The Understated Dragon Lord novel Chapter 440

Xavier’s claim about the painting's value was certainly an exaggeration. Yet, the price at auction often depends on the seller's clout. With the Evans family's influence, it was indeed possible for them to sell this Piet Mondrian's 'Gray Tree' at a premium. The painting's real value might be five billion at most, but by monopolizing the market and restricting the circulation of Mondrian's works, the value of 'Gray Tree' could at least double tenfold. With the right business strategy, a hundred billion wasn't beyond the realm of possibility.

Gary knew Xavier was puffing up the price, but he was thrilled all the same. When Gary thanked Leo for selling the painting for nine billion, Leo graciously accepted the praise, happy to play along with Gary's delight. After all, Leo was an expert and well aware of the 'Gray Tree's actual value; he knew that Xavier’s hundred-billion figure was just to indulge Gary.

When Gary flaunted his acquisition in front of Bella, attributing a hundred-billion-dollar value, Bella looked visibly annoyed.

"Country boy, this is all your fault!" she snapped at Daniel.

Daniel chuckled and warned Gary, "Gary, the 'Gray Tree' you’ve bought is not by Mondrian; it’s a meticulously crafted imitation. If you present it as a gift during your grandfather's ninethieth birthday celebration, it will be an embarrassment. Spending nine billion on a forgery will make for quite the disgraceful grandson. If I had a grandson like that, I'd disown him on the spot."

"Country boy, are you just jealous because you didn't manage to get a Mondrian painting for yourself? No use in being green with envy. You, a country bumpkin, never had a chance at owning a genuine Mondrian anyway," Gary taunted back, confident in his triumph.