Chapter 441: Who Outwitted Whom (5)

Chapter 441: Chapter 441: Who Outwitted Whom (5)

It was only then that Jacinta Hale realized her father’s milestone birthday was just around the corner. When it came to the most prominent figures in Aethelgard who appreciated calligraphy and painting, he was second to none! Joel Xavier had just mentioned that the Shan Franklin piece was so pricey because wealthy individuals were looking to buy it as a birthday gift to curry favor. If she looked at it that way, it all clicked into place! ’Looks like I overestimated Joel Xavier. But then again, he’s a man in his thirties who has probably dedicated all his time to studying appraisal techniques. He wouldn’t be capable of such deep scheming!’

"Mom, Hale already bought that old man’s authentic Shan Franklin piece—he paid three million for it! What are we going to do?" Shelby Fenton asked, making a point to bring it up.

"We have to buy it, no matter the cost. It’ll be incredibly useful! And we have to buy it right here, right now, before Hale figures out the real story. If we wait too long, it’ll be turned over to the company, and then we won’t be able to get it back no matter how much money we offer!"

A look of absolute determination flashed in Jacinta Hale’s eyes. A major reason she’d come out shopping today was to select a lavish and unique gift for her father. Choosing the right birthday present was an art form; finding something that would truly hit the mark was no easy feat. She had been agonizing over what to get, never imagining the perfect thing would fall right into her lap!

Although Shelby Fenton didn’t understand why her mother was so fixated on the Shan Franklin piece, she figured that if her mother was determined to do it, she must have a good reason.

Just as the mother-daughter duo found Hale and were about to discuss buying the Shan Franklin piece, they spotted two familiar faces. What’s more, those two also seemed extremely interested in the artwork. Was this fate, or was it true that enemies were always bound to cross paths?

"Manager, I’m serious about wanting these Shan Franklin pieces. My grandfather’s birthday is coming up, and I want to give them to him as a gift! Can you hold them for me for half a day? I’ll bring the money this afternoon!" Seraphina Sterling had been captivated by the calligraphy at first glance. ’They’d be a nice gift for Grandpa, something for him to appreciate and cultivate his spirit.’

"Miss, we have a rule here in the shop. If you want us to reserve an item, you must pay a deposit of one-third the price. The selling price for this calligraphy is six million, so one-third is two million. If you pay the two-million deposit now, Miss, I will hold the calligraphy for you for the rest of the afternoon."

Hale had been in charge of this antique shop for over thirty years; within its walls, he was a senior and respected figure. The rule he mentioned did indeed exist. However, to double the price in the blink of an eye—such a brazen price hike was hard to swallow, especially for Seraphina Sterling and Genevieve Churchill. They had witnessed the entire transaction when Hale acquired the Shan Franklin piece firsthand! From three million to six million in an instant... only a shop run by the Hale Corporation could get away with that.

"Hey, Manager, aren’t you being a little shameless? Is making money really that easy for you?" When Genevieve Churchill saw how much Seraphina wanted the piece and then heard the price, she felt a surge of anger. ’I’ve seen rip-off artists before, but this is a whole new level!’

"Miss, now that this artwork belongs to my shop, I can ask for whatever price I wish. That’s my right. Of course, whether you buy it is your right. I won’t interfere with your decision, and I’ll ask you not to question my pricing. If you can’t afford it, just admit you don’t have the money. Don’t try to claim there’s a problem with my price!"

"You..." Genevieve Churchill was so furious she wanted to punch him. ’Do all the people in Aethelgard walk around with their noses in the air? They all look down on people!’

"The manager’s right! If you don’t have money, you shouldn’t be dabbling in antiques. This is a money-burning industry, not a game just anyone can play! If you can’t afford it, then get lost! Don’t hold up their business!" Shelby Fenton had finally found her chance to humiliate the two of them, fueled by old grudges and new resentments.