Chapter 283: The Painting is a Fake
She had heard Rachel mention that Bryan was forced by Jason to get engaged to Tiffany. Bryan, being the third in his family, had little control over many things in his life. Molly knew that if Jason discovered this painting, given her current low status, she wouldn’t gain anything, and Bryan would be scolded by Jason, destroying any chance of rekindling their past relationship.
With this in mind, Molly quickly picked up the painting and hurried to the lounge. After entering, she hid the painting. Just as she finished, she heard noises outside. Molly rushed to open the door and respectfully bowed to welcome them in.
“This way, Presidents.”
Rachel guided Jason and Mr. Grissom into the lounge, casting a cold glance at Molly. Molly hurriedly went to prepare tea, her limping movements catching Jason’s attention, reminding him of events from long ago.
Back then, Molly was the little princess of the Clarkes family, and the Smiths family hadn’t reached their current status. Jason had allowed his son Bryan to date her. But now, with the Clarkes family destroyed and Molly in this pitiful state, Jason found her presence repulsive. Rachel insisted on keeping someone like her around, claiming it was due to Molly’s merits in reporting slum fugitives and her own moral duty to care for the disabled and uncared-for. However, Jason found it displeasing, as it reminded him of the Smiths family’s low point in the past.
Rachel invited the two men to sit down while Molly came over and knelt to serve tea.Property © NôvelDrama.Org.
“What is it, Rachel, that couldn’t wait until tomorrow?” Mr. Grissom asked, looking at her.
Rachel sat up straight, her expression serious as she met their gazes. “Presidents, I have something extremely shocking to tell you.”
Hearing her dramatic opening, it was clear she wasn’t seeking benefits. Mr. Grissom exchanged a glance with Jason, unsure what was on the young woman’s mind.
“Go ahead,” Jason said.
“A few days ago, I accidentally saw Paige on the street,” Rachel said, her breathing a bit heavier. Of course, she couldn’t admit that she had kidnapped Paige out of jealousy for Enrico, only to be injured and captured by Paige in return.
“Who?” Mr. Grissom had completely forgotten the name, looking puzzled.
Rachel carefully enunciated each word, “Three years ago, the slums, Peak Club, The Public Law Council-Paige, she’s still alive.”
Only then did Mr. Grissom and Jason remember the person.
It had been three years. Time really flies.
While Rachel was finally discussing important matters with the two powerful men, Tiffany was chatting with a group of wealthy ladies.
Chatting, in this case, meant the ladies were busy flattering Tiffany.
Bryan sat nearby, once again hearing the ladies mention his name, praising how he doted on Tiffany. He was finding it increasingly difficult to stay composed.
It was already late, but he couldn’t leave.
Tiffany, basking in glory and attention, wasn’t about to let her fiance leave so easily after her big night.
He handed Tiffany a glass of water, “Tiffany, it’s getting late. You should rest soon. How about some water instead of wine?”
He was subtly suggesting it was time to go home, but the ladies around them just laughed.
“Oh my, spreading the love again. How can we survive this?”
“When will I be as fortunate as Tiffany?”
Tiffany laughed happily, her eyes filled with affection as she took the glass from Bryan, even throwing him a loving glance before snuggling up next to him again.
Bryan felt like vomiting blood.
“By the way, Tiffany, did you send that painting back? Can we, mere mortals, have the privilege of viewing your love masterpiece up close?” one of the less tactful socialites teased.
Tiffany blushed, looking even more charming, “What love masterpiece are you talking about? You’re such a tease!”
“That painting that Bryan spent six billion on, isn’t it a love masterpiece?” the socialite laughed, “Though your future children will be the true priceless treasures. What’s a painting compared to that?”
Tiffany, cuddling with Bryan, chuckled, “Alright, alright. You just want to see the painting, don’t you? Is it worth teasing me so much?”
With that, Tiffany instructed her assistant to bring the painting over.
Bryan, realizing they were still going to display the painting, whispered in Tiffany’s ear, “It’s getting really late. Let me take you home.”
“It’s just showing a painting. Don’t spoil the fun,” Tiffany playfully chided, satisfied with Bryan’s behavior tonight.
Bryan had no choice but to stay.
After a while, two assistants, wearing gloves, carefully brought the painting over. From a distance, the deep blue of the lake and the burning flames created a powerful visual impact.
Someone even gasped in admiration.
The painting was carefully placed on a round table, supported by a stand. A group of socialites immediately gathered around, showering it with praise. But soon, a different voice spoke up, “This painting looks good from afar, but up close, it seems to lack depth, a bit underwhelming. It’s only because Bryan loves Tiffany that he spent so much to make her happy.”
Tiffany, who had been smiling, suddenly felt displeased.
Wasn’t this person implying she had no taste and didn’t understand art?
“This painting lacks depth? It seems you have a shallow understanding of art,” Tiffany released Bryan’s arm, walked over to the painting, and coldly stated, “Although the artist has only painted two pieces, her debut work was bought by Enrico. Now, after several years, her skills have significantly improved, with sharp strokes and deep symbolism. How could it lack depth…”
Before she could finish, Tiffany’s words trailed off.
She stared at the painting in front of her, reaching out to touch the framed glass surface. Something wasn’t right. Why did the painting suddenly look so flat?
She clearly remembered being awestruck by it in the artist’s studio.
Although Tiffany wasn’t an expert in art, she could understand it to some extent. Her face darkened as she coldly said, “Does anyone have a counterfeit detection light? Bring one over.”
The socialites, seeing her expression, realized something was wrong with the painting and exchanged uneasy glances while ordering someone to fetch a light.
Soon, the light was brought over.
Tiffany immediately turned it on and directed the blue light at the spot where Paige had previously marked. But there was no sign of the LG initials.
It was completely flat. Nothing.
“Take the painting apart,” Tiffany ordered with an even darker expression.
Bryan walked over, frowning at her, his voice still gentle, “Tiffany, what’s wrong?”
What was she trying to do?
Was this night never going to end?
Tiffany ignored him, directing others to dismantle the frame. Without wearing any gloves, she grabbed the painting. The moment she touched it, she knew.
The paper was wrong.
This wasn’t a mere imitation of the artist’s work-it was a printed copy!
“This painting is a fake!”