“Yes, Wade's artworks have endured varying degrees of damage over the years. It's implausible for them to be so well-preserved," added an elderly gentleman from a wealthy family.

A faint sense of satisfaction graced Marlene's expression.

In the realm of the affluent and influential, gifting a well-executed forgery was the epitome of humiliation.

"I apologize to everyone. My cousin's limited knowledge of paintings led to this confusion. She meant well. Mr. Richard Harris, I apologize on her behalf." Marlene addressed the crowd with a helpless tone.

Her composed and generous demeanor only made Lilah appear more out of place.

The crowd's disdainful glances toward Lilah grew stronger.

It seemed she lacked the refinement for high society, falling short even when compared to her cousin.

“Sorry, but what I have is genuine," Lilah stated calmly.

"Really, Lilah, after all this, can't you just apologize?" Marlene pressed, hiding a smirk. She relished the thought of Lilah being humiliated in front of the Harris family.

“It's really odd. This painting should show some wear, yet it's in perfect condition," the elderly gentleman who spoke earlier added.

Marlene sighed in frustration. “Lilah, the forgery is too apparent.”

“No, this is authentic," the elderly gentleman suddenly interjected.

The crowd was stunned by his assertion.

This elderly gentleman's expertise in art was well known. If he deemed it genuine, it must be so.

But how?

Lilah had bought it off the street.

"I told you, it's real. I restored it myself," Lilah replied with composure.

The revelation left everyone dumbfounded, their astonishment evident.

Marlene couldn't believe it. Restoring cultural relics was no easy feat, especially without leaving any trace. Was Lilah truly capable of such a feat?

The elderly gentleman's eyes, however, lit up with interest. "Really? that's incredible! Who taught you?"

Lilah reminisced about her grandfather introducing her to seasoned scholars. "My grandfather arranged the introductions. I don't recall their names."

"Then you must be exceptionally talented! This is remarkable! I haven't seen anyone restore art so skillfully! May I have your contact? It would be great to connect. And where exactly did you find this painting at the antique market? Do you have expertise in antique art?" the elderly gentleman asked eagerly, as if he had found a kindred spirit.

To those with even a modest understanding of cultural relics, the elderly gentleman's reaction was understandable.

Marlene and Laura were stunned by the sudden turn of events. Lilah had bought a painting for a mere eighty thousand, only for it to be authentic and expertly restored by her, drawing the crowd's full attention.