Chapter 44

Chapter 44 The Secret of the Painting

As Nicholas shook his head in regret, he handed the magnifying glass over to Brittany, urging her to take a look for herself. When she peered through it, an amused smile spread across her face. The paint depicted a hen pecking at com, its neck bent askew, its wings broken. The amateurish artwork was worse than a grade–schooler’s. Indeed, it was a waste to have such a creation on the high–quality Golden Paper.

“So with this com–eating hen painted on it, how much is this Golden Paper worth now?” Brittany asked

curiously.

“Without this painting, the Golden Paper would be worth fifty million. But with this hen and corn painting on it, it’s barely worth thirty million,” replied Nicholas as he turned to Jessica with a chuckle, offering a deal. “Jessica, the land on Windows Street has tripled in value. If you sell it to me at the price from three years ago, you’d be at a loss. How about this: I’ll buy this Golden Paper painting, that’s only worth thirty million, for fifty million. The extra twenty million can be considered the interest you’ve earned for holding onto the land on Window’s Street for so long.”

“Smiley Nick, you really need to look closer! I’ve revealed half the true face of this painting, and you still don’t understand,” Daniel commented.

“What are you saying? You’re saying I misunderstood?” Nicholas picked up the painting again and examined it closely. After confirming his initial assessment, he said, “This time, I’m absolutely certain I’m not mistaken! This painting is by a nobody, just some careless doodle on Golden Paper. It has no artistic value and is a waste of fine Golden Paper! However, judging by the quality and sheen of this Golden Paper, it must be from the 18th century. If even a lesser–known artist from that century had randomly scribbled a few strokes on it, it’d be worth at least a hundred million. Golden Paper paintings are exceedingly rare, and if the artwork has some artistic value, this piece could fetch a nine–figure sum at

auction.”

Nicholas felt increasingly disheartened as he spoke. His family line dealt in antiques and fine arts for generations. To find an item, an art treasure, only to realize that its value was squandered, was painful to witness. If this Golden Paper painting were truly the work of a master, it could be featured as a top treasure by Auctiq, garnering significant promotion. And if he could associate the Golden Paper painting with Auctiq, it would solidify their status as the premier auction house in New York!

“Smiley Nick, watch this,” Daniel said as he picked up the painting and began to rub it.

Brittany was shocked. She hurried to stop Daniel’s actions, scolding, “What are you doing? Who gave you permission to do that? If you ruin this painting, there goes fifty million.”

Brittany’s attempt to intervene didn’t deter Daniel, who continued until he finally stopped a few minutes later. The painting was now crumpled and wrinkled.

Brittany was frantic. She pointed at Daniel’s nose, accusing. “Look! I told you to stop; why did you do this? Now the painting, the Golden Paper valued at fifty million, is destroyed by you.”

Brittany turned to Nicholas and asked, “Smiley Nick, how much is this Golden Paper painting worth now?