Chapter 445 Flames

"Go on then, hit me! If you do, I won't let you see the true nature of this painting," Daniel taunted

Madison, clearly holding some leverage.

"Smack!"

How could Madison tolerate such a threat? She slapped Daniel across the face right away. But she

held back, making it a light tap rather than a full-force blow.

Daniel looked at her in shock, "Did you really just hit me?"

"So what if I did? When I hit you, it's because I care!"

Madison leaned close to Daniel's ear and added in a whisper, "Behave, or you'll get more than a

slap!"

That left Daniel puzzled, "More than a slap? Where?"

"I'll flick that certain place," Madison replied with a sly grin. As she spoke, her eyes darted

downwards involuntarily, and her mind conjured up some imagery. She wondered what that private

area of his might look like and what his reaction would be if she flicked it. Could it be delightful to

see how a little flick makes this country boy howl?

"Pervert!" Daniel returned Madison's jest.

Their whispered exchange, although inaudible to Smart, was enough for him to sense the flirtation

based on their expressive interaction, which sparked an instant surge of jealousy.

"Country boy, stop trying to distract us with your antics. You've got the vodka and the lighter now, so

get on with your proof. Prove that this worthless print is a ten-billion-dollar original by Piet

Mondrian," Smart demanded.

"Didn’t expect to see you in such a hurry, Smart. Are you so eager to kneel and call me grandpa?

Since you're so impatient, I'll start my demonstration."

Daniel handed the painting to Madison, "Hold this for me, will you?"

Madison held the painting while Daniel unscrewed the vodka bottle and poured its contents all over

the canvas.

"You're pouring three thousand dollars' worth of vodka on worthless print? You really are a fool,

aren’t you? Such a waste when you could have enjoyed drinking it—what a shame!" Smart mocked

Daniel without understanding his intent.

Daniel ignored Smart and turned to Madison, "Make sure you hold it steady now! Don’t let go no

matter what."

While he spoke, he took out the lighter. Seeing this, Madison immediately became alarmed.

"What are you planning to do, country boy?"

"What else? I'm going to light it, of course! A real painting won’t fear the flame. I'm going to set this

painting on fire, and after it burns, the truth will be revealed."

"What did you say? Set it on fire? Are you trying to burn me alive, country boy?"

"Oh! Madison, you won’t get hurt."

"You... I ought to kick you to death!"

In her irritation, Madison gave Daniel a light kick with her high heel. Still, 'The Red Cloud' remained

in her hands; she didn't throw it away.

"Madison, you need to trust me. If I asked you to hold onto it, then I can guarantee one hundred

percent that after it’s lit, the fire won't touch you."