Chapter 742

Nicholas’s words were like a landmine thrown into the room. Everyone was dumbfounded.

If the painting Ian brought was genuine, didn’t that imply the painting in Joshua’s study was a forgery?

This thought was too terrifying. For a moment, everyone lowered their heads and did not dare to speak.

They might have the guts to pick on Ian. After all, although the Walter family was powerful, the main forces were overseas, and they had little interaction with them.

However, the Phil family was in Capitol. They would see each other frequently.

Orson could not react for a long time. He did not expect things to turn out this way.

The painting Ian brought was actually authentic.

But Orson frowned and felt that something was wrong. ‘No, no, it shouldn’t be. This painting is clearly fake. I have hired someone to fake it and spent a lot of effort to send it to Ian. How could it become authentic? Could it be that there are two authentic paintings in this world? Impossible! It’s absolutely impossible!

Orson shook his head and stared at Nicholas. “Mr. Harrington, please take a closer look. Is this really the authentic one?”

“Mr. Orson, what do you mean by this?” As a prominent figure in the industry, Nicholas had his pride.

With a renowned reputation in the appraisal field, being questioned in such a manner felt like a blow to his honor.

“No, no.” Orson shook his head. “Mr. Harrington, you’ve misunderstood. I’m not doubting your standard, but…”

Before Orson could say anything, Joshua, who had been silent all this while, suddenly said, “This painting is indeed authentic.”

As he spoke, Orson personally walked in front of the painting and pointed at a very small ink spot that could not be seen unless one looked carefully.

“I also just realized that this painting is the one I used to have in my study before. When I was copying it, I accidentally rubbed an ink spot on it.” Joshua sighed. He did not expect the painting that he had given away to be back.

Back then, Olivia had taken a fancy to this painting the moment she entered the house and asked Joshua for it.

Although Joshua liked Olivia very much, this painting was his beloved item. He did not want to give it to Olivia, so he thought of a way to make things difficult for her.

Joshua wanted this young lady to back off.

Unexpectedly, Olivia was so powerful that she dealt with it in no time. Not only did she deal with it, but she also personally upgraded the Phil Group’s network security system.

Now that Joshua owed such a huge favor, no matter how reluctant to give this painting, he had to part with it.

Joshua had just figured it out. Given Kelly and Olivia’s close relationship, it was likely that Kelly asked Olivia for the painting and then gave it to Ian. Finally, Ian returned the painting to Joshua on his birthday.

Joshua wondered, ‘It’s all my fault. I am old and muddle-headed. I have not thought of this earlier.’

Joshua’s explanation made everyone’s eyes widen, They did not expect it to be the same painting.

Joshua’s explanation convinced everyone, but Orson kept frowning.

Orson thought, ‘Something is wrong. The painting in Ian’s hand is clearly a fake painting that I have sent over. How does it become the authentic painting in Joshua’s study? What the hell is going on?’

Orson could not help but ask Joshua, “Dad, who did you give this painting to back then?”

Joshua did not want to say anything more. He only said vaguely. “A young friend.”

Orson nodded and looked at Ian. ‘Ian, where did you get this painting?”

Ian turned the chair and crossed his long legs as if he was in a daze. When he heard Orson’s question, he suddenly looked up at him with a faint smile. He asked, “Uncle Orson, you shouldn’t have asked me.

I should have asked you. Didn’t you the one who thought of a way to send this painting to me?”