Chapter 182: I Had to Destroy It

Beth remained silent, biting her lip, as Emma exclaimed, "That azure porcelain vase was from the Gatling?"

Mia's alluring eyes met Emma's with a hint of coldness. "Oh, Ms. Holland, you didn't know? I have plenty at home."

Emma, speechless, felt choked up. She'd already been outdone by Mia over the pen, and now Beth's auctioned vase seemed connected to her as well.

Maggie glanced at the displeased Beth and said frankly, "What's wrong, Ms. Bray? Did you think I wanted the vase? Unfortunately, what I really wanted was this music score manuscript." Maggie held up the manuscript, meeting Beth's gaze. This only fueled Beth's anger, as she was the one who had auctioned the manuscript. Despite possessing the item Maggie desired, Beth felt swindled and had lost a large sum.

"Beth… isn't this manuscript yours…?" Emma began, her words trailing off.

Beth, suffocated and frustrated, felt her heart tremble with anger. A radiant smile spread across Maggie's face as she feigned surprise. "Ah, Ms. Bray," she remarked with manufactured sincerity. "It turns out you entrusted the item for auction. That explains the reasonable price."

"I didn't realize Mr. Caleb was so close to you, Ms. Adam," Beth muttered, suppressing her anger, her face betraying her emotions.

How had Maggie managed this? She'd entangled herself with Nathael and Ericko, and now Leo. It was infuriating!

Leo's demeanor was distant and cool. His silver-rimmed glasses tempered his inherent rebelliousness and roguishness, giving him an air of aloof warmth. This contradictory yet harmonious aura made it difficult to view this rising star of the Calebs as ordinary. Leo stared at Beth, his eyes cold and devoid of warmth.

"Ms. Bray, you seem unaware of many things. Next time, if you want to know something, simply call and ask," he said, his words eliciting an involuntary chuckle from Mia. Mia thought she had been clever, but Leo had surpassed her. His serious tone made him impossible to fault. It was like punching a pillow—the anger didn't dissipate; instead, it intensified.

Beth laughed bitterly, her face hardening. "Ms. Adam, you probably didn't know that I auctioned this music manuscript."

Chapter 182: I Had to Destroy It

Maggie looked at her indifferently. "So?"

"According to the auction house rules, once payment is successful, sold items cannot be reclaimed unless there are authenticity or quality issues," Leo stated slowly, his meaning clear.

Beth nodded. "That's right, but I suddenly remembered a potential problem with the manuscript." She turned to Emma. "Get the auction manager. Tell them I demand a re-examination of this music score manuscript."

Emma nodded. Soon, the auction manager and appraiser arrived, ushering Leo, Maggie, and Beth's group into a private lounge.

"No need for the trouble. Let's just talk here," Beth said firmly.

"Ms. Bray, you mentioned a potential problem with the auctioned manuscript. Please elaborate," the auction manager asked calmly.

Maggie's eyes were sharp; she sensed Beth's intentions. While the auction house didn't allow returns, they valued their reputation and would never allow problematic or counterfeit items to leave. Currently, there was no problem, but Beth likely planned to tamper with it.

"Yes, I suddenly remembered my nephew accidentally spilled whiskey on the table where the manuscript lay. I didn't notice at the time, but I now recall part of the score seeming blurry… I'm unsure if the notes are out of order," Beth said, her gaze fixed on Maggie, a hint of triumphant satisfaction in her eyes.

(Internal monologue) Heh. Does Maggie really think I'm helpless with Leo supporting her? How ridiculous! I've already spent 45 million; a few hundred thousand more is insignificant. The more Maggie wants it, the more I want to destroy it! I won't let her have her way.

Maggie knew the best course of action was to accept the item and explain to the manager, but she also knew the manager wouldn't agree. The auction house valued reputation above all else; it was a long-term game. Regardless of her promises, the house would proceed cautiously. They would never allow problematic items to leave and wouldn't tolerate threats or defamation. With Beth's accusations preceding hers, the auction house would conduct a thorough examination.

Two experts, wearing gloves, had begun inspecting the manuscript.

(Time stamp: 15:34 Wed, 22 May)

Chapter 182: I Had to Destroy It

The manager looked at Beth. "Thank you for your honesty, Ms. Bray. However, are you sure the manuscript was contaminated by whiskey?"

Beth said apologetically, "I'm really not sure. You'll need to verify it. I just spoke with Ms. Adam and learned how much she values this manuscript, so I…"

Beth approached the experts. "How's it going? Any problems?"

"At the moment, no whiskey stains are apparent, but further examination is needed. There are discrepancies in the notes, but it's unclear if this is due to whiskey or if it's a traced copy…"

The experts explained. Beth looked at Maggie. "I see. What should we do? This manuscript is very important to Ms. Adam."

Maggie felt her heart sink. She formulated a countermeasure, but before she could act, Beth picked up a glass from the table and poured its contents directly onto the manuscript.

"Ms. Bray!" the auction manager exclaimed, rushing forward.

Maggie looked disappointed. She'd anticipated Beth's intention, but couldn't prevent it. Watching the manuscript soak in red wine was heartbreaking. Kevin would be furious—perhaps even have a heart attack.

Beth, no longer concealing her intentions, smiled at the manager. "I'm sorry. I wasn't sure about the manuscript's condition, but the Brays don't do uncertain things. So I had to destroy it. Ms. Adam, I'll refund your money in full, including the auction house fees. Nobody loses; I just hope you're not too disappointed."

Beth smiled at Maggie. Her gloomy expression brightened, revealing an indescribable sense of satisfaction.