The First Heir

Chapter 33

With just one look, Russell could

tell that this was not the painting he gave Mr. Clarke. This was a counterfeit! So, who gave this painting to Charles? It was even displayed in Civil Gallery, and it seemed like everyone here thought it was an authentic piece.

While Russell was lost in thought, Charles started to talk about this painting ceaselessly, including an explanation of its origins. “Master Russell, this painting is a birthday gift from Addy. It’s a priceless piece. Would you like to appraise it?”

Addy? Aiden! Russell stared at Aiden, who was smiling to his eyes with an odd look. The latter seemed full of himself. This was the man who was rude to Mr. Clarke earlier!

With this, Russell now had a plan formed. Aiden, you’re dead meat! I will teach you a lesson in place of Mr. Clarke!

Russell walked over to the glass display earnestly and started examining it. Everyone felt the air become tense and mysterious as they watched on. After all, this was Master Russell, a famous collector in Riverdale City. If he, too, held this painting in high regard, it must be an authentic piece! It must be priceless!

As he stood beside Russell, Charles was like a little child, unable to conceal the pride and joy on his face. He was already beginning to imagine how his fame would rise up as a collector in Riverdale City. With this thought, he felt greater favor for Aiden and nodded at him.

Seeing Uncle Johnston this elated, Aiden was naturally cheerful. He looked at Philip who was standing in a corner and tilted his head up, looking smug.

Philip only smiled faintly then lowered his head to toy with his phone. What was he doing? He was, of course, giving Agnes a task. Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.

‘Agnes, check where the nearest place that sells Harley bikes is. I will buy them in a few days and switch out all our scooters with Harley bikes.’

The contents of Philip’s message were simple but crude.

At that moment, Agnes was working in the office. She was wearing a white shirt, a black skirt, and black stilettos. The skin on her legs was soft and smooth like a newborn’s. She looked bewildered as she stared at the text message then quickly replied: Boss, do you mean to say that you want to switch out all of our company’s delivery scooters with Harley bikes?

Agnes felt her head spin. For the first time, she experienced just how rich Philip was! One Harley bike cost tens of thousands, and the price increased ten folds if it was a better one. There were about a hundred people in the company, so that would amount to ten million in expenses! What exactly was Philip’s identity? To be able to be this rich…

‘Okay. Contact them immediately, and it’s best to make an appointment. I don’t want it to be troublesome later on.’

After replying with this message, Philip put his phone away and sat quietly to watch.

Russell’s every move attracted the attention of everyone in the gallery. People were even starting to praise Charles, and that made Charles feel even more ecstatic.

“Master Russell, how is it? What would this authentic piece by Tang Bohu be worth in the market?” After Russell was done looking, Charles asked impatiently as he smiled to his eyes.

Russell pondered for a moment. Everyone grew anxious, looking at him.

“Look, even Master Russell is looking stern. This piece must be really great!”

“I bet that it’ll be worth at least eight million!”

As the crowd chattered, Russell said in a deep voice, “Mr. Johnston, this painting would be worth….”

“Hahaha!” Charles could not resist laughing out.

However, the continuation of Russell’s words made Charles’s laughter stop as the latter choked and coughed.

“A hundred dollars.” Russell’s voice resonated throughout the gallery hall.

A… a hundred dollars?!

Charles was dumbstruck, as was everyone else.

Aiden looked most bewildered. I’ve spent more than two million on this, but it’s only worth a hundred bucks? Is he joking? Is this man really THE f*cking Master Russell? He must be a fake!

“Master Russell, please don’t joke around. This is Tang Bohu’s Companionship at the Spring Mountains, an authentic piece!” Charles’s forehead was now covered in sweat as he emphasized the words ‘authentic piece’.

Russell chuckled then explained, “Then, let me tell you that this painting is a fake.”