Chapter 299 Trouble Arises
All the inspecting officials‘ attention shifted to Augustus at Thomas’s outburst.
Caught in the spotlight, Augustus‘ expression changed. He shot Thomas a warning glance before forcing
a smile.
“I understand your anxiety about what’s going on with your family, Thomas. I’ve asked someone to look into it for you. Please wait for me in my office. We can discuss this later. The officials still have matters to attend to after their inspection.”
Thomas was certain that Augustus had noticed the look he threw Calista’s way. The director was
protecting that woman.
Why was he shielding her? She was always the first one Augustus thought about when anything good happened. There must be some kind of sordid connection between them.
In their field, it was always the experienced professionals mentoring the newcomers. Someone Calista’s age, capable of hands–on work, was already an impressive feat.
What qualifications did she have to be graded and involved in such important restoration projects? Thomas was determined to get rid of the very person who violated the industry’s rules.
“This isn’t about what’s going on with me, Mr. Beaumont. My family is fine. Not only did Thomas refuse to back down, he unceremoniously charged forward. “Something has gone wrong with one of Claude’s
restoration projects.”
He glared at Calista with righteous indignation.
“I told you someone as young as she is wouldn’t be able to handle it by herself. But, you refused to believe
- me. Now look at the mess she’s made.”
Calista had been sitting upright as she listened to the official’s instructions. She was currently leaning
back against her chair in a relaxed posture.
She seemed completely indifferent to the subtle glances thrown her way.
She was taken aback at first when Thomas turned to her. But after listening to his accusations, she
remained unfazed.
Augustus had turned green from overwhelming anger. He wanted nothing more than to shut the madman
Enough! There’s a limit to your madness. How dare you speak nonsense in front of the officials? Get out.
“I think you’re just trying to shield her.”
Thomas was as stubborn as a mule
Augustus was about to have someone take the raving madman away when one of the officials spoke up.
“Let him speak. The relics here cannot be reproduced or copied. There can be no room for error. Your reputation will be on the line if this continues”
Since the officials had spoken, Augustus had no choice but to ask, “What happened?”
He sounded impatient. Everyone knew Augustus was genuinely angered. They were certain once the officials were gone, Thomas would soon follow.
“It’s about the diadem from the Celestial Dynasty that Calista had restored. Please come with me and take a look for yourself.”
Augustus glared at him, irritated.
“Couldn’t you have brought it here?”
“I can’t do that. What if they blame me for damaging it?”
So, everyone followed Thomas to see the diadem that he claimed had issues.
Calista wasn’t a newcomer. No one would watch her every move when restoring such a small piece. Hence, even if something went wrong, it wouldn’t be immediately made apparent.
The diadem had only been recently restored and had yet to be handed over. It was stored in her private cabinet in a box labeled with her name.
Calista raised a brow at the sight of her properly locked cabinet having been thrown wide open.
“You pried open my cabinet?”
didn’t think
Thomas had his nose turned up in the air. He there was anything wrong with what he did.
1 received a report that claimed you damaged the artifact. We didn’t want to faisely accuse you of this. So, an inspection was in order,” he said.
He opened the box as he spoke.
Sitting in it was a golden diadem that was vibrant in color. It had intricate craftsmanship and was a show-
dopper. However, its flawless appearance made it look far too new.
I lacked signs of having been buried underground for centuries. Even if someone claimed to have bought
“Everyone
knows that in artifact restoration, we must adhere to three principles Minimal intervention. Restoration materials are restorative and recognizable. And, the item retaining as much of its original state as possible regardless of whether they were incomplete pieces or not. See for yourself. What kind of restoration job is this? Can you still see traces of the artifact here?”
Thomas
words were resolute. He turned to look at Calista, his gaze smug and disdainful. He was itching
to send scum like her on her way.
Augustus couldn’t muster the courage to look at the expressions of the officials beside him.
“You’re not the type to make such a basic mistake, Claude.”
Such errors were typically made by newcomers who had no proper training. They altered the old to make it seem new, causing the item to lose the essence of what made it an artifact.
It was no different from sourcing their materials to make a new piece from scratch.
Calista showed no signs of panic.
“I did indeed restore the golden diadem. But I did it according to the rules. As for why it turned out the way it did, someone had likely tampered with it.”
“Only you have the key to your cabinet. Who could secretly take something away from it for you to not discover it for multiple days?” Thomas pressed on the offensive. “This diadem, as a cultural relic, is ruined. Some wealthy enthusiasts have unusual hobbies. They aren’t fans of the news. They love relics. found in tombs. You’ve been taking private restoration projects for years. You must have connections.”
“Let’s check the security cams then.”
Calista didn’t hold out hope. It was unlikely that there would be any traces for her to find when the one responsible for the farce was using such blatant methods to frame her.
Sure enough, the person sent to check the surveillance footage returned with a grim expression.
The footage from a few days ago is gone for some reason. The security personnel only just noticed it. They’re currently trying to recover it.”
While cultural relics held significant value, they were priceless to ordinary folk. Detectors were installed
at every entrance and exit.
Most of the items in the museum were funerary objects. The average person would feel squeamish. That was why a situation like this one had never happened since its establishment.
The secuity personnel were even less likely to care about surveillance footage from days ago.
“So, there’s no proper evidence. This is quite a bold move. I’m sure an average person wouldn’t be able to pull this off. I heard Claude’s ex–husband is the one heading the Northwood Corporation.” Thomas‘ words were charged with a heavy implication. “He’s a powerful figure, after all.”
This was a blatant smear campaign that was out to besmirch Calista’s name. He was also implicating the people around her. Calista’s expression darkened.
I
‘Coincidentally, I have my footage.”
She waved her phone around.
“I apologize. I recently discovered that I suffer from delusions of persecution. So, I installed a
surveillance camera on my phone case a few days ago. Unfortunately, it only monitors me and no one
else.”
