A flash of panic could be seen in the young woman's eyes.

She was not Vespera.

Her name was Lina Young, and she was an ordinary appraiser from a pawnshop overseas.

Even if she trained for another twenty years, she would likely never reach Vespera's level.

However, with so many people watching her, she dared not admit her true identity.

“What nonsense are you saying? Of course, I am. The necklace is authentic, so isn't that enough to prove that I am Vespera? Why would they invite an impostor here?”

A smile crept across Bailey's face as she nodded and agreed, “You're right. By the way, the Museum of Hallsbay just posted a notice the other day. They are expecting a batch of national treasures to be shipped in from abroad, and they need a renowned appraiser to appraise those relics. Since you're a top expert in the field, I'm sure you'll take the task, right?”

Lina shuddered involuntarily at Bailey's words.

Can I take the job? But what if the real Vespera appears after word gets out? I will become the laughingstock of the entire world!

“I...”

“Since Master Vespera has returned to the country, she will surely agree to take the task,” the pawnshop executive at the side chimed in.

Next, he shot Lina a look.

Don't you mess around! If you dare reveal that I asked you to pretend to be Vespera, I won't let you off the hook!

Intimidated by the man's threatening glare, Lina could not bring herself to say anything else. She steeled herself and said, “You're flattering me, Ms. Jefferson. I'm just one among the many talented appraisers in this world. There are countless people who are more capable than me. Nevertheless, if Cultural Relics Bureau needs my help, I am more than willing to offer my service.”

“That's great.”

Bailey gazed at her intently before turning around to Artemis. “Let's leave after paying. I don't want to disrupt the auction.”

Just then, a plump middle-aged man rushed out from backstage.

He was the boss of Auro Pawnshop. While everything was transpiring earlier, he was getting it on with a C-list celebrity in the suite next door.

When he got a call from his assistant and found out that Artemis showed up and even mentioned acquiring Auro Pawnshop in his anger, he was scared witless.

In an instant, he lost the mood to fool around with the woman he picked up and immediately got dressed to head toward the venue.

“M-Mr. Luther, I heard that your wife had her eye on Beauty's Tear and made a winning bid for it. This is truly Auro Pawnshop's honor! Please keep the necklace. As for the payment... I'll shoulder it.”

Without giving it a thought, Artemis accepted his offer. “Sure, as you wish.”

Uh...

Artemis shoved the box into his pocket unceremoniously and strode out of the venue with his arm around Bailey's shoulder.

The boss glared at the assistant beside him and questioned in a low voice, “How much did she bid for this necklace?”

“Six... Six hundred million,” answered the assistant cautiously as he gulped.

Six hundred million?

The boss widened his eyes in disbelief.

That's enough to acquire a pawnshop!

“It's six hundred million in Anglandurn currency, which means you'll have to pay almost four billion in our currency,” the assistant added, adding salt to the wound.

The boss gasped and clutched his chest. Unable to cope with the shock, he eventually collapsed with his eyes rolled over.

Behind the stage, Lina was talking to the executive with a troubled expression.

“Mr. Watson, I can't do this. I can pose as Vespera and help you fool the buyers, but I'll be exposed if you make me deal with those cultural relics!” she complained.

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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