Comeback Of The Adored Heiress
Chapter 258

Chapter 258:

The servant went to complete the task. Courtney’s heart swelled with a mix of anticipation and glee. She cast a glance at Madisyn, eyeing her as if she were a dead woman. The moment Stan arrived, it would spell the end for Madisyn.

In the meantime, Damari was absorbed in conversation with Glenn, blatantly disregarding Bruno and the rest of the gathering. Bruno was acutely aware of his father’s disapproval. However, his actions were aimed squarely at unveiling Madisyn’s true colors. Once the painting was revealed as a forgery, he trusted his father would see the wisdom in his actions.

Half an hour later, Stan made his entrance. “Ah, Stan, you’re here.” Damari greeted him with a warmth that seemed to light up the room. “Please, examine these two paintings and see if they are authentic.”

“Alright, let me have a look,” Stan responded, his voice steady as he took both artworks, scrutinizing them with an expert’s eye. A hush descended over the room, the tension palpable as all eyes were fixed on Stan.

Courtney’s palms began to sweat, a subconscious reaction despite her confidence in her own painting’s authenticity. After all, her extensive studies in art had honed her ability to discern the genuine from the counterfeit. Time seemed to crawl by, and after what felt like an eternity but was only ten minutes, someone entered the living room.

Courtney, ever eager to witness the unraveling drama, found her gaze inadvertently drawn to a tall, striking man whose presence seemed to eclipse the room’s grandeur. His features were as captivating as those of a movie star. Though she had met Andrew before, Courtney’s heart skipped a beat at the sight of him. His extraordinary and breathtaking appearance left her infatuated.

Oblivious to her admiration, Andrew breezed past her and took a seat next to Madisyn. As he noticed Stan engrossed in the paintings, he leaned in to inquire discreetly what was happening. Courtney was unable to stand the sight of Andrew so close to her rival, her jealousy flaring. With clenched teeth, she interjected, “Madisyn acquired that painting from a street stall and presented it to your grandfather, claiming it to be authentic. Consequently, your grandfather summoned an expert to verify its authenticity.”

Andrew’s dark eyes swept over her coldly. “I wasn’t asking you.” His voice, as sharp as a knife, cut deep into Courtney’s heart, her face instantly paling at the rebuff. She watched, a knot forming in her chest, as Andrew looked into Madisyn’s eyes, his demeanor so tender it deepened her ache. What did Madisyn possess that she lacked?

Courtney, celebrated among men for her artistic flair, was coveted as a wife by many affluent young men. Yet, Andrew reserved for her a chill like no other. Tears of frustration brimmed in Courtney’s eyes, her emotions a tumult of envy and sorrow.

Madisyn, oblivious to Courtney’s turmoil, said, her voice calm, “It’s pretty much as she said.” Andrew nodded, his handsome features etched with no worry at all. It was because he trusted Madisyn.

Another half-hour trickled by before Stan set down Courtney’s painting, his expression pensive. The room, thick with anticipation, watched as Damari prompted, “Stan, have you figured it out?”

“Yes, I have,” Stan announced, his voice carrying a weight of discovery. “This painting is quite peculiar.” He held up Madisyn’s landscape painting, continuing, “It bears all the hallmarks of Curtis’s style, yet Curtis’s works are seldom found in such pristine condition. This piece’s preservation is unusually impeccable.”

Courtney couldn’t help but laugh, a mix of relief and mischief in her voice. “It seems Madisyn has bought a remarkably convincing forgery.” As she spoke, her eyes flicked toward Andrew. Surely, even if Andrew was captivated by Madisyn’s beauty, he wouldn’t want to risk the embarrassment of appearing foolish before his grandfather. Already, Madisyn had marred her own reputation by presenting this painting to his grandfather. Would Andrew not be concerned that his grandfather might doubt his judgment?

Bruno, having anticipated the outcome, remarked with a hint of amusement, “Indeed, it takes some skill to unearth such a finely crafted imitation at a street stall.” Dora, standing nearby, chuckled. Their scornful gazes turned disdainfully towards Madisyn.

“Hold on a moment,” Stan interjected, his voice cutting through the rising tide of murmurs. “I didn’t declare it a fake.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, didn’t you just say it? You mentioned that Curtis’s works couldn’t possibly be this well-preserved.” Bruno frowned.

Stan nodded, affirming his earlier statement yet correcting their misunderstanding. “Yes, I remarked on the unusual preservation, but I never labeled this one as a forgery!”

The crowd was visibly confused. What was he saying? Sensing their bewilderment, Stan elucidated, “This piece is authentic! My only puzzle is how it has remained in such immaculate condition.” Everyone was stunned. It was authentic! Had Madisyn truly stumbled upon a painting, a treasure potentially worth hundreds of millions of dollars?

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