Serena’s argument was well–structured and convincing.
Even Alistair couldn’t help but feel a flicker of doubt. “Celly, I remember your grandfather never painted in this style. Are you sure you didn’t bring the wrong piece?”
Celestine shook her head. “I didn’t make a mistake. This is a gift from me. The one from my grandfather is separate.”
A triumphant sneer curled Elena’s lips. “Aha! So you admit it–the painting is a fake! Honestly, I can’t believe your nerve. Of all days, you pick today to pull a stunt like this? Even as someone outside the family, I can’t stand by and watch. Mr. Caffrey has always despised people parading his forgeries around as the real thing. If word gets out that you tried to pass off a fake at such an important event, he’d be livid!”
She lifted her teacup, glaring at Celestine as if she were some criminal caught red–handed.
Serena’s face was tight with disapproval. “Sister–in–law, even if you’re desperate to impress Grandfather, you shouldn’t stoop so low. The Fordham family has always provided for you–you’ve never gone without. How could you repay us like this? No one in our family has ever been so vain or deceitful!”
She felt a rush of satisfaction. Yesterday, she’d been scolded at length by Grandfather because of the whole incident with Raymond falling into the lake. If it weren’t for Celestine, this family would have been just fine! She’d been waiting for this troublemaker to slip up for ages. There was no way she’d let this chance pass. Yet, despite their accusations, Celestine’s expression didn’t change in the slightest.
“Let me take a look. I’ve got years of experience in art appraisal–I’ll be able to tell right away if it’s real or not.”
A middle–aged man stepped forward, guided to the painting by the crowd.
At first his eyes lit up, but then his expression changed. He leaned in and sniffed the painting, his frown deepening.
.d
“The paint here is fresh–clearly a recent touch–up, probably within the last three months. Whoever copied this painting has real skill. If not for the new pigme be nearly indistinguishable from the real thing. Miss Selwyn, if you don’t mind, I’d be interested in buying this piece. What do you say?”
20-22
Chapter 157
He lifted his chin, a trace of arrogance in his eyes.
“And what are you offering?”
“Fifty thousand,” he replied, holding up five fingers.
Though Mr. Caffrey is still alive, his original works are vanishingly rare–each one worth a fortune. Even if this vineyard piece went to auction, it would fetch at least five million. There was no way he’d ever get his hands on the real thing, but this–well, maybe it wasn’t even a fake after all. For that price, it was a steal.
“Sorry, it’s not for sale,” Celestine said, withdrawing her gaze.
“You-! Why keep a forgery? Don’t tell me you still plan to give this to Alistair!” The man was clearly losing his temper.
Alistair shot him a sidelong look. “That’s enough. This painting was a gesture from Celly, and I’m sure she’s just been misled by so–called experts. I’ll keep it as a token of her thoughtfulness. You can drop the matter.”
Chastened, the man murmured his apologies and withdrew.
Serena could hardly contain herself. “Grandfather, how can you just let this go? She tried to trick you with a fake painting! You always said you hated forgeries!*
“Everyone makes mistakes. If she didn’t know, she’s not to blame,” Alistair replied firmly.
“Grandfather, I have another gift for you,” Celestine said softly.
Elena gave a short, scornful laugh. “Let me guess–this is just something you grabbed at the last minute after your fake was exposed, isn’t it?”
