The Understated Dragon Lord

Chapter 437: Quick-Witted in a Pinch

Bella replied to Gary with a cold laugh and then retorted, "Oppose you? I have no interest in doing that. You’re not worth my time. But this 'Gray Tree' has been appraised by Xavier as a genuine Mondrian. I figure two hundred million is a fair price to secure it. If you're feeling left out, Gary, you can always raise your bid. Why not add another hundred on top of the two billion? After all, that seems to be your style, barely daring to increase your bid, not even outdoing a country boy!"

Bella's jab turned Gary's face an ashen shade of anger. This sharp-tongued woman was actually insinuating that a country boy was better than him? He was determined to claim her, to show her his worth, and he wondered if she would still dare to belittle him when she was under his control.

Provoked by Bella's words, Gary couldn't afford to be outdone by Daniel. Yet, instead of simply raising his bid, he turned his wits towards Xavier and questioned skeptically, "Xavier, are you sure about your earlier inspection? Are you certain this 'Gray Tree' is an authentic work by Piet Mondrian?"

Xavier wasn't foolish; he picked up on the insinuation in Gary's question. However, having just verified the painting as a genuine Mondrian, denying his word now would be contradictory. But Xavier was clever. With a quick mental pivot, he came up with a plan.

"This 'Gray Tree' is indeed an authentic Mondrian, there's no doubt about it. But when painting it, Mondrian made a few mistakes. Moreover, 'Gray Tree' is an early work. Thus, both its style and technique are somewhat immature," Xavier offered his revised critique.

Xavier, how impressive! Just moments ago, you declared

it was his masterpiece, I was referring to Mondrian's early peak. However,

certainly subpar. Even if it's authentic, it's not worth much. On the market, it might fetch at most one hundred million. Now with your two hundred million bid, by all means, buy it. After

like this 'Gray Tree.' Although Xavier says it's worth at most one hundred million, and paying two hundred million would be foolish, I can be a fool for something I love. My final offer is two hundred million and one thousand dollars," Gary declared, gritting his teeth as he bid. To make a show at Elliot’s upcoming ninetieth birthday in front of the entire family, he was willing to go all in.

437: Quick-Witted in

Mondrian. I figure two hundred million is a fair price to secure it. If you're feeling left out, Gary, you can always raise your bid. Why not add another

was better than him? He was determined to claim her, to show her his worth, and he wondered if she would still dare to belittle him when she was under

Daniel. Yet, instead of simply raising his bid, he turned his wits towards Xavier and questioned skeptically, "Xavier, are you sure about your earlier inspection? Are

insinuation in Gary's question. However, having just verified the painting as a genuine Mondrian, denying his word

mistakes. Moreover, 'Gray Tree' is an early work. Thus, both its style and technique are somewhat immature," Xavier offered his

give a thumbs-up to Xavier's ingenuity. "Impressive! Xavier, how impressive! Just moments ago, you