Chapter 182
Chapter 182:
Johnny let out a resigned sigh. “My grandmother’s a collector. She recently wanted to donate a set of ancient jewelry to the museum. It’s said to be a thousand years old, but the museum’s expert says it’s fake. We’ve invited other appraisers, and they all agreed — it’s a counterfeit p>
Rylie tilted her head. “How much did she pay for it p>
“Twenty million dollars,” Johnny replied.
Gasps filled the room. Even Rylie blinked in disbelief.
No wonder Johnny had come to her again — this wasn’t just about pride. It was about a twenty-million-dollar mistake.
Paola couldn’t help herself. “Johnny, this IS a professional matter. If all the experts say it’s fake, what can Rylie possibly do? She’s not a magician or something, unable to turn a fake into a real one p>
Johnny looked directly at Rylie. “After what happened at the Buckley family’s gala, I believe in your judgment. You clearly know your craft. I’d really appreciate it if you’d take another look p>
Rylie gave a slight nod. “Alright. Let’s go p>
Johnny turned with her. “Let’s go p>
Isabella suddenly stepped in front of the door and shouted, “Mr. Reid, have you had too much to drink? The news about Rylie plagiarizing Paola’s sheet music is everywhere. She’s done it before! And the jewelry appraisal at the gala? That was just luck. Don’t trust her p>
Johnny’s expression turned cold. His voice dropped. “I’ll judge right and wrong for myself.” He stared at Isabella, his tone biting. “Besides, I don’t remember inviting you. Paola insisted on bringing you p>
Isabella turned pale.
Johnny looked at Paola next. “Please keep your friends in check. She’s rude and lacks basic manners. Don’t bring her next time p>
Isabella stood frozen, stunned speechless. Paola’s face turned stiff with embarrassment.
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Rylie went along with Johnny as he returned to the Reid estate.
The manor stood by the bay, built entirely from white marble. Sapphire mosaics stretched across the domed ceilings, creating ripples that resembled waves frozen in stone.
As they stepped into the main hall, the chandelier above scattered light in every direction. The reflections danced across the walls, giving the room the appearance of a palace beneath the sea.
Paintings lined the hall, each depicting a different cargo ship once owned by the Reid family. Every canvas told a part of their long-standing maritime legacy.
“My grandmother’s waiting in the treasure room,” said Johnny as he walked beside her down a quiet corridor. Beyond the windows, a row of private yachts shimmered in the moonlight, docked neatly just beyond the glass.
Inside the room, an older woman with silver hair let out a quiet sigh as she stared at a locked safe.
The moment she noticed Rylie, her dull gaze turned clear. “Is this the girl who pointed out the Buckley heirloom was fake? Please, sit down p>
Rylie returned the greeting politely, though something inside the safe had caught her eye. Inside sat a set of jewels, old and valuable. At the center was a rare ruby, its deep red glow pulsing under the light like a beating heart.