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 a


    fake, I won''t buy it. Furthermore, I''ll have Xavier issue a statement broadcasting to the world that


    your ''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 with


    confidence. He was certain that Gary was desperate to possess the Mondrian. Authentic works by


    Mondrian, especially those as well-preserved as "Gray Tree," were a once-in-a-lifetime find. A


    hundred million might be astronomical for the average Joe, but for the Evans family, it was pocket


    change – 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 reassured


    him, "You have my word, Gary. Art appraisal is my forte. Mondrian is one of my favorite artists, and


    when ites to his work, if I''m second best, then nobody dares im to be the first."


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


    Xavier pulled out a custom-made magnifying ss from his bag, designed specifically for examining


    artworks. With the ability to reveal every detail of paper and ink,bined with Xavier''s appraisal


    skills, the evaluation was virtually fail-safe.


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


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


    Têxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Next month marked the 90th birthday of Elliot Evans, the patriarch of the Evans family. Elliot was an


    art aficionado, particrly fond of Mondrian''s works. If "Gray Tree" was authenticated, presenting it


    as a birthday gift would surely earn Elliot''s appreciation and catapult Gary to the forefront of the


    Evans 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 the


    brushwork used, or any of the details, even the canvas—it''s all typical of Mondrian''s usual


    materials," Xavier exined.


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


    an authentic piece?"


    "Yes," Xavier nodded confidently. "I assure you, ''Gray Tree'' is a true Mondrian original; there''s no


    doubt about it."