Female Novel
Chapter 179
“You’re right Dad.” Javier and Sophia could only agree with Newton with apologetic smiles.
Tam so happy with this gift Where’s Lauren? I want to give her a hug!” Newton beamed.
“Ms. Lauren says she won’t join us because she’s sick. She’ll meet you in person later,” Ben reported.
S
tarted a bidding war with me and made me buy the painting. How could you do this to me?”
Jasper looked glum as he shot icy glares at Alyssa.
“I made you buy it? When did I do that? Alyssa’s eyes glimmered, looking as though she was in shock.
Jonah was the first to stand up for Alyssa. He snickered. “Ms. Gardner, the auction is open to thepublic. It was a fair game, Alice could not have forced you to buy the painting against your will. Don’tyou think it was your personal decision?”
“She knew I wanted the painting. That’s why she started the bidding war with me. Whenever I raisedmy paddle, she’d follow suit. This continued until the price was 900 thousand from the starting price of100 thousand.
“She suddenly gave up after I bid a million for the painting. Wasn’t she misleading me into buying acounterfeit at a high price? Liana.
igh, that child — Newton lamented. “Ben, frame the painting and put it up in my study. That way, I canlook at it whenever I feel like it.”
Ben nodded and carefully put the painting away. Betty was wordless with anger when she observedNewton’s interest and care for Lauren’s gift.
Betty thought that Lauren, who never had much allowance, might humiliate herself by purchasing amiserly gift. To her dismay, Lauren decided to be creative by presenting a handmade gift.
In the end, the vase that Betty splurged hundreds of thousands on was overshadowed by a shabbypainting of Lauren’s!
“Oh Lauren just wait and see. You’re dead meat!” Betty thought.
On the other hand, Liana was pacing the corridor. She had sent someone for Sophia. Sophia showedup, arms crossed on her chest and looking sulien.
“Aunt Sophia, what do we do?” Liana almost tore her hair out. “Our little trick does not changeGrandpa’s perception of Alice. Not only that, they’ve gotten closer because of it!”
“That was unexpected. The older he gets, the weirder he acts. He’s ridiculous.” Sophia squinted hereyes dangerously and whispered, “Lia, It looks like it’s time to put plan B in action today.”
“Right now?” Liana gritted her teeth with a malicious gleam in her eyes.
“No. We need to wait.” Sophia patted Liana on the shoulder and smirked.“Another VIP is showing upsoon. I have a way to make Alice the brunt of jokes and ruin her reputation!”
More gifts were presented to Newton. The Georgian–era drinkware that Jasper bought for Newton wasthe event’s climax. Friends of Newton, who were antique experts, were eager to check out the beautyof the antique drinkware.
Worried that the old fellows might break the valuable gift, Newton hugged the box tightly and pouted.“No one’s touching the gift from my grandson.”
Everyone guffawed at his antics, including Alyssa, who covered her mouth and chuckled.
“Grandpa this drinkware was donated by Mrs. Taylor of the KS Group to the charity auction. I bid for itas it was a rare item. I’m glad that you like it” Jasper felt obliged to explain the gift’s backgroundbecause Jonah was also at the event.
“Oh! This must be one of the items in Mr. Taylor’s personal collection. He’s the top collector in SolanaCity when it comes to antiques.” Newton sighed as he caressed the box.
“Dad would love it if he heard that you treasure an item from his collection,” Jonah chimed in warmly.
Jonah was a natural peacemaker, for he was able to graciously resolve any conflict with his calmcomposure and humble attitude.
“Grandpa, here’s my gift for you!” Liana butted in with a cloying voice. Everyone turned to her with alittle disdain. Those who were disceming could tell that Newton disliked her. Her road to marryingJasper might not be smooth sailing.novelbin
“Dad. Lia spent a lot of effort on your gift. After she heard you liked old paintings, she bid on aGeorgian–era painting for your birthday.” Javier attempted to pave the way for Liana, especiallybecause she was Sophia’s niece.
“Oh? A genuine painting from the Georgian era?” Newton’s eyes lit up in excitement.
Liana had someone bring in the framed painting in white gloves. The staff carefully displayed thepainting, which the antique collectors crowded around for a look at.