Chapter 440: Too Early

Xavier’s claim about the painting's value was certainly an exaggeration. Yet, the price at auction

often depends on the seller's clout. With the Evans family's influence, it was indeed possible for

them to sell this Piet Mondrian's 'Gray Tree' at a premium. The painting's real value might be five

billion at most, but by monopolizing the market and restricting the circulation of Mondrian's works,

the value of 'Gray Tree' could at least double tenfold. With the right business strategy, a hundred

billion wasn't beyond the realm of possibility.

Gary knew Xavier was puffing up the price, but he was thrilled all the same. When Gary thanked

Leo for selling the painting for nine billion, Leo graciously accepted the praise, happy to play along

with Gary's delight. After all, Leo was an expert and well aware of the 'Gray Tree's actual value; he

knew that Xavier’s hundred-billion figure was just to indulge Gary.

When Gary flaunted his acquisition in front of Bella, attributing a hundred-billion-dollar value, Bella

looked visibly annoyed.

"Country boy, this is all your fault!" she snapped at Daniel.

Daniel chuckled and warned Gary, "Gary, the 'Gray Tree' you’ve bought is not by Mondrian; it’s a

meticulously crafted imitation. If you present it as a gift during your grandfather's ninethieth birthday

celebration, it will be an embarrassment. Spending nine billion on a forgery will make for quite the

disgraceful grandson. If I had a grandson like that, I'd disown him on the spot."

"Country boy, are you just jealous because you didn't manage to get a Mondrian painting for

yourself? No use in being green with envy. You, a country bumpkin, never had a chance at owning a

genuine Mondrian anyway," Gary taunted back, confident in his triumph.