Chapter 435: Why Should I Pay for You?

Adding to his assessment, Xavier stated, "Moreover, this 'Gray Tree' may very well be considered

Mondrian's magnum opus. Gary, you're lucky to get it for a hundred million!"

After hearing Xavier's appraisal, Leo hatched a quick plan. He turned to Bella and asked, "Bella,

you're interested in an authentic Mondrian too, right? Both you and Gary are big players, and I can't

afford to offend either of you. How about a fair competition? Whoever bids higher, I'll sell this

Mondrian's 'Gray Tree' to."

No sooner had Leo made his suggestion than Gary became incensed. "Leo, what's this about?

Didn't we just agree that after Xavier's appraisal, I'd buy the 'Gray Tree' for a hundred million?"

"Gary, it's not that I don't want to sell you the 'Gray Tree' for a hundred million," Leo explained. "But

in business, integrity is everything. Bella came to my shop first today and expressed interest before

you. So, if I were to sell the painting at a hundred million, shouldn't I ask Bella first?"

Before the last word had left Leo's mouth, Daniel chimed in with a bid. "A hundred million, we'll take

it!"

Of course, Daniel had no intention of buying the 'Gray Tree' – he recognized it as a fake at first

glance. By bidding now, he aimed to simply drive up the price and trap Gary.

Seeing Daniel jump into the fray only made the already angered Gary verge on exploding. "Country

boy, what are you shouting about? Can you even produce a hundred million? A hick from the hills –

I bet you can't even cough up a hundred bucks! A hundred million? You're not even worthy of

mentioning that figure!"

"Gary, does it matter if I don't have a hundred million in my pocket?" Daniel retorted. "As soon as I

make a bid, my Bella will back me up."

Daniel slung an arm around Bella's shoulder, grinning as he asked, "Isn't that right, Bella?"

"Get lost! I'm not your mom! Why should I pay for you?" Bella protested.

"But you're my Bella! Besides, I don't want the 'Gray Tree,' you do. I'm just helping you bid," Daniel

explained cheekily. "If Bella doesn't want the painting anymore, I'll stop bidding. Gary only needs to

bid a hundred million and one dollar, just a buck more than my last bid, and he can walk away with

this Mondrian 'Gray Tree.'"

"Do whatever!" Bella blurted out.

She indeed wanted the 'Gray Tree' but didn't know much about paintings and their true value. She

feared that bidding too high could lead to a significant loss if she ended up purchasing it. So, she

left the matter in Daniel's hands. If he drove up the price and she overpaid, she would certainly

settle the score with him later. And if Daniel's bid fell short and Gary ended up buying the painting,

she would hold Daniel accountable all the same. In any case, Bella was going to make Daniel pay!