Chapter 589
Just after dinner, Dominic showed up.
When Bennett walked in to inform Brandon, neither of them looked happy.
Bennett added, “Master Dominic says he's come to apologize and hopes you'll grant him an audience. He insists he won't overstay his welcome, just wants a chance to speak with you."
Brandon glanced at Oliver, who let out a sardonic chuckle, "Well, let him in. I'm curious to see how he plans to make amends."
With Oliver's go-ahead, Brandon gave Bennett a knowing look, and Bennett understood.
"Let's meet him outside,” Brandon suggested, "Josie is still dining here."
Brandon didn't want Josie entangled in any unpleasantness, nor did he wish to sour her mood.
Josie, with a smile, interjected, “Grandpa Brandon, you all continue your meal; I'll just step into the other room for a bit."
But Oliver countered, "Josie, there's no need to hide away. Let's have him come here."
Josie looked puzzled at Oliver, not quite grasping his intention.
Meeting Dominic in such a casual setting didn't seem quite proper, did it?
Brandon wasn't sure what Oliver had in mind, but he didn't question it.
Soon enough, Dominic walked in with a gift in hand.
His surprise was evident upon seeing Josie, but it quickly passed.
With humble grace, Dominic addressed Brandon, "Grandpa, I've acquired a painting, knowing your fondness for art, I thought to bring it to you."
After settling in, Dominic continued, "Grandpa, it's a piece by Gideon. I do hope you'll enjoy it."
It's hard to be angry at a smiling face; Brandon's response was neutral, "That's thoughtful of you."
Dominic, with a smile, offered, "Grandpa, shall I unveil it for you?"
Seeing Oliver remain silent, Brandon gave his consent, “Sure."
Dominic laid the painting on the pristine dining table and revealed a landscape scene upon unfurling it.
Josie cast a glance at the painting, her face a mix of confusion that vanished as quickly as it had appeared.
Oliver, having noticed Josie's reaction, whispered something in her ear.
She nodded subtly, and Oliver seemed to understand.
Brandon, admiring the painting, couldn't help exclaiming, "It's indeed Gideon's work, splendidly done."
Dominic was pleased, “I'm glad you like it.”
Brandon, examining the painting closer with a magnifying glass, inquired, “How
much did this set you back?"
"Three million," Dominic responded.
Josie gasped; her forgery fetched such a price?
Oliver couldn't suppress a snort, drawing Dominic's attention.
What was Oliver implying?
With a stern tone, Oliver proclaimed, "Three million for a forgery?"
Dominic was flabbergasted.
"A forgery? How can you be so sure?”
Oliver, coolly, "Gideon's a close acquaintance; how could I not know?"
"If you doubt it," Oliver continued, "feel free to have it authenticated."
Brandon, still with the magnifying glass, noted, "Gideon's originals have a unique mark in the bottom left corner. Just pass that corner briefly over a flame, and her signature will reveal itself
At that, Bennett swiftly brought over a candle and lit it.
Oliver rolled the painting to expose the bottom left corner.
The flame passed over, and nothing appeared.
Dominic was stunned.
How could this happen?
He had spent a fortune!
Dominic's face fell, a picture of dismay.
"How can it be fake? I spent three
million and even made sure of it et
authenticity, Dominic couldn'te accept the reality before hi
He had gone to great lengths to present Brandon with a painting he'd appreciate, and now it turned out to
be a fake instantly ruining his effort.
Brandon stated flatly, "Dominic, it seems your judgment might need some fine-
tuning."