Chapter 107 Corrine’s
Ordeal Was Far From Over
Gloria’s voice cut through the tension once more. “Miss Holland, do you even understand what kind of establishment Timeless Treasures is? Tossing its name around like that–aren’t you worried you’ll lose your place in Lyhaton?”
Another relative chimed in almost immediately, saying, “Since you claim to have ties to Timeless Treasures, why don’t you show us some proof? Until then, why should we believe you?”
“Buying a fake and trying to pass it off as genuine, then dragging Timeless Treasures into your web of lies–have you no shame?” someone added, their tone sharp with derision.
Timeless Treasures was no ordinary name. Its reputation was legendary. Despite changing owners several times, the mystery surrounding its true proprietor only added to its prestige. Even the president of the Antique Association deferred to them, a testament to their power in Lyhaton.
Another voice sneered, “Miss Holland, if you’re going to fabricate a story, at least make it plausible. Do you really think we’re that gullible?”
Seated at the head of the table, Farris clutched his cane with such force that his knuckles turned white. The intricate carving seemed to gleam under his iron grip, as though he might polish it smooth through sheer tension. “Corrine,” he began, his voice heavy with unease. “It doesn’t matter if the item is real or fake. I won’t hold it against you. But please, just tell the truth.”
This was supposed to be his birthday celebration, yet what should have been a joyous occasion had devolved into a debacle. Rita had seized the opportunity to fan the flames, and now the situation was spiraling beyond his control.
If he would let it slide, the Ashton family would become the subject of ridicule once word got out.
After weighing his options, Farris could only hope that Corrine would admit to a mistake, even if it meant bearing undue humiliation.
Just as Corrine looked up, preparing to respond, Bruce’s voice sliced through the rising tension. “Today is my grandfather’s birthday. Whether what you brought is real or fake, you’ve disrupted his celebration. You owe him an apology!”
The command in his tone was impossible to ignore, yet Corrine met his gaze unflinchingly.
Her lips curled into a faint, mocking smile. “I’ve disrupted his celebration? Bruce, just because you’re choosing to ignore the truth doesn’t mean the rest of us are blind!”
Those gathered exchanged uneasy glances. They all understood the root of the chaos- the Ashton family’s relentless accusations.
Still, the family’s status in Lyhaton left most of the guests too wary to voice their thoughts.
Diego, his voice hesitant but audible, suggested, “Miss Holland, if you really are affiliated with Timeless Treasures, couldn’t you provide some proof?”
Surely, if she had evidence, it would settle the matter and defuse the tension.
To everyone’s shock, Corrine responded with calm indifference, “I don’t have it.”
Diego blinked, visibly startled.
He couldn’t fathom how someone could be so unwaveringly confident in such a precarious position.
An uneasy silence descended, stretching uncomfortably, until a commanding voice shattered it. “The Ashton family home appears to be filled with vigor today.”
Heads turned as an elderly man in a neatly pressed gray suit entered at a measured pace.
In his left hand, he rolled a bead bracelet between his fingers, while his right hand remained tucked neatly behind his back. His slightly gray hair and polite smile softened his features, but the sharp glint in his eyes betrayed his keen intellect.
Diego quickly rose from his seat, his demeanor shifting to one of respect. “It’s an honor to have you here.”
Someone nearby whispered, “Who is that man?”
The reply came in a hushed, reverent tone. “You don’t know Donnelly, the renowned antique collector?” The voice faltered slightly with excitement. “He’s the consultant for
Timeless Treasures!”
The person who asked the question gasped, “The Timeless Treasures?”
They exchanged uneasy glances, a flicker of pity crossing their faces.
It seemed clear that Corrine’s ordeal was far from over.
