Zoe grins mischievously as she eyes the pandemonium, a painting almost falls on a guest, but she's unfazed.
Ward
What’s gotten into you, Zoe?
Oh, just feeling a bit mischievous, Ward. Can't you tell? She playfully nudges him with her shoulder.
Ward
You always have something up your sleeve. Care to share?
Well, how about this little tidbit, Ward? I heard that the curator's prized masterpiece got switched out with a fake.
Ward
What? How do you know that?
Oh, I just have my ways of finding out these things. winks Let's just say I have a knack for sniffing out secrets. So, what's it gonna be, Ward?
Ward
Alright, alright. So, who's the culprit?
Ah, that's the fun part! I can't reveal the identity just yet, Ward. It wouldn't be fair to ruin the curator's reputation now, would it?
Ward
I WANT IT
Oh, so you want the secret, huh? Well, I can't hand it over that easily, Ward. This is a juicy piece of gossip, you know!
Ward
I’ve done some shady stuff
raises an eyebrow Shady stuff, eh? Well, then I guess I can trust you with this little gem.
Ward
What is it?
leans in closer, whispering Alright, here it is. The curator's favorite piece, the one he was so proud of, it turns out it's not even an original work.
Ward
What? It’s a fake?
nods Yep, a fake. And get this - it's actually a forgery of one of his own paintings. Talk about biting the hand that feeds you, right?
Ward
That’s crazy. Why would he do that?
Well, Ward, old bean, let me tell you. It seems our dear curator has been feeling a bit... insecure lately.
Ward
Insecure? About what?
The next day, Ward confronts the curator at his office with the evidence of the forged painting.
Ward
the curator’s face goes pale when he sees the evidence
smirks triumphantly Looks like you're in quite a pickle, Mr. Curator. But don't worry, Ward and I are here to help you clean up your mess.
Ward
the curator tries to defend himself this is a misunderstanding, this paint is no fake
Oh, really now? Is that so, Mr. Curator? Well, I suppose we should put your precious painting to the test then, shouldn't we?
Ward
the curator gets nervous
grabs the painting and inspects it closely Hmm, let's see if this paint is as genuine as you claim, shall we?
Ward
the curator looks worried
takes out a magnifying glass from her pocket and examines the brush strokes
Ward
the curator waits anxiously
narrows her eyes Hmmm... these brushstrokes seem a bit too uniform, don't they? And the composition, it's slightly off center.
Ward
the curator starts sweating
smirks Oh, Mr. Curator, it seems like you've been trying to fool us after all. But Ward and I won't stand for any deception in our art gallery.