Well then, since today is such a festive asion, why don’t we settle a few ounts while we’re at it?”

She stepped forward, her fingertip hovering just above the skirt of the river goddess in the painting.

“I’m sure many of you have seen the museum copy of the ‘Admonitions of the Instructress Scroll.‘ The true style, both in linework and color, is utterly free of excess ir.”

She pointed next to the waistline, where a pocket watch was faintly visible.

“Here, ochre was used as the base,yered over with azurite. It pretends to follow traditional techniques, but this is a ring error. That era had no suchyering method. This ‘triple–stacked pigment‘ technique clearly mimics Yuan dynasty practices–it’s a clumsy imitation.”

Each word rang with precision. The evidence was clear and unshakable.

Faces among the crowd–especially those of seasoned collectors–grew serious.

Themotion eventually attracted the attention of the museum director. Hearing Scarlett’s analysis, he

Chapter 160 The Fake Revealed

stepped forward to examine bthe /bpainting himself. One of his students, Morgan, bleaned /bbin /bband /bbsaid/b. The bpaper /bgrain shows bseven /bcurtain marks–this is clearly hemp paper.”

Director Trevor gave the scroll a long look, then slowly shook his head.

“Miss Scarlett, would you be willing to exin in more detail?” His eyes were full of admirationb, /bbalready /bcalcting how to reserve a spot for her as his apprentice.

Martha, on the other hand, was nearly trembling with fury. “Scarlett, don’t say things you’ll regret! This is the museum director you’re speaking to. If he hasn’t said anything’s wrong, don’t make a fool of yourselfb. /b

Oliver frowned. “If you don’t like this one, we can find another. There’s no need to show off.”

Franklin’s expression was frosty. “Clearly, I didn’t raise her properly–she’s turned into an attention–seeking

brat.”

“Silence!” Trevor snapped, his patience at its limit. “Did I ask any of you to speak? Haven’t your grade school teachers taught you basic manners–don’t interrupt when others are talking?”

Laughter broke out around the room.

Trevor held enormous clout. Even being scolded by him was a rare honor. Franklin and the others flushed white, then green, teeth grinding in humiliation.

Martha clenched her fists. “Let’s see what this wretched girl cane up with now,” she muttered, praying for Scarlett to fall t on her face.

Scarlett ignored her. She picked up a strip of white silk and gently pressed it to the edge of the scroll.

“Ancient paper was made from mulberry bark–its fibers rough like bup. But this paper’s uniform, delicate grain is clearly that of modern paper.”

She lifted her gaze to Trevor. “Unless I’m mistaken, real aged paper turns brownish–yellow over time from natural oxidation. This one’s surface, however, is bright and artificially refreshed–clearly aged with tea stains.”

Trevor nodded in approval, unable to hold back a smile. He gave a hearty thumbs–up.

“Youngdy, you’re exceptionally knowledgeable. Your authentication skills are top–tier!”

The crowd collectively gasped.

If Trevor said that, it had to be true.

The painting’s authenticity no longer mattered. What mattered now was that Trevor had praised her. That was worth more than any artwork.

Everyone knew how impossibly high Trevor’s standards were. In all his years, he had never openly praised

anyone.

This was the first time.

The same people who had mocked Scarlett minutes ago now felt their faces sting.

iIs /iiit /iitoo /ite ito /iwin her ifavor/ii? /i

08:32 Mon, 11 Aug o

Chapter 160 The Fake Revealed

3000

Finished

Trevor, visibly impressed, sighed. “I’ve heard that some craftsmen today are skilled at forging age. They use modern paper to copy ancient art, then forge seals and inscriptions. But this–this was eye–opening.”

He turned to Scarlett with rare warmth. “Your analysis methods are fresh and insightful. If you’re willing. would youe to the museum after the banquet? I’d love to speak more with you.”

Trevor–the famously aloof schr–was now speaking gently, even humbly.

The entire room stood stunned.

b。 /b