Half an hour later, Joshua’s assistant rushed back and whispered urgently to Joshua. His expression immediately turned pale.

“Is that what the expert confirmed?” Joshua’s eyes widened, his expression hinting at a desire to lash out at the messenger.

The assistant responded with a tremble in his voice, “Yes, those were the expert’s exact words, no doubt about it.”

Stunned by the revelation, Joshua staggered back a few steps.

“Mr. Reed, what’s the verdict? Is the wine genuine?” someone asked.

Joshua’s anger erupted as he hurled his wine glass to the ground with a crash. “Damn it! I’ve been deceived!” he shouted.

The room, once alive with conversation, fell deadly...