Chapter 183
Chapter 183:
“That’s the one,” she murmured.
Hulda reached inside carefully. “The appraisers said the gem’s cut was too modern. They insisted it was fake p>
Rylie slipped on a pair of gloves and grabbed a magnifying glass. She leaned in, studying every line and angle. Her finger drifted over the stone’s surface and stopped where the edge dipped slightly.
“This isn’t fake,” she said without hesitation. “It’s genuine. And it’s worth a great deal p>
The older woman’s hands shook, and her cup dropped to the floor. “Real? But they were all so sure this is fake p>
“They made an error,” said Rylie, lifting the ruby toward the light. “Look here. You’ll see tiny processing marks, but they weren’t made with modern tools. They’re from a lost technique used by the Osmond family. They were famous for restoring art pieces centuries ago. People who don’t know that history will misread it p>
She continued, “The Bocross craftsmen — masters in their time — were the ones who developed this cutting method to restore damaged heirlooms. The knowledge didn’t survive, which is why modern experts confuse it with forgery p>
As she explained, Johnny couldn’t take his eyes off her. Her poise, her mind, the way she moved — everything about her held him still.
Across the room, Hulda noticed the way her grandson looked at Rylie and immediately understood what he was thinking.
After finishing her explanation, Rylie looked up and softly asked, “Any questions left p>
Hulda exhaled in relief. “I knew I wasn’t wrong to trust my instincts. This piece is irreplaceable. But how could someone your age see what even the experts missed p>
Rylie gave a faint smile. “I read a lot. I’ve also spent years learning about jewelry. That helps. And this kind of piece needs to stay at a steady twenty degrees Celsius. Your vault mixes artifacts that require different storage conditions. It’s safer to keep them apart p>
Before anyone could respond, a voice came from the doorway. “Madam, the appraiser from Crolens Museum is here p>
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Hulda smiled warmly at Rylie and explained calmly, “Some folks from Okvale Museum said this was a fake. They even offered to discard it for me. I refused. I brought it home, planning to get another opinion from Crolens. My grandson then suggested inviting you too. I hope you won’t take that the wrong way, Miss Rylie p>
Rylie nodded. “No offense taken. It’s smart to get more than one opinion p>
Hulda turned to the servant and asked them to bring the appraiser inside.
The man who entered looked close to eighty and carried himself like someone who had spent decades in museum work. His expertise in antique jewelry was evident.
He took his time examining the gem under a magnifying glass, speaking quietly with Rylie as he worked.
Eventually, he straightened up, his tone certain. “Those folks from Okvale have no idea what they’re talking about. This is the real deal. If you ever want to donate it, our museum would be honored p>
A content smile crossed Hulda’s face. “That was my plan. My grandson will bring it over for you p>