The Understated Dragon Lord
Chapter 433: Leo's Plan

Chapter 433: Leo's Plan

Leo had paid a hefty sum for the painting "Gray Tree," and after countless inspections, he wasconfident it was the real deal—an authentic Piet Mondrian.

Fuming yet certain, he turned to Gary Smart.

"Gary, you saw this Mondrian's 'Gray Tree' last time you dropped by," Leo mentioned pointedly. "Youdeclared it genuine, willing to shell out fifty million to make it yours. Though, just to be safe, youinsisted on a master's appraisal first."

With a nod toward Xavier, Leo asked, "This gentleman here, he's the expert you brought along,right?"

At Leo's words, Gary beamed triumphantly. After all, the lovely Bella was watching, and he had toshow off his chops. Secretly, he longed to marry Bella, the granddaughter of the Matthews clan andone of New York's top beauties.

But the Matthews wouldn't agree to marry off Bella to him, so he set his sights on Jessica, Bella'scousin. That didn't mean he would turn down a fling with Bella if the chance arose. His ultimatedream? To win over both Jessica and Bella—why choose if you don't have to?

"Do you know who this is, Leo?" Gary boasted. "This is Xavier, the chairman of the AmericanAntiques Association and the premier appraiser in the USA!"

Gary's chest swelled with pride as he introduced Xavier.

"Xavier? You've actually managed to bring Xavier here? That’s incredible! Xavier gracing FortuneAntiques with his presence is a true honor. I've heard getting him is tougher than calling on heavenitself!"

Leo's words gave Gary just the opening he needed to strut his stuff.

"That's right," Gary quickly replied. "Xavier is no easy man to summon. Just last year, the Matthewsfamily head wanted his consultation, and Xavier turned them down flat. Mind you, the Matthewsrank third among New York's eight prominent families—even if they fall short of the Evans—still adynasty of repute."

At this, Bella's face darkened, and she asked coldly, "What are you implying, Gary?"

"I'm just stating facts,” Gary shrugged. "The Matthews, despite their rank, have been losinginfluence. Otherwise, why would they fail to engage Xavier? They’re only holding onto third placebecause the other elite families respect the old man Matthews' dignity. Sadly, the descendants ofthe Matthews are... lacking."

Bella stamped her foot, frustrated and without a comeback.

The Matthews were indeed on the decline, their next generation not quite living up to the legacy.Bella, despite being a woman, was the most capable of her generation. And as for her father'sgeneration, their infighting had thrown the family into chaos.

Daniel watched the drama unfold with hands in his pockets, amused. He was genuinely curiouswhether Xavier, lauded as the top appraiser in the USA, truly had the goods or was all talk. The"Gray Tree" on the table was a forgery—a very convincing one, capable of deceiving even aseasoned expert. After all, even those with real talent could sometimes be fooled.