Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) novel Chapter 2375

Valerie scoffed dismissively. "Andrew, cut the act. You need to at least make your lies believable. Do you really expect me to believe you're a ninth-grade supreme alchemist? I know every single person in this country who holds that title. Your story is too transparent and poorly constructed."

Andrew simply shrugged. "Believe it or don't. Either way, it doesn't matter to me. If your fancy auction house can't impress me, then fine. I'll just pay for the cultivation manual myself."

Valerie crossed her arms and watched him coldly with a mocking smile, saying nothing. However, at that exact moment, an urgent voice cut through the air. "Wait!"

The auction house's chief appraiser, Joaquin, came rushing in.

Valerie looked annoyed at the interruption. "Mr. Briggs, what are you doing?"

Joaquin's eye twitched nervously as he leaned in close to Valerie and whispered urgently in her ear. "Ms. Reyes, you're making a mistake. Mr. Lloyd might actually be a supreme alchemist. At the very least, he's an eighth-grade divine alchemist."

Valerie's eyes widened in shock. "Are you certain?"

Joaquin gave a wry smile and explained, "Ms. Reyes, you remember we have contacts at Sovereign's Apothecary, correct? Well, just recently, Mr. Lloyd crafted a Soul-Restoring Pill for Madam Baxter. Not many people know about this, but our contact there witnessed the entire process firsthand."

Valerie's face went dark as she turned to look at Andrew again, her teeth clenched so hard you could hear them grinding. At the same time, her eyes betrayed a shock she desperately tried to hide from Andrew.

This man was actually an alchemist, and not just any low-level one, but at least an eighth-grade divine alchemist.

The implications were staggering.

Had he really just called her dumb?

Valerie had no idea where she was finding the patience. Under normal circumstances, blood would have already been spilled.

This infuriating man had done nothing but irritate her since he first arrived at the Reyes Grand Auction House.

Andrew shrugged with exaggerated casualness. "Yes, pushing too far can cause problems. I'm absolutely terrified, as you can see. Anyway, I'm done wasting time here. Now, about that auctioneer… Have her brought to me."

Valerie's expression turned icy cold. "You should know that the Reyes family doesn't engage in petty schemes or underhanded dealings."