Chapter 43: The Setup

The murmur of disbelief echoed around, "Who in their right mind would...?" "$50,000 for a fake painting? Someone's burning money." "I recognize him! That's the guy who married into the Mitchells! Rumor has it, he's a country bumpkin." "To think he'd dare show his face around Antique Street instead of tending to Sophie Mitchell." The chatter was endless. "Henry Carson," Rowan Erickson interjected, genuine concern in her voice, "are you out of your mind? Elder Miller, a connoisseur, deemed it a forgery! Why splurge on that?" Henry, with a glint in his eye, said, "If none of you see its worth, I do. Perfect gift for Sophie's grandfather." Jordan Cooper smirked, "Country folk, always seeing treasures in trash." "Do you know how many antique collectors made their fortunes finding gems in the so-called trash?" Henry shot back calmly. Jordan was left sputtering, lost for words. The ever-arrogant David Miller stepped in, "Young man, no matter who you are or how much money you have, t