Chapter 398
Chapter 398:
Yet, Ashton managed the task effortlessly, swiftly separating the artworks.
Most of the observers, well-versed in art, were astounded by the painting that emerged.
The distinctive and vibrant style—could this be a preliminary work by the famed landscape artist, Barth Anderson?
One of the onlookers closest to the painting soon noticed the signature in the corner. It was indeed Barth’s work.
The audience was deeply astonished.
Barth was a pioneer in his painting style, and his influence remained evident as many contemporary masterpieces still imitated his techniques. Even a basic sketch by him could fetch a fortune!
The stall owner, Corey Shaw, who had been pleased with himself for earning a quick ten thousand, now realized the true value of the painting. He turned a deep shade of red with jealousy, regretting his financial misfortune. The old painting had been at his stall for ages, and he hadn’t known about the treasure it concealed.
A genuine Barth painting, even just a sketch, could easily start at a million dollars and go up from there at auction. Corey was far from happy when he realized what he had lost.
He hastily tried to retract his sale, saying, “Oh, young man, my apologies. I just recalled that the painting was left with me by a family member to display, not to sell. Here’s what I can do; I’ll take a loss and offer you a hundred thousand dollars to buy it back. You’d still make a ninety thousand dollar profit. That sounds fair, doesn’t it?”
Neither Ashton nor Abrial was inclined to accept his offer.
Abrial was certain gifting this authentic Barth painting to her grandfather would thrill him immensely. How could she consider returning it?
𝙊𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙡: g𝘼𝙇𝙉𝙊𝙑𝙀𝙇𝙎.𝘾𝙊𝙈
Thus, Abrial interrupted Ashton with a decisive refusal, “No way! You made it clear at the time of purchase that once sold, there’s no going back. What do you mean by saying this now?”
As she spoke, Abrial swiftly took the painting from Ashton’s grasp and held it securely.
The crowd around them offered their support.
“That’s correct. We all witnessed it. You pushed for this sale, and now you’re backing out. How can anyone trust you after this?”
“Indeed, I noticed you attempted to sell that painting multiple times without any takers. Why the sudden change of heart now that you realize its value?”
As the crowd voiced their disapproval, Corey became visibly more desperate. Watching his chance at a fortune fade, he dropped all pretense and snapped, “I was trying to be considerate, seeing that you were young and perhaps naive. But it seems you three are testing my patience, aren’t you? Don’t blame me if I have to take harsh measures!”
With that, Corey snapped his fingers, and eight sturdy men appeared from the shadows, cracking their knuckles threateningly.
Witnessing this, a chill ran through Abrial, prompting her to reveal her identity, saying, “I suggest you rethink your actions. I am Abrial of the Carter family! My grandfather is Levi Carter!”
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