Female Novel
Chapter 496
Holden held his forehead.
After keeping his promise to return control of Zaewora to the Hoffman family, he never expected themto strike back in an attempt to wipe out Tarragon's influence there.
“Mr. Lewitt, shall we head to Zaewora? The Hoffman family has gone too far. Now that they have yet tostabilize their presence, we can use the opportunity to take back Zaewora and annihilate them onceand for all.”
When Holden's gaze fell upon Wendy, the wry smile she was wearing caused him to reply with a frown,“You should head out first. Let me consider our options.”
As the black-clad lady threw the pathetic-looking Wendy a glance, she reminded him through hergreeted teeth, “Mr. Lewitt, this woman is a daughter of the Hoffman family and used to be its heir.Considering the bad blood between Tarragon and the Hoffman family, your close relationship with herwill only bring you disaster.”
Giving her the side-eye, Holden asserted, “Don't stick your nose into my business. Now, get out!”
“But...”
“Out!”
Once the woman was gone, Wendy held her arm as she gradually sat down.
Looking up at Holden, she remarked in a hoarse voice, “Even though I have been kicked out of the
Hoffman family, their blood still courses through my veins. There's no way I'm going to allow anyone toharm them. Holden, if you insist on taking on the Hoffman family, you had better be prepared to feel mywrath. At the end of it, no one will survive unscathed.”
After throwing her a brief yet intent look, Holden walked to the door and reassured her, “Give me sometime. I'll deal with this properly without putting you in a difficult position.”
Wendy responded with silence.
The next day, the Museum of Hallsbay organized a grand event to determine the authenticity of theemerald seal a second time.
This time, the organizers invited many experts from all over the world to determine whether the sealwas genuine.
In spite of that, Lina wasn't concerned at all.
What difference will more specialists make? How are they going to authenticate the emerald seal whennone of them has seen the real one before? When the time comes, they, too, will bow down to pressureand take my side by declaring that the seal is genuine. As for Bailey, I can't wait to see the dejectedlook on her face. After all, there's no way she can produce the real emerald seal in just a few days. Ifshe dares show herself and steal the limelight from me today, I'll kick her out of the museum and sendher straight to prison!
“Ladies and gentlemen, a few days ago, there have been doubts among the public over the authenticityof the emerald seal. In order to allay your concerns, we have invited the world's top ten antique
appraisers to examine it. Once they have determined that the seal is genuine, I hope that all the rumorsof the contrary will be put to rest. Spreading them is disrespectful to both the national treasure and ouresteemed ancestors.”
No sooner had the museum curator spoken than everyone present expressed their support andagreement.
With that, the appraisers began their work.
They closely examined the red emerald for more than half an hour become coming to a conclusion. novelbin
One of the specialists declared, “Our findings indicate that this red emerald is real. Those who doubt itmust be harboring ill intent. Therefore, I hope that all of you do not believe in the malicious rumors thatdisparage the emerald seal.”
Another elderly expert added, “Exactly. This emerald seal is indeed genuine. After going through anofficial examination, there is no mistake. Please rest assured that our national treasure has trulyreturned to our hands.”
While speaking, the old expert began shedding tears of joy.
Moved by the sight, everyone began to believe that the red emerald was indeed the emerald seal.
“I trust the experts' judgments. It must be genuine if they say it is.”
“That's right. We shouldn't doubt the heritage of Chanaea.”
“Where's Bailey? After brazenly proclaiming that the emerald was a fake, where is she now?”
“She's probably too ashamed to show herself, but we have not forgotten her audacious claims.”
“She had better not assume that she wouldn't be held accountable for her baseless accusation. Foralmost sullying Master Vespera's reputation, she deserves to be punished.”
“You're right. That's exactly what she deserves.”
“Are you really sure that the emerald is authentic?”
The very next second, an icy female voice rang out from the back of the stage, heralding Bailey'sentrance from the shadows.
Raising her brows at the ten elderly experts, she wore a smirk on her face as a cold glint flashedacross her eyes.
“It's understandable that growing old will cloud your judgments. My advice to you is to reexamine yourevaluation. Otherwise, your reputation will be ruined in your ripe old age. The red emerald is, after all,the legacy of an entire people and shouldn't be trifled with. If your wrong judgment causes the real redemerald to be left in the hands of others, you would have committed the greatest betrayal to ourpeople.”
After being momentarily stunned, the elderly expert who spoke earlier snapped, “You ignorant fool!What basis do you have to claim that the red emerald is a fake? Do you have any evidence to back itup?”
“Exactly. Anyone of us here possesses experience that's vastly greater than yours. I'm afraid you can'tafford to bear the consequences of not knowing your place.”
Cocking a brow, Bailey sneered, “It looks like you won't admit your mistake until it's too late.”
The next moment, she retrieved a box from her pocket and placed it in front of the cameras.
“Take a good look at it. I paid a fortune to purchase this from a collector yesterday. Why don't youexamine it and tell me whether my emerald or the one you're holding is the real thing?”
As countless gazes concentrated on the box, they were greeted by the sight of an ancient emerald thatwas covered in a crimson hue.
It really is an ancient emerald!
Even through the screens, one could feel the intense aura exuded by it.
“Quick, look at the ancient words that are emblazoned within the emerald. It's clear that they wereformed naturally, unlike the previous emerald where the words were engraved upon it.”
“Also, the color of this emerald is a lot more vibrant than the previous one. Just based on the surfacealone, it is a significantly superior piece.”
“Can the emerald Bailey brought be the real one?”
“From the looks of it, it should be.”
Gradually getting up from her chair, Lina glared at Bailey as she retorted, “No wonder you wanted threedays' time. It turns out that you have used it to create this fake emerald. Bailey, you're currentlysomeone respected in the international community. How can you resort to producing imitations?”
“A fake?” Bailey scoffed. “Are you saying that this isn't genuine?”
“Three days ago, you claimed that this emerald is a fake. And now, you produced one that looksexactly the same. What else can it be other than an imitation? Bailey, I'm well aware of your resentmentfor me, but you can't resort to such despicable methods just because of that.”