Chapter 438: What Are You Doing?

The very thought of his money—pocket change that could amount to a month's worth—vanishing

because of that country boy made Gary seethe with anger. He had expected Daniel to back down

after his bold bid, but Daniel surprised him by casually flashing a hand with all fingers extended,

announcing, "Five hundred million!"

Five billion? Did that country bumpkin just bid five billion?

Bella's jaw nearly hit the floor, and she twisted Daniel's arm harshly in disbelief. "What on earth are

you doing?"

Leo, on the other hand, was ecstatic. Seizing the moment, he said, "Brother here is representing

Bella, and he says five billion, so it’s five billion. Bella, you can't back out!"

Leo had acquired "Gray Tree" for thirty million, and selling it for fifty million would have been a

massive profit. Through a fortunate turn of events, and now thanks to his clever tactics, he was

looking at a mind-blowing sale price of five billion. It was like free money that he couldn't afford to

lose.

"That's right! I authorized the country boy to bid for me. So no matter the price he names, I

acknowledge it!" Bella confirmed, ready to play the high-stakes game. Five billion wasn't a

significant sum for her, especially after Daniel had just recently done her a significant favor by

bringing back Tiger King. Considering Daniel's feat, even fifty billion would be worth it for his choice

of celebration.

Intuitively, Bella felt that Daniel was just toying with Gary. Despite his unsophisticated appearance,

Daniel was far from foolish—he was sharp. Bella was curious to see how he would outplay Gary.

Arms crossed, she looked directly at Daniel with a hint of amusement in her eyes, reminding him,

"Country boy, you better not disappoint me! If we end up overpaying for this 'Gray Tree,' I’ll make

sure you regret it."

"Don't worry, Bella. Even if we bid five billion, based on Xavier's appraisal, this painting could fetch

at least ten billion at auction. After all, 'Gray Tree' is Mondrian's masterpiece!" Daniel reassured her,

then turned to Gary and goaded, "So, Gary, are you raising the bid? If you add just a thousand or

something minor, I might go straight to ten billion."

"Country boy, does it not hurt because it's not your money?" Gary gritted his teeth, consumed by

fury and finally called out, "Nine billion!"

Gary's bid of nine billion stemmed from Daniel’s threat of ten billion. Deciding he no longer wanted

"Gray Tree," Gary aimed to stick Bella with the bill, forcing her to bear the loss due to Daniel's

recklessness.

After announcing his bid, Gary watched Daniel expectantly, waiting for the whopping ten billion

counter offer. But Daniel didn’t raise the bid. Instead, he smiled at Gary and cheerfully said,

"Congratulations, Gary!"

This unexpected congratulation left Gary bewildered. Staring at Daniel in confusion, he demanded,

"Country boy, what do you mean by that?"