The crowd exchanged bewildered glances. They could not understand why Andrew had wasted time asking such obvious questions about the bowls' value. "Are you done wasting time? Can you tell which is real now?" Orion asked impatiently. Without answering, Andrew casually tossed the bowl in his left hand into the air. Aspen shouted angrily, "Andrew, what are you doing? Can you afford to replace a million-dollar piece?" Before she finished speaking, the bowl crashed to the ground, shattering into pieces. The spectators stared in disbelief, wondering if the pressure had made him lose his mind. Elsie was overwhelmed and could only manage to stutter, "Mr. Lloyd, you—" "If it were real, I'd have to pay for it, right?" Andrew asked calmly. "Well, that's obvious," Elsie replied, distressed. Andrew let out a relieved sigh. "Good thing I broke the fake one." The crowd was stunned. Some whispered about Andrew's unorthodox authentication method, while others bet he was just bluffing

When Andrew approached Orion, the latter thought he was ready to give up. Orion said smugly, "Kid, it's time to learn your lesson." Andrew simply replied, "I know whether it's real or fake. Get ready to kneel before me," Orion retorted, "Then prove it. Is it real or fake? Announce it." "Andrew, it's real! This old fox is playing mind games. He wants you to overthink it!" The experts in the crowd agreed. They had faced Orion before and knew his tricky methods. Since the fake was already revealed, they reasoned, this had to be authentic. However, Andrew suddenly smashed the second bowl to pieces. The crowd stood frozen in shock, wondering how he could destroy what might have been a million-dollar piece. "You fell for Orion's trap," Elsie muttered in dismay. Francesca was extremely disappointed. If she had known, she would have tried to dissuade Andrew. Cedric grumbled, "Orion, you're so cruel." Aspen emerged from the crowd, smirking. "Andrew, reaching a tie with Mr. Kel

The crowd, stirred up by Aspen's accusations, began to eye Andrew again with suspicion. If he had really cheated by colluding with the owner, it would be a scandal of epic proportions. Andrew remained unfazed and responded calmly, "I thanked the owner, but not because he told me which piece was genuine." "In fact, I don't even know this man," he continued, his tone light yet firm. "If anything, I'd say this seller is more likely to be Mr. Kelce's acquaintance." Orion's face darkened, his teeth clenched tightly as he stayed silent. Aspen's heart skipped a beat. Could Andrew's claim be true? Was the owner actually on Orion's side? If that were the case, her earlier accusations would make no sense. After all, there was no reason for someone to align with Orion to help Andrew cheat. Elsie stepped forward with a calm but serious expression. "Mr. Cooper, as one of the event organizers, we have access to your background. "You're from Bridgefields, correct? And from what we know,

Aspen's face darkened, and she could not help but step in. "Andrew, let it go. Think about it—Mr. Kelce is someone of his age and stature, and you're… well, you're not. Forcing him to kneel is just risking your own life." Andrew's tone was calm as he replied, "I'm not worried. I'm built tough. I'd gladly accept it if he kneels and begs before me." Aspen clenched her fists in anger and retorted, "Andrew, do you realize what you're risking? Mr. Kelce commands the loyalty of thousands in Bridgefields. Not only is he respected in the antique community there, but he also has powerful connections in martial arts circles. Are you ready for the retaliation that's bound to come your way if you force him to kneel today?" Andrew let out a cold laugh. "Aspen, I see what you're trying to do. You're just trying to get him off the hook. And you're threatening me with Bridgefields' big shots and antique tycoons? Whether I'm afraid or not is one thing, but do you think these Jayrodale folks here

Andrew smiled. "Don't mention it. I didn't do much for Dr. Aicker anyway. That relic just seemed to have a natural connection with him." Elsie stood quietly to the side, observing Andrew with subtle interest. Her thoughts churned as she wondered to herself, 'Could a man like this truly exist? Someone so composed, charming, and effortlessly skilled in everything he does?' From his demeanor and words to his charisma and even his looks, Andrew checked every box for Elsie. She had to admit he had a magnetic pull on her, yet she felt a pang of disappointment. No matter what she did, her charm did not catch his attention at all. Just then, a staff member whispered something in Elsie's ear, and she hesitated for a moment before speaking up. "Mr. Lloyd, the Jayrodale Antiques Association would like to invite you to join as a member. Are you interested?" Andrew instinctively wanted to decline. He was never one to care about club memberships, VIP titles, or committee positions. Those