Seeing that the transaction was complete and that the bargain deal had been taken, the other collectors all excused themselves and left.

As for Ian, once he had bagged the bronze sculpture, he nodded at Raymond. "I apologize for leaving early, Mr. Cole, but I must return to Eastcliff. However, you can contact me again should you pick up another treasure. I'm quite a spendthrift, and I pay up right away if the item is good and the price is right."

Raymond smiled. "Very well. I shall contact you first the next time I get something good."

Ian nodded and was ready to leave with his two friends when Trippy chased after them.

"Please, Mr. Cash!" He cried urgently, his anxiety overcoming him. "You shouldn't buy that! It's a forgery!"

Ian frowned at him. "Are you trying to sabotage Mr. Cole? Aren't you supposed to be his friend?"

"Hell, no!" Trippy promptly replied. "I'm no friend of his—I'm just here to watch, but I didn't think he dared to trick you for 20 million! I can't bear to see