“That appraisal certificate in Xavier’s hands…” Rosemary couldn’t help but glance at the red document Xavier was holding.
Leo smiled, “If the calligraphy is fake, isn’t it easier to get a fake certificate?”
Rosemary nodded involuntarily. Considering her understanding of Xavier, he was unlikely to spend a fortune on an authentic “Courtyard in Venice” to give to Grandpa Elroy as a birthday gift.
Xavier pointed at Leo, sternly shouting, “Freeloading son-in-law, kneel down and apologize to me, or I won’t let you off today!”
Just as Leo was preparing to teach Xavier a lesson, Rosemary stepped forward, preemptively confronting Xavier. She glared at him and said, “It has nothing to do with Leo. I’m the one who claimed ‘Courtyard in Venice’ is a forgery! Xavier, I don’t believe you would spend money to buy the authentic one for Grandpa Elroy!”
Xavier’s face twitched at Rosemary’s words, feeling a bit uneasy. However, he had no choice but to endure it now that he had gone this far.
“Rosemary, you’re wrong to say that. My filial piety towards Grandpa is undeniable!” Xavier immediately swore, “I knew someone would doubt the authenticity of ‘Courtyard in Venice’ today, so not only did I bring the appraisal certificate, but I also invited the renowned art appraiser, Morgan Milne.”
Xavier’s words once again stirred up the crowd.
After all, Morgan Milne was known for his eccentricities, and not just anyone could invite him.
Hearing about Morgan Milne’s presence, Rosemary couldn’t help but look at Leo. She wanted to intervene and stop the attacks, but with Morgan Milne involved, things were getting complicated.
The reason was simple-Morgan Milne had a significant reputation. Even if the painting was a forgery, if Morgan Milne said it was genuine, at least ninety-nine percent of people would believe him!
Amid the crowd’s eager anticipation, Xavier turned towards the entrance and loudly called out, “Mr. Milne, we respectfully welcome your grand entrance!”
As Xavier’s voice fell, a man with long hair walked in from outside. His attire exuded a kind of “artistic” vibe: cropped pants, a checkered shirt, and a large pair of sunglasses on his face.
When the man took off his sunglasses, many people cheered as if they were seeing a major celebrity.
“It’s really Morgan Milne! I didn’t expect Xavier to actually invite him!”
“Mr. Milne has always been my idol. I love watching his art appraisal show, never miss an episode!”
“This settles it. As long as Mr. Milne steps in, whether ‘Courtyard in Venice’ is real or fake will be beyond doubt!”
Even Elroy Fanny, who was usually composed, couldn’t help but be surprised when he saw Morgan Milne. He wondered how his grandson Xavier managed to invite him.
Seeing Morgan Milne approach, the crowd quickly made way for him. Xavier wore a fawning expression as he walked up to Morgan Milne, saying with utmost respect, “Mr. Milne, it’s a great honor for us to have you here. Now, someone is questioning the authenticity of ‘Venice.’ Could you please authenticate it on the spot? We all believe in your discerning eye.”
Xavier’s words made the entire scene fall silent. All eyes were now on Morgan Milne, awaiting his appraisal.
Morgan Milne casually glanced at “Courtyard in Venice” and decisively declared, “I appraised this calligraphy three days ago. It is indeed the authentic ‘Courtyard in Venice’ by William Merritt Chase.”
Xavier took a long breath, leading the applause, “Can’t fake the real, can’t make the false real. Thanks to Mr. Milne for the golden appraisal!”
With Xavier leading, many fans of Morgan Milne clapped, and praises for Morgan Milne echoed in the room.
Morgan Milne merely nodded slightly, his face calm and composed, maintaining an air of superiority.
Rosemary’s expression became awkward. With Morgan Milne declaring “Courtyard in Venice” authentic, she didn’t know what to say now.
Xavier walked up to Rosemary, smiling, “Rosemary, do you now believe that the ‘Courtyard in Venice’ I gave to Grandpa is genuine?”
Choosing to stand with Leo, Rosemary wouldn’t switch sides now. She gritted her teeth and insisted, “Xavier, I don’t know what trick you’re playing, but I know this ‘Courtyard in Venice’ is fake!”
“You…” Xavier was infuriated by Rosemary’s stubbornness. He quickly looked at Elroy Fanny, saying, “Grandpa, please say something to Rosemary!”
Elroy Fanny coughed twice, then looked at Rosemary, saying, “Rosemary, dear, Mr. Milne has confirmed it is authentic. Don’t deliberately upset Xavier.”
“Grandpa Elroy, don’t you believe me?” Rosemary’s face showed a distressed expression.
Elroy Fanny, wanting to enjoy his birthday without further debate on the authenticity of the calligraphy, spoke with a slightly stern tone, “Rosemary, stop being silly. Step aside for now. Let everyone appreciate William Merritt Chase’s ‘Courtyard in Venice,’ then we’ll have the birthday feast.”
Since Grandpa Elroy had spoken, Rosemary could only reluctantly and dejectedly return to Leo’s side.
Just as everyone was preparing to enjoy the calligraphy again, a low, disdainful voice interrupted, “So many people discussing a fake calligraphy with pseudo-elegance, it’s quite amusing.”
All eyes, originally on the calligraphy, now turned towards Leo. The crowd erupted with comments.
“Hey you, trying to make a presence? Not in this way. Do you have any shame left?”
“I think this freeloading son-in-law is doing it on purpose. Someone like him, sponging off others, understands nothing about calligraphy. With his knowledge, he’s not even worthy of polishing Mr. Milne’s shoes!”
“This guy is like a clown. I feel nauseous just seeing him. Xavier, to ensure our appetite later, I strongly suggest kicking this freeloader out!”
Amid the crowd’s insults, Xavier approached Leo, staring at him with a menacing look, “Deadbeat, what are you trying to do!?”
Leo smirked, pointing at the calligraphy on the wall, and said resolutely, “This garbage calligraphy, who gave you the courage to claim it’s authentic?”
“You!” Xavier, now furious, tried to push Leo, but he moved aside, and Xavier almost stumbled.
“What’s the matter? Feeling guilty and scared? Thinking of resorting to violence?” Leo sneered.
Though Xavier felt a bit uneasy, his rationality told him that someone like Leo, a freeloader, couldn’t possibly understand calligraphy or art appraisal. Leo must be bluffing.
With this in mind, Xavier immediately put on a calm demeanor and questioned, “Freeloading waste, if you claim ‘Venice’ is fake, then present evidence. If you dare to fabricate lies, I’ll sue you for defamation!”