The Understated Dragon Lord
Chapter 434: Set on Winning

Chapter 434: Set on Winning

Gary thought briefly before asking coldly, "Leo, are you certain you want to do this?"

"Absolutely sure!" Leo replied with a grin.

"If that's the case," Gary warned, "let me be clear. If Xavier's appraisal reveals that 'Gray Tree' is afake, I won't buy it. Furthermore, I'll have Xavier issue a statement broadcasting to the world thatyour 'Gray Tree' is a counterfeit, ensuring it will never sell."

"If Xavier determines that 'Gray Tree' is fake, I’ll torch it on the spot!" Leo retorted, brimming withconfidence. He was certain that Gary was desperate to possess the Mondrian. Authentic works byMondrian, especially those as well-preserved as "Gray Tree," were a once-in-a-lifetime replace. Ahundred million might be astronomical for the average Joe, but for the Evans family, it was pocketchange – akin to a hundred bucks to an ordinary person.

"Deal!" Gary nodded in agreement.

He turned to Xavier and instructed, "Xavier, begin. Be meticulous, we can't afford any mistakes.Losing a hundred million is trivial, but a dent in your reputation would be a true loss."

The subtext of Gary's words was not lost on Xavier, who quickly nodded, all smiles, and reassuredhim, "You have my word, Gary. Art appraisal is my forte. Mondrian is one of my favorite artists, andwhen it comes to his work, if I'm second best, then nobody dares claim to be the first."

"That's what I like to hear!" Gary nodded in satisfaction.

Xavier pulled out a custom-made magnifying glass from his bag, designed specifically for examiningartworks. With the ability to reveal every detail of paper and ink, combined with Xavier's appraisalskills, the evaluation was virtually fail-safe.

Xavier scrutinized every detail of the painting through the magnifying glass, and finally, he nodded.

"Well? Is 'Gray Tree' a genuine Mondrian?" Gary asked eagerly.

Next month marked the 90th birthday of Elliot Evans, the patriarch of the Evans family. Elliot was anart aficionado, particularly fond of Mondrian's works. If "Gray Tree" was authenticated, presenting itas a birthday gift would surely earn Elliot's appreciation and catapult Gary to the forefront of theEvans grandchildren. It was an opportunity to truly shine at Elliot’s 90th birthday celebration.

"It appears genuine," Xavier replied.

His answer left Gary somewhat confused.

"What do you mean by 'appears genuine'?" Gary asked.

"It means that 'Gray Tree,' from every angle, seems to be a genuine Mondrian. Whether it's thebrushwork used, or any of the details, even the canvas—it's all typical of Mondrian's usualmaterials," Xavier explained.

"So you're saying," Gary sought confirmation, "that 'Gray Tree' is indeed painted by Mondrian and isan authentic piece?"

"Yes," Xavier nodded confidently. "I assure you, 'Gray Tree' is a true Mondrian original; there's nodoubt about it."