Chapter 259

Chapter 259:

Everyone was stunned. “I noticed this painting was in bad shape, so I arranged for its restoration,” Madisyn explained. Stan’s face lit up. “The restoration is outstanding! The person who did this must be incredibly skilled. Could you introduce that person to me?”

There was admiration in his eyes as he eagerly anticipated meeting the talented restorer. Noticing his enthusiasm, Madisyn hesitated. “I’ll ask her, though she’s very private and prefers to keep a low profile.” Stan appeared slightly disheartened but understood. “That’s understandable. The most gifted often like to remain behind the scenes. I’m just thankful to witness such a splendid restoration today!”

“By the way, did you mention finding this painting at a street stall?” he added. “Yes,” Madisyn confirmed. Stan’s enthusiasm returned. “Remarkable! Damari, can you believe this young woman stumbled upon a Curtis original just like that? She really has an eye for art! Which market was the stall in? I must check it out.” Madisyn gave him the details, and Stan noted them eagerly.

Damari smiled warmly at Madisyn. “It’s rare for someone so young to possess such a discerning eye. Most wouldn’t recognize a Curtis original tucked away in a simple market.”

“We need to look carefully at every old item, or we might risk missing something invaluable,” Madisyn said gently. Damari’s smile deepened. “You’re absolutely right! And since this is your first visit to my home, I’d like to offer you a gift, too.” He signaled a servant, who brought forward a crystal-clear bracelet. Damari carefully placed it on Madisyn’s wrist. “This was Andrew’s grandmother’s. It’s intended for his future wife. Please, consider it yours.”

gαℓησν𝒆𝓁s․çom has it all

Bruno and his wife looked on, astonished. This was no ordinary gift. It was a symbol meant for the wife of the family’s future leader. Was Damari implying Andrew would be the future leader? Bruno interjected, “Dad, it’s Madisyn’s first time here. Isn’t this a bit too much?” Damari gave him a firm look. “What of it? I like her!” He then said to Madisyn, “If my wife were still with us, she would have presented this to you herself!” Damari’s affection for Madisyn was clear.

Courtney’s face flushed with jealousy. That bracelet was incredibly valuable. Did Madisyn truly deserve such a gift? Even if the painting was authentic, it seemed mere chance had favored her! Sarai, feeling jealous herself, hid it behind a smile. “Madisyn, you certainly have a discerning eye. Who would have guessed a small investment could win over Mr. Damari Klein so easily? My daughter Courtney is too sincere for such tricks. She prefers to spend more to ensure the gift for Mr. Klein is real,” she said, suggesting Madisyn was manipulative.

Courtney lowered her head, feigning humility. “Although I’ve studied fine arts for long, I’m still afraid of making mistakes. With so few authentic items available, I didn’t want to risk a mistake. I hope my gift pleases you, Mr. Klein.” Madisyn was taken aback by the shamelessness of these two. Then, Stan frowned and remarked, “You do realize it’s a counterfeit, right?”

His statement stunned everyone. Courtney’s gift was a fake? She had spent eight million dollars on a fake? “It’s a fake?” Courtney gasped, turning pale. Stan nodded. “Yes, it is obviously a forgery of Atley’s work.” He looked at Damari. “You figured it out too, didn’t you?” Damari slowly nodded.

Courtney’s expression darkened. “But… that can’t be right…” She had meticulously researched Atley’s works. It couldn’t be a counterfeit! Stan pointed out specific details on the painting. “Atley’s brushwork is distinct and robust. This copy was well done, but the details don’t match. The painting is old, but it’s not an Atley. It was probably painted by a less prominent artist a century ago. It’s worth maybe a few hundred thousand, certainly not eight million.”

Courtney examined the painting more closely. Slowly, she began to recognize the discrepancies Stan had noted. A cold fear gripped her. How could this happen? How did she end up purchasing a fake for eight million dollars? She couldn’t bring herself to meet anyone’s eyes now, feeling they must view her as a complete fool.

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