From Ashes to Queen: Now I Call the Shots novel Chapter 160

Chapter 160 The Fake Revealed

Scarlett stared at the painting–specifically the unnaturally vibrant green in the robes of the river goddess- and without hesitation, scoffed.

“If this is an authentic piece, then it must be a joke

A murmur swept through the room.

Was she… calling it a fake?

Impossible.

Had she lost her mind?

These people had gone out of their way to help her, and she was turning on them? Tearing down their gesture in front of everyone? What a waste of the Joyner family’s so–called goodwill.

The room fell silent, so quiet that you could hear the flicker of candle flames.

Even Sophia and Owen, despite their rising anxiety, didn’t interrupt. They trusted Scarlett instinctively, even if it drove them to the brink of a nervous breakdown. And when others looked ready to rebuke her, one cold glance from Owen was enough to silence them.

Franklin’s grin froze on his face. A vein twitched at his temple.

Before he could explode, Scarlett beat him to it, her tone biting and cold.

“Oh, how thoughtful of you–to help me with a counterfeit.”

Someone in the crowd couldn’t hold back. “What an ungrateful brat. How could something this exquisite be fake? You really don’t know how to appreciate kindness.”

Martha immediately put on her most pitiful expression, looking like she’d just been wronged by the entire world.

Scarlett’s gaze swept over the crowd, cool and unbothered.

“Well then, since today is such a festive occasion, why don’t we settle a few accounts while we’re at it?”

She stepped forward, her fingertip hovering just above the skirt of the river goddess in the painting.

“I’m sure many of you have seen the museum copy of the ‘Admonitions of the Instructress Scroll.‘ The true style, both in linework and color, is utterly free of excess flair.”

She pointed next to the waistline, where a pocket watch was faintly visible.

“Here, ochre was used as the base, layered over with azurite. It pretends to follow traditional techniques, but this is a glaring error. That era had no such layering method. This ‘triple–stacked pigment‘ technique clearly mimics Yuan dynasty practices–it’s a clumsy imitation.”

Each word rang with precision. The evidence was clear and unshakable.

Faces among the crowd–especially those of seasoned collectors–grew serious.

The commotion eventually attracted the attention of the museum director. Hearing Scarlett’s analysis, he

Chapter 160 The Fake Revealed

stepped forward to examine the painting himself. One of his students, Morgan, leaned in and said. The paper grain shows seven curtain marks–this is clearly hemp paper.”

Director Trevor gave the scroll a long look, then slowly shook his head.

“Miss Scarlett, would you be willing to explain in more detail?” His eyes were full of admiration, already calculating how to reserve a spot for her as his apprentice.

Martha, on the other hand, was nearly trembling with fury. “Scarlett, don’t say things you’ll regret! This is the museum director you’re speaking to. If he hasn’t said anything’s wrong, don’t make a fool of yourself.

Oliver frowned. “If you don’t like this one, we can find another. There’s no need to show off.”

Franklin’s expression was frosty. “Clearly, I didn’t raise her properly–she’s turned into an attention–seeking

brat.”

“Silence!” Trevor snapped, his patience at its limit. “Did I ask any of you to speak? Haven’t your grade school teachers taught you basic manners–don’t interrupt when others are talking?”

Laughter broke out around the room.

Trevor held enormous clout. Even being scolded by him was a rare honor. Franklin and the others flushed white, then green, teeth grinding in humiliation.

Martha clenched her fists. “Let’s see what this wretched girl can come up with now,” she muttered, praying for Scarlett to fall flat on her face.

Scarlett ignored her. She picked up a strip of white silk and gently pressed it to the edge of the scroll.

“Ancient paper was made from mulberry bark–its fibers rough like burlap. But this paper’s uniform, delicate grain is clearly that of modern paper.”

She lifted her gaze to Trevor. “Unless I’m mistaken, real aged paper turns brownish–yellow over time from natural oxidation. This one’s surface, however, is bright and artificially refreshed–clearly aged with tea stains.”

Trevor nodded in approval, unable to hold back a smile. He gave a hearty thumbs–up.

“Young lady, you’re exceptionally knowledgeable. Your authentication skills are top–tier!”

The crowd collectively gasped.

If Trevor said that, it had to be true.

The painting’s authenticity no longer mattered. What mattered now was that Trevor had praised her. That was worth more than any artwork.

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